Well that was fun! When Curated Quilts announced January 2 as the deadline for their next Mini Quilt challenge, I knew it would be tight. I mean with my frenetic holiday sewing and the actual holiday activities and all, I got a really late start. But that's the great thing about mini quilts.... just a few hours does the trick.
The theme was Curves, and the color palette white, spring green, moss green, burgundy, fuchsia and teal. It had been a while since playing with improv wavy curves, and they were calling me, so that's the direction I headed.
When it came time for quilting, I was in a real quandary about what color of thread to use and finally opted for Aurifil Monofilament, which I'd used with success earlier in the year. At first, I was regretting my decision, not really liking the look. But the farther and denser I quilted, the more I liked it, and crazy enough, it kind of sparkles in the light. My only real frustration was that almost every time I used my automatic thread cutter and lifted the presser foot, the filament unthreaded from the needle! With my old eyes, this isn't at all helpful! I finally got into the routine of grabbing the top thread immediately after cutting, before lifting the pressure foot, and that little trick saved the day.
It's not an exaggeration to say that this little bit of sewing over the weekend was seriously refreshing, and a great way to close out the year. A faced binding seemed a good finish for it, and in the end, my entry, confluence, measures just over 12" square.
Remembering that my smallest quilt of the year will be hanging at QuiltCon, I just want to remind you that everything we make doesn't have to be huge. In fact, making small - impulsive yet focused - can be really, really good.
I agree that small makes can be some of the most satisfying and cathartic makes. I never like using my thread cutter for reasons like you mention here; it's good to know there's a trick to capture the thread!
ReplyDeleteit's awesome! I love to make their challenges but didn't squeeze it in this time.
ReplyDeleteOoh!t This is gorgeous Deb! I ❤️ The colour palette and the mini has such movement, created with both the piecing and the quilting! Beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteyes, absolutely gorgeous :-)
ReplyDeleteSmall projects like this are also a good way to try an idea or technique before jumping into something huge! I love making small quilts. This one is so pretty and I love all those curves. I haven't tried monofilament thread for numerous reasons, but when you are in doubt as to what thread color to use...what a great alternative!
ReplyDeleteLovely
ReplyDeleteI have often thought about doing a quilt similar to this one. It is so pretty! I love the colors and especially the curves.
ReplyDeleteThank you for giving me the inspiration to do one!
That is so well balanced and the space of the negative and positive is spot on Great job on this months challenge!
ReplyDeleteYour colors and piecing are exciting!
ReplyDeleteAnd the quilting goes perfect with the design, complimenting it.
Lovely.