Colorless

I did not expect to love this quilt as much as I do.

Back last September when Caitlin/Salty Oat announced the Modern Sampler quilt along, I was awed by Yoshiko Jinzenji's quilt and pretty much jumped in not really knowing what I was getting into. But from day one, I planned on working in a very neutral palette, which was part of the challenge, and something that drew me to it. Through the months I somewhat regretted my choice to go completely neutral, as I saw the work of others, and I loved what they were doing with small bits of color. But I stuck with my plan, even though late one night towards the end of making blocks, I was over-zealous sewing from my scrap basket, and some dark gray snuck in. Rather than take it out when I realized what I'd done, I let fate have its way and embraced it going forward.



If I'd paid more attention at the out-start, I would have realized that templates would play a key role in the making of this quilt. I would have noticed that every block had one, if not two mitered borders. If I had even read through the pattern booklet, I would have definitely detected that elements of applique (made with templates) were called for once the borders were on. Seriously, any one of those things probably would have turned me off right then and there. I'm so glad I wasn't paying attention.

Truth be told, on every block, if there was a way to construct without a template, I did. For a few blocks, I created my own paper-piecing templates, and for some I just measured and cut. Let's just say, some of these blocks had alot of little pieces! But mitered corners became second nature in no time.

Once the blocks were done, I kind of broke QAL rules and went full speed ahead. I think I could see the end in sight and just went for it. Borders, something I very rarely incorporate into my quilts these days, seemed important with this one, and while I was struggling with what to choose, I stumbled across Modern Background - Paper from Zen Chic at my local shop, bought the rest of the bolt, and from the moment I held it up to my quilt, I was certain I'd made the right choice for me. 

I was warmed up from doing applique during this month's Mighty Lucky challenge, so doing what needed done to finish this quilt top was more pleasure than drudgery. There were 12 pieces to be added, in a variety of shapes and sizes ranging from 1/2" x 1 1/2" to 2" x 20". As with the blocks, I either traced the needed shape from the pattern, or used good old ruler and rotary to cut what I needed. I've tried to show you in the two photos below where those applique pieces are, as it's not always necessarily noticeable.

 

For backing, I continued with the neutrals, piecing together large swaths of the Zen Chic and Latifah Saafir's Grafic Chain Link Fence in Birch, with an unknown stripe. I'm so glad I kept the back as quiet as the front.



When it came time to quilt, I thought the simpler the better. With so much detail in the blocks, I felt straight-line would do them justice without overwhelming, and I quilted every 1/2". I did choose to add interest by using three much-loved neutral threads: Aurifil 50wt #2021 (natural white), #2310 (light beige), and #2600 (light gray). There's no doubt in my mind they made this quilt better. The subtle tones somehow became even subtler yet, and the resultant texture downright alluring.

It finally came time for a binding choice. Thankfully I had just enough of that Zen Chic left to do a chunky 1" binding, the same width as those smaller mitered borders on many of the blocks. Something about it just sets it all off for me. Finishing at 51" x 65", this quilt was truly serendipity at its finest. So much about it would not have been my choice to event attempt, but I'm convinced it was important for me to do.

This quilt is from my Q3 Finish-A-Long list! All photos were taken at Heritage Park, Lynnwood WA.
Linking up with Finish It Up Friday and 2016 FAL Q3 Finishes Link-Up.

Modern Sampler :: Borders and Applique

Whoa. Borders have not even been a consideration for the majority of my work the last few years, but Yoshiko Jinzenji's Modern Sampler Quilt calls for them. Since I really wanted my quilt bigger than the 12 blocks would give (36" x 48"), there really was no question this time.

What fabric was in question though, and I hadn't really given it much thought yet when I happened upon a favorite Zen Chic print from Modern Background - Paper, and the decision was made.

So the borders are on, bringing the quilt to 51" x 65", and now I'm working on the applique. There are a dozen pieces to be added - ranging from 1/2" x 1 1/2" to 2" x 20", including one very oddly-shaped, which I've already successfully sewn on. yay. 

So as I stitch on the remaining bits, I'm mulling over what kind of quilting I might want to do. Suggestions welcome!

Modern Sampler :: Block L

I can hardly believe I just finished the last block for the Modern Sampler quilt along! Block L got the paper-pieced treatment for those columns of triangles, all scraps of course!

AND I even got all the blocks pieced together! There are borders to be added, but I've chosen and purchased that fabric, so I just need to set aside some time to do it. It's been a while since I added borders to anything, but for this one, I'm going to just follow the pattern.

There is also some applique to be done! I've already added three of the pieces, though you probably can't tell in this photo. Dare I say this quilt is the hardest thing to photograph! But I'm really excited to be this far, and looking forward to keeping up my momentum on it.

I'll be linking up with the modern sampler quilt along later this month! 

Modern Sampler :: Block K

I'm so close I can taste it! The Modern Sampler quilt along's Block K contained 20(!) little y-seams, but I was actually pleased how quickly it went together.

After putting it up on the design wall with the other blocks, I realized that dark gray was a little too dark. But I think I have a decent plan on how to balance that out in the finished quilt, so I'm leaving it as is. Now just one more block!!

I'll be linking up with the modern sampler quilt along later this month! 

Modern Sampler :: Block J

This month's block for the Modern Sampler quilt along was a breeze! It reminded me of a disappearing 9-patch, except all the fabrics are different, so it was pieced more traditionally. And then there was only one mitered border! So no complaints here, and just two more blocks to go!!

I'll be linking up with the Modern Sampler quilt along link-up when it opens!

