Utterly Blue

Ok, this was fun. I mentioned last week that even though the 2020 Pantone Quilt Challenge isn't happening this year, I still planned on doing my own Classic Blue challenge, and so I did! I mean, really, it's as good as it gets, and I wasn't about to break tradition.

It started with stripes. Basically lots and lots of improv stripes. I considered adding a few other fabrics/colors into the mix, but when it came right down to it, I left well enough alone. The blues were just too rich as they were.

Somewhere along the line, once I had the top done, I mentioned on Instagram that there was a design in there that probably only I could see. And that design was inspired directly from my recent Vista Toscana quilt and the way the blocks wrapped around each other. You (maybe) can see it most clearly in Utterly Blue if you look at the left side of the quilt.

I "mirrored" that same effect in the opposite side of the quilt in different proportions. Maybe you see it, maybe you don't, but if was definitely fun fabric play for me, and I can't promise that this will be the last project exploring that concept.

For the back, I went really simple - and solid.

From that viewpoint you get a really good look at the quilting, don't you? The design is "Fancy Straight Line" from Jacquie Gering's Walk book, and I'd used it several times before, always with great results. I used Auriful 50wt #2730 [Delft Blue] after considering several options including a variegated thread (a red, white, and blue!). In the end, again, I decided to just stick to the blue.

And then to finish, matched binding in one key spot seemed appropriate. The quilt finished at 25" square.

There's one more tidbit about this little blue quilt! Just as I was getting started, I learned that the current challenge with Quilt Improv Studio was a Blue Repetition Challenge, so I couldn't resist joining in and will be entering this quilt soon. There's lots of time to join in - the quilts are small - and the deadline isn't until January 10, 2021. Plus they're a very welcoming bunch, so consider it, ok? 

#blueimprovrepetition #quiltimprovstudio

October Fabric Usage

True confession: I purchased 6 yards straightaway when the month began, but 5 of them had a very specific purpose, so I didn't feel too bad. They were bound for a baby quilt that is now finished and ready to mail as soon as I hear the little one is here. So I'm not actually going to show you that fabric like I usually do. But soon, I'm sure.

But I did quite happily pull out the two blue solids I'd purchased for the Pantone Color of the Year challenge that apparently isn't happening. So I'm creating my own personal one, so all is not lost, and tradition remains unbroken.

You may remember that I deemed Painter's Palette Lapis from Paintbrush Studio, in my limited research, the closest match to Pantone's Classic Blue [shown on far right]. But Kona Regatta was a very close second [second from left], so I went ahead and pulled that too. Also added [left to right] were a blue/black crossweave, Grid in Denim from Kimberly Kight for Ruby Star Society, and Spectrastatic in Yonder from Giuseppe Ribaudo. I attempted to add a couple more fabrics once I got cutting and sewing, but they got ruled out, so these five are it. So now I'm piecing away and hope to have a finish to show you soon. Ends up not the best month for fabric usage by a long shot, but it'll have to do.

October Fabric Usage
Used up: 10.78 yards
Brought in: 6.0 yards
Net: -4.78 yards
Year to date: -111.13 yards

Which Blue is Classic Blue?

Ocean is too blue.
Blueprint isn't dark enough.
Royal isn't deep enough.
Riviera is too bright.
Marine is again, too blue.
Prussian's too teal.
Regatta is ever so close. In fact, it is my Kona of choice.

Yup, after Rachel/@snippetsofsweetness kept up tradition and ordered us official Pantone Color of the Year swatches, I've been watching out for a good color match in fabric. Kona is always my first choice, and as I said above, after considering quite a few blues, Regatta was closest.

But then there's Lapis. From Paintbrush Studio, Painter's Palette Lapis is, in my limited research, the closest match to Pantone's Classic Blue. I did also consult with my RJR, American Made Brand, and Cotton Couture color cards, but nothing felt close enough to really consider. [read: order]



So there's a couple of really good options for you, if you're wanting to sew with Classic Blue. You can bet I plan to!

Have you found a Classic Blue for yourself? I'd love to hear about it!