I don't think I can express how happy I am to be done with this quilt. This is another one that I
started almost a year ago and I was as ambivalent about it now as I was then. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful quilt but I really can't take credit for any of it. This is a total rip-off of the
Pure Baby Boy quilt the fabulously talented
Teaginny Designs created for Moda Bake Shop.
What changed my attitude was reading the fabulous book "
Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon. My favorite quote, "Modern art = I could do that + Yeah, but you didn't." Sure, everyone is impressed by a traditional quilt with a million tiny pieces and quilted feathers everywhere. Modern quilts
look deceptively simple but as anyone who's made one knows, it's really hard to get them right. When less is more the less becomes really important!
Looking back I see copying this quilt as part of my transition to modern quilting. I definitely went through a phase where I was making other people's patterns with precut collections. I made a lot of quilts I don't love because they aren't really me. What I realize now is how much I learned from those quilts: how to use negative space, how to mix fabrics and effectively use solids, free motion quilting... it's almost like I was in grad school using the mechanics I already had to explore the artistic aspects of modern quilting. With so much input from blogs, flickr and pinterest there's no shortage of inspiration but that also makes it hard to find your own vision. I'm starting to notice a shift so hopefully now I'm "graduating" and I can apply those lessons and ideas to jumpstart my own creativity and get back to making things I absolutely love: )
Another Friday finish so I'm linking up with :
I think it's lovely and you did a smashing job on it!
ReplyDeleteIt's so pretty and I love the fabrics and colors!! TFS
ReplyDelete~Terry~
Yay for an awesome finish! I totally know what you mean about reaching a point where you transition to following patterns to jumpstart your own creativity. Isn't it a great feeling to be inspired!
ReplyDeleteIt's true. I actually try not to read too many blogs in order to try to preserve some of my original thinking. Do you know what I mean?
ReplyDeleteLove the quilt - but really love that you used your learning tools to make your own path, super.
ReplyDeleteI like that it is simple, and soft blues with soft browns are very nice. I have about 10 batik stars done and am thinking that instead of a quilt full of stars, I may do a strip of them like you did with your blocks.
ReplyDeleteLinda
I love how we learn new things when we make new things. And I'll be the first to admit that I would have filled that baby with fancy feathers!
ReplyDeleteLove it! Keeping it in mind ....I still use patterns some, especially when I am learning something new, but to put something together and not know how it will turn out until it is done...that is Fun!
ReplyDeleteI love this quilt. You really made the most of your "less." Beautiful colors and great quilting!
ReplyDeletexo -E
Pure gorgeous! I love it! :o)
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable quilt! I'm so glad you shared with us! Whoop whoop!!
ReplyDeleteWell said - I think that the point of following patterns to the letter at least once in awhile is to learn from more experienced quilters (or knitters or sewists, etc). From there you can take off in whatever direction inspires you! It's a beautiful quilt!
ReplyDelete