Modern Sampler :: Block I

It seems that every block in the Modern Sampler quilt along is its own kind of challenge. Block I was the challenge of many small pieces. Rather than piece each triangle one at a time, I opted to paper-piece each strip - still tedious but much more manageable, and a terrific way to use some scraps.

So I'm three-quarters done! Even with decent natural light, these blocks don't photograph easily, but you get the idea. And though I'm really liking the blocks with more color that I'm seeing under Instagram's #modernsamplerquiltalong, I'm still equally pleased with my decision to go very, very low-volume.

Linking up with Scraptastic Tuesday and the Modern Sampler monthly linkup.

Modern Sampler :: Block H

Whoa. The latest block in the Modern Sampler Quilt quilt along was a real test in y-seam proficiency. I think I passed, but not with a perfect score.

Thankfully, when H joined the other blocks, it seemed to fit right in, despite its imperfections. Whew.

In a few weeks I'll be linking up with the modern sampler quilt along: block H link-up.

Modern Sampler :: Block G

Contrary to what it looks like, this month's block in the Modern Sampler Quilt quilt along should not contain improv curves. Oops. So this is another block that obviously was made by human hands, and I'm ok with that.

I found those small curves oh-so-fiddly, but when placed with my other blocks, I'm thinking the new one will pass for OK.

Later in the month I'll be linking up with the modern sampler quilt along: block G link-up.

Meanwhile, it's Scraptastic Tuesday!

Modern Sampler :: Block F

Believe it or not, I'm halfway done with my Modern Sampler Quilt quilt along blocks! Block F, even though it had some slight curves, was a treat, with just one mitered border.

Six down, six to go!

When it opens, I'll be linking up with the modern sampler quilt along: block F link-up.

Also linking up to the half-way post!

Modern Sampler :: Block E

After Block D's little issue with accuracy, I was thrilled that Block E came together nearly flawlessly. I'm pretty sure now I just forgot to square up the center block last month before continuing on with the borders. So hopefully that won't happen again.

The little issue this month was my bright idea to piece 9 equal squares together before angling to trim. My method didn't allow me to match the pattern's angle exactly, but I think the effect is still there, so I'm happy. And I was able to use mostly scraps again this month!

I was especially pleased when I put all my Modern Sampler Quilt quilt along blocks up on the design wall together. I'm trying to pay close attention to fabric placement, especially with the more patterned fabrics. So far so good I think.

Linking up with the modern sampler quilt along: block E link-up.

Modern Sampler :: Block D

The truth is, I tried to squeeze this month's block for the Modern Sampler Quilt quilt along in between Christmas sewing, and overall it was relaxing and just what I needed, at least until I got to those mitered borders. I'm not sure if I didn't trim my center block correctly or what, but things just weren't lining up, when they usually don't give me much trouble. Rather than start fresh, I'm going with something I heard Gwen Marston say in the recent podcast over at Crafty Planner - basically about it being ok for your project to look like it was made with human hands -  a counter to the notion that everything we sew has to be the model of perfection.

In general, I like things accurate and all that, but I'm just moving ahead from here. Though one element I am pleased about is the fact that I made this block entirely from scraps. Let's just say it had been too long since I'd rummaged through that scrap basket, and it felt real good.

I'm waiting for better daylight to get a photo of blocks A through D all together, so meanwhile I'll be linking up with Scraptastic Tuesday, and then next week, with the Modern Sampler Quilt Along: Block D link up. Now to get back to Christmas.

Modern Sampler :: Block C

After Block B, Block C for the Modern Sampler Quilt quilt along looked pretty simple, though the curves of the cup and that handle required a bit of concentration. I ended up hand-appliqueing the handle to its background before connecting it to the cup, and after that, things were pretty matter of fact.

I used 'framing' fabric with a little more contrast than the first 2 blocks, including a small text print. But I kind of like the result, and will use them sporadically in other blocks. So here's what I have so far.

So far, so good, eh?

Linking up with the Modern Sampler Quilt link-up.

Modern Sampler :: Block B

Even though I was feeling pretty good about my first "Block A" in the Modern Sampler Quilt quilt along, I was kind of dreading working on Block B. It had alot of pieces. I made the piecing easier by printing a mirror image that allowed me to paper-piece the rows 1 by 1. From there it was easy peasy.

I do see 1 little piece I think is misplaced at the bottom of the center column, so I'll fix that one of these days. But otherwise, I'm pretty happy with where this quilt is heading!

Linking up with the Modern Sampler Quilt link-up!

A Modern Sampler

Another quilt along was not on my radar. At all.

But then Caitlin/Salty Oat posted on Instagram that she was hosting a quilt along for Yoshiko Jinzenji's Modern Sampler Quilt. Get where I'm going here? One block a month sounds doable, right? Yeah.

Each block is made using templates, which I admit, isn't my favorite; in fact I cheated a bit making the center of the first block using my tried-and-true piecing methods. But I did use those templates for the 2 borders and they worked great, which is a good thing, since there are 1 or 2 borders on each block we'll be making.

As you can see on the logo below, the original quilt has bits of color sprinkled throughout the quilt. I'm not quite sure where I'll go with mine, but my first inclination is to keep it very neutral. So time will tell.

It's not too late to join in! I'm posting my finished block A today and will link it up over at Salty Oat tomorrow (and onward on the last Tuesday of each month). So you'll be able to see everyone's blocks there, as well as on Instagram under hashtag #modernsamplerquiltalong. The quilt pattern can be purchased online through Zakka Workshop, the pattern's publisher (use coupon code QUILTALONG for a 20% discount). Basically, all the scoop on the quilt along can be found over at Salty Oat!

 

Linking up with Modern Sampler Quilt Along.