After an unplanned break it is so lovely to be back stitching again. I've well and truly settled on my new project, another hexagon creation, this time using half inch papers. I have surprised myself, as I was convinced I could never work with lower than 5/8th inch size, but I am really enjoying this smaller challenge.
I've been inspired by an antique quilt dating back to 1830, which was also made of half inch hexagons. It features hexagons, sewn into star formations. In contemplating this new quilt, I decided it was not going to be about fussy cutting, more about colour and pattern. I want a quilt that has a smudgy worn look to it, I want to move away from the strong contrast that I have used in the past. Therefore, as the background I am using a teal print from Anne's English Scrapbox fabric by Di Ford-Hall.
I love the colour and the sprinkling of little flowers throughout the design. It is just perfect.
Here is the first block.
Seems I didn't quite achieve the low contrast look I was hoping for....It is just natural for me to be drawn to high contrast. And those pink little clusters.....can I really live without fussy cutting?
Second block.
I could not bring myself to not fussy cut, despite numerous conversations with myself....keep it simple.......stick to the plan....low contrast..... I had to do it. Fussy cut with high contrast, but I think I made progress with just three clusters.
Onto the third block.
I was so determined that fussy cutting was not going to be the focus of this quilt. I found a busy, pale mauve fabric in my stash and quickly cut three hexagons and basted them over the papers. I was really hoping the busy fabric would work for the six clusters. As they lay in front of me, I could see a lovely little surprise forming in the centre. The deal was sealed, no point avoiding it. Fussy cutting it was to be, but in a very subtle manner. I don't think I could be happy without it. I want to create quilts that are interesting and have hidden little surprises. Fussy cutting certainly enables this.
As for the quest for low contrast and smudgy... I am going to keep working on it. I figure I need some blocks that are higher contrast so I won't discard any yet.
Happy stitching!