Yesterday's work...
I found myself, a few weeks ago, unable to resist the pull of a fat quarter pack of Anna Maria Horner's LouLouthi fabric. I sometimes struggle with using an entire line of fabric in one project, but the prints in this collection are so distinct, I decided to give it a go and cut into it yesterday, a big deal for this lady. I've been wanting to try half-square triangles for a while now so with some hemming and hawing I drew some plans. My issue when it comes to working with fabric is that I often hedge on how to use it. I rarely buy fabric for a project but try to find the best project for the fabric I've bought... maybe a bit backwards? It takes me some time to feel I'm using my time and my resources (gorgeous fabric especially) in the best way. I think it must have been the heat yesterday as I found myself able to dig right in and cut through most of the fabric without much thought... refreshing.
Cutting fabric isn't my favorite as you might know... and a few blocks in (of the 128 7'' squares I cut) I contemplated buying a die cutter (on sale at Joann's... tempting). Mumford and Sons sang me through the cutting and before I knew it, I was in a rhythm and it was done. Bonus...I'm left with some gorgeous scraps...
I thought I might share some of my process when it comes to planning out a quilt... I have another project in mind for some of those scraps completely devoid of planning which I'm anxious to get stuck into also, but for know... I plan, and write things down. I start with graph paper...
... I sketch out a pattern, figure out the dimensions and tack on a few extras for choosing the blocks I'd like to place based on colors and such... the loulouthi quilt I'm working on will be 77'' square...
... I started keeping a log of quilts begun (and hopefully finished) so that when I have to walk away from them (which during the non-summer months is unfortunately always) I know what the plan is and which fabrics I'm using. I also keep a log of solids as of very, very recently as I found myself without things I need or trying to figure out which kona was which (labels are also something I now keep). This has been a good way of keeping (semi) track of fabric use. Speaking of... I just ordered some backing fabric for the quilt in this pattern...
... love the idea of continuing with the triangles on the back and I think the color is beautiful.
So today finds me (after a really late start, which is rare) ready to head back up to finish cutting and piecing. The weather is moody and stormy which is just perfect for this kind of a day's plan, don't you think? Happy Friday all, more on that little bonus project I promised you tomorrow, the moody light is not so great for taking pictures... I hope this Friday finds you enjoying your day and in the midst of doing things that you love.
