They’re lovely, lovely spaces, with deep brown furniture and warm yellow walls. The thing is, neither room looks as if it is home to a quilter. I needed to remedy that.
I decided the spot between the two front windows in my living room was a good place to start. A tall lamp lives in front of that wall space, preventing me from hanging a mirror or framed print there, but I thought a mini quilt would work well. Pulling inspiration from my new friend Caitlin’s work, I started making half-square triangles (you might think I’m partial to half-rectangle triangles, but I love making HSTs just the same).
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| I had been waiting for the perfect project for these low-volume charms. I was pleased to put them to good use here. |
Each one has a yellow half and a low-volume half. I bought the yellow fabrics for a project that I abandoned before I even got going with it (I was going to make this quilt in grays and yellows). The low-volume fabrics were from a charm swap that Chelsea (Patch the Giraffe) and I organized last year. In other words, this mini was made entirely from my stash. Whoopee!
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| I can spend months on intricate quilting projects, but my favorites tend to be my more simple fabric endeavors, like these half-square triangles. |
I wanted this mini to serve as a backdrop—wallpaper, even—that would anchor the space and the lamp without being a focal point in itself. I think it works.
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| Bright as Yellow in her official spot in my living room. |
Very few projects of mine take this course. I don’t like creating for a specific room. Usually, the throw quilt or mini quilt comes first—and then I determine who will receive it or how I will use it. I think quilting is more fun that way. (One exception is the quilt I made for my mother-in-law, for which I trooped through quilt shops in Massachusetts and New Hampshire with one of her pillows in tow!)
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| I wish I could use a single-fold binding in all of my projects! I love how the gray Zen Chic fabric frames this mini. |
How about you? Do you do “commissions”—whether they’re real ones that the recipient has a lot of input into and compensates you for or one that you tailor to your own décor?
Linking up to Sew Cute Tuesday, Let’s Bee Social, TGIFF, Finish It Up Friday ...
This is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteVery nicely done!!! :D Eventually you'll get to replacing your curtains with patchwork ones -- then it'll really look like a quilter lives there!
ReplyDeleteBEAUTIFUL QUILT!
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ReplyDeleteI do, but rarely are am I compensated as they are for a family member or friend and I have volunteered or have been asked and am happy to oblige. I am always dragging a pillow case or have snapped a picture of something to match up to. I love doing for others. I wish i did more for myself, my home is desperate for a makeover, I just dont make time for my own projects. I did just get a new sewing studio and prettied it up though. Its faaaabulous! :)
ReplyDeleteLooks lovely on the wall!
ReplyDeleteI do love this. I want to make a big wall hanging for my living room, and some fancy pillows, and all sorts of crafty stuff, but I never seem to get around to it! Maybe one of these days. The sad thing is, I even know what I want to do for the wall hanging and where I want it to hang! (But not what fabrics.)
ReplyDeleteI've only done a handful of commissions. When I make a baby quilt, I usually ask the parents if they have anything they really really like or anything they really really hate, but I mostly stick to what I want to do. One time, I was all set to make a monkey baby quilt, only to find out the mom is terrified of monkeys.
this is lovely! It looks just right in that little space. Not too bold, but adds some pizzazz! Can't wait to see what you make for your space next. I'm hoping to do the same when and if we ever get into our new place!!! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. And it looks awesome on the wall.
ReplyDeleteLovely - your mini quilt looks just right on the wall in front of your lamp!
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely. I don't do commissions but do like to make a lot of hand sewn gifts. x
ReplyDeleteIt turned out lovely and really does anchor that space nicely. I do take commissions and find that the design limitations can sometimes be really challenging in a fun way. Other times, well, not so much. :)
ReplyDeleteLooks terrific on your wall. I think you nailed the non-focal point concept while adding interest and texture. Great subtle use of light yellows and low volumes.
ReplyDeleteI usually think of the recipient's taste when I'm making a gift quilt, but otherwise I just make what appeals to me and figure out what to do with it later.
Gorgeous mini! I love yellow and that piece really works for that space. Love!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a stash winner to me! I usually try to match peoples tastes but put my own spin on things :) Allowing for some input but allowing myself room to take creative liberties.
ReplyDeleteLove how that looks in that spot Michelle! You're totally right it adds a little something extra without adding too much to that space.
ReplyDeleteThis mini is an excellent way to infuse a little quilting into your living space. I love the grey & yellow palette. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteThat mini quilt is perfect for the space you put it in. I never make a quilt that might be a gift without a recipient in mind, but quilts for me, are just made because they need to be. I find places for them later.
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect piece for this space! The grey and yellow, of course is an amazing color combination! I loved reading about your cleaning up and finding your rooms!
ReplyDeleteI love this quilt as a backdrop. I do make quilts for my home. But here's the thing: I make what I like, but because it's always in "my" colors, it fits somewhere into my home. When I make for specific gifts, I agonize over color and design, hoping they're what the recipient will like.
ReplyDeleteOh wow isn't it gorgeous! I love the yellow and the low volume really makes it shine!
ReplyDeleteI love it! It looks amazing without taking over the room. I've never been paid for one of my quilts - I just don't want to go there. Too much pressure! When I offer to make baby quilts for new parents, I usually ask about colour or theme and then do what i like within those guidelines. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love it! This is such a great quilt! Nice finish!
ReplyDeleteLove yellow. Great job. It's found is perfect home.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.