Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Vista Toscana

It was oh so timely that I happened to cut into the Tuscany View fat-quarter bundle I'd purchased from Fabric Bubb when I did. Because one year ago last week we were in Tuscany, Reggello in fact, in the Tuscan countryside. Though we were fortunate to take a daytrip to Florence, Tuscany's capital, it was in Reggello itself the we experienced THE most breathtaking sunset. And it was that sunset that came to mind when I purchased the fabric.

The colors, all Cotton Couture from Michael Miller, weren't exact, but were reminiscent enough. 


I separated the fabrics in 5 groupings, each with 2-3 key fabrics. And from there I started piecing blocks of improv curves. For most of the sections, I pieced slabs that were 18-22" x 13-14" and then used my 6" square ruler to cut out six blocks. Now and then I made one or two blocks at a time, or inserted another piece into one of the 'slab' blocks.... whatever felt good at the time.


As I worked from one color grouping to the next, I intentionally used some overlap with the colors to create some interrelatedness, just like in nature. I briefly considered rearranging the blocks from the arrangement I'd fashioned on my design wall, but after plenty of affirmation on my progress post, I decided to continue on with what was originally in my mind's eye. 

Wanting to save what little fabric I had left for (hopefully) binding, I found a stash fabric just the right size, and though the palette wasn't spot on, its design definitely was, for the quilting I had planned. 

For quilting, organic straight-line [link to tutorial] felt the obvious choice. Though my original plan involved just three threads, basically one for the top, middle, and bottom sections of the quilt, once I got going I switched it up, and used quite the variety - nine in total. I used two or three for each of the five sections. 

Gotta say, this kind of quilting is something I really enjoy. Between the variety of thread, the improv stitching, and the smallness of the quilt (28" x 34"), it was alot of fun.

And then, of course, for the binding, another obvious choice - some straight matched binding [link to tutorial]. I had a limited supply of the fabrics left, so I kind of used what I had to create a combination I enjoyed.

Considering I purchased this fabric purely on a whim due to the bundle's name, I'm super pleased with the final result.


And boy did it evoke some extraordinary Tuscan memories.


Linking up with Meadow Mist Designs' Favorite Finish Linky!

15 comments:

  1. Spectacular, both the photograph and the quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Absolutely beautiful. Picture perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Such a stunning quilt!! Beautiful colour and love the organic quilting!

    ReplyDelete
  4. beautiful organic flow to this quilt ~ gorgeous colours too.
    Ah, Tuscany, what an absolutely beautiful place.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This small yet mighty reminiscent quilt is amazing! It will take you back to the real Tuscan countryside every time you look at it. I loved reading how you processed this stunning quilt. Fantastic quilting plan with the design and all those thread changes. The thread color mixes add wonderful detail to this quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I really love everything about this quilt. I've done a few projects with the organic straight line and loved the results. I took a look at your tutuorial and you are much more organized than I've been in the past. I like the idea of sectioning prior to the quilting and will try that next time.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love the flow of color you created across the quilt from the piecing to the binding and especially in the quilting! Changing up the thread color just makes the details better and better as you zoom in.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great piecing on those curves and exciting use of color!

    ReplyDelete
  9. thanks for sharing your process, both thought and construction. what a lovely way to remember your trip. I hope we all get to travel again some day

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love this..it has such great movement!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank you for sharing your process. The quilt is stunning. I love working with various threads and I think they really enhance the quilt. Aurifil should name a collection for you! I love your binding and the precision with the color changes. Mary / https://stitchinggrandma.wordpress.com//

    ReplyDelete
  12. TFS! I love everything about this quilt and like others, really appreciate your sharing your process!

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is beautiful Debbie! I love everything about this quilt and I'm always so impressed with your matched binding. I really should give that a try.

    ReplyDelete