I spent the last three days trying to figure out my project for the Doll Quilt Swap. I went through most of my quilting books until I found this 'tea leave' pattern.
It's from a book called "More quilts from the quiltmaker's gift". I won't tell you much about my partner but I really want to make her a quilty that she will really love. I love curves in quilting, and I think she does too. There is nothing more exciting for me that getting those curves just right; they are so challenging and daring.
After I decided to work with this pattern, I drew it and I made six photocopies. I spent some time coloring in the little quilt drawings to weight in my color options. Do you have a similar way to plan for your quilt projects??
I cut the little paper blocks, played with them, and glue them back on point. To my surprise, this new arrangement gave my project different feeling, and the option of making less tea leaves. I love that this pattern gives you the choice to make the leaves look like four petal flowers, or circles depending on your choice of colors, and also on the positioning of the blocks.
Finally, this little sketch won my heart. The creative process finally paid off, what a sweet ride!! Without even thinking, and after much color deliberation, the color palette in it resembles the colors of this Tula Pink fat quarter bundle that I've been saving for a special occasion.
Now, I only hope that the real project turns out just as pretty as the one I sketched.
PS: There is still time to comment on my blogaversary giveaway. Thank you to all of you participating, liking 3KF in Facebook, and following us on Twitter. If you haven't comment yet, go ahead!! There is still time!! I'll be drawing the winners on August 13th.
I had to follow your Flickr photo over to you blog to get another look at this amazing little work of art! It is so much fun to see how you played with the colors and came up with this wonderful palette! I can't wait to see it. What a lucky partner you have!
Posted by: Spiced Coffee | August 08, 2011 at 06:20 PM
This is going to be one gorgeous little quilt!
Posted by: Gbrindley | August 08, 2011 at 08:58 PM
I, too, came here from flickr to see more about this project... It will surely be as beautiful as your conception (though different - I'm sure - things NEVER quite look the way I expect). I don't tend to draw to explore ideas, but looking at photos of piles of fabric and laid out ideas is a big part of my process.
Posted by: dee | August 10, 2011 at 07:12 AM
Hello ladies!! thanks you for visiting my blog and for your comment on this post. Youre right Dee, its going to be hard to match the sketch but Ill try my best. I love the challenge of the preconceived idea.
Posted by: Paloma | August 10, 2011 at 10:12 AM
Paloma, I cannot tell you how much I love my little quilt. It is fascinating to come back and read your process posts - your planning is as thorough as your execution is perfect. Thank you so much for making this for me.
Posted by: Gayle | September 03, 2011 at 03:45 PM