Light and Bright- Behind The Scenes
Behind the scenes:
Most of the quilts I have made over the years have been baby quilts for friends’ littles.
Last year, baby Five arrived, and my friend posted a photo of Five wrapped up in One’s quilt, with the statement that Five needed his own quilt. Of course, people said, “How dare you demand a quilt!” but I said, “I’m on it!” I had made quilts for One, Two, Three and Four, and had already started Five’s.
We all had a good laugh about demanding a quilt, especially since I didn’t see it as a demand at all, but rather anticipation of a known and expected gift. Ever since that “demand”, I’ve wanted to make a lap sized quilt for my friend. It wasn’t the baby that longed for the quilt. It was Mom. She treasured my quilts, and could wrap her children in them, but didn’t have one for herself. I wanted to do it as a surprise, but it ended up that I had to tell her what I was up to.
She requested “light and bright” and doesn’t like grey.
So here we are!
Every once in a while I find the perfect pattern, and every less once in a while, I follow it’s directions. Mostly I improvise. Or loosely follow a pattern with adjustments done mentally. This particular pattern was for a bigger bed-sized quilt, and I wanted to make a lap quilt, so I needed to adjust fabric amounts.
Because it had 3 separate blocks (A, B & C), and each block was used a varying amount of times, more than simple mental math was required. I keep a graph paper journal for sketching quilts, blocks and layouts.
I’m not afraid to write directly on a pattern (or in a book) either.
I have measurements for how many of each block I’ll need.
For fabric requirements.
For cutting directions.
Thanks for coming behind the scenes with me, to witness the process that happens before any fabric can be selected, or the first cut is made.
I’ve never before made a quilt with three separate blocks. Here are several of the Block C pattern. Stay tuned for Blocks A and B!
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10 Comments
Vickie
Wonderful colors!
Darcy
Thank you! It was fun to pick out the brightest parts of the navy floral to work with. Oh! The navy floral doesn’t show in this post! Coming soon…
Vickie
Well….. It let me comment this morning
I also scratch out quilt patterns. Even if it’s a simple block quilt! I like to know exact number of pieces I need so I don’t over cut.
Why could it not be a surprise?
Darcy
I think better when I use paper and pencil. I had to ask her new address, as well as color preferences.
Aunt Sandy
Very light and bright so far! Every one you make is special and made with love–the extra element that only you can add. Lucky–blessed– friends, five children and Darcy for a friend.
Darcy
Thanks Aunt Sandy!
Erica
Beautiful!!❤️
Darcy
Thank you! There’s more to come, this is just one of 3 different blocks in this quilt.
Veronique
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Barbette
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