I had a similar moment of inspiration myself and arrived at a color array that is similar to yours, I think. I grew up on the central coast of California. I've followed my husband around the continent, from Utah to British Columbia and northern Alberta until we finally settled for good in the central Appalachians, close to where he grew up in Pittsburgh. No matter where I am, I have never stopped missing the Pacific environment of my childhood. My quilt will be the greys, from dark to silver, of the sea and fog, with blues thrown in for the sea and sky. I'll make my solid a wheaty yellow, for the dry grassy hills in summer and my darkest notes will be the greens and rusty browns of the redwoods. I'll brighten it all by making the flowers the colors of California poppies. I never imagined that at the end of a long and eventful life I would find myself in such need of solace and peace, but it's my hope that working on this quilt will afford me that. Your designs and posts are truly inspiring. Thank you.
Thanks! And thanks for all you do. Your posts are a highlight of my day. I'm considering adding some small flashes of red to the "hills" but what I love about your quilt alongs is that I can make these changes and little improvisations along the way.
Although I’m also a fan of brighter colors, there is something calming about a pallet of subtle colors. It’s a good way to challenge yourself by trying something different
I love the idea of a gray palette. Doesn't have to be sad. The gray with purple can be beautiful. I hope you will see that as you go. We all have sad days but they make the happy days better. You will be in my thoughts today. Thank you for designing this beautiful quilt.
You're a girl who wears her heart on her sleeve! You'll have days like this, as do we all. But quilting is healing and each little journey will bring you towards acceptance and a state of mental health. I found that a quiet quilt is often needed after a vibrant one. Applying values in whatever colour palette you choose will make a successful, moody and beautiful quilt. Hopefully it wont renew the melancholy when you look at it later on. One morning last week we woke up to a frozen grey white and silver landscape (something I've had little experience of having lived most of my life in tropical Africa). When contemplating my quilt palette I toyed with the idea of a Winter Garden quilt but gave up on the idea not having enough fabrics in the necessary colours (and denying myself permission to buy ANY MORE FABRICS!!) I did once select a portfolio of fabrics for a client whose daughter-in-law insisted on a "beige only!!" quilt. Was beautiful in the end if I say so myself.
I hear you on not having so many winter fabrics! I can imagine that your beige only palette was lovely. I had a white/beige quilt on my bed for about a decade and it did give a serene vibe to the room.
The good thing about making an emotional quilt, is that you can choose to pass it on after you are done. In this way it is an opportunity to feel the feelings and let them pass through you and to let go. That is what I intend, anyways =)
To be fair I did have a whole rack of beiges to choose from - pinky beige, yellowy beige, greeny beige... you get my drift! So it wasnt difficult to find the perfect matches.
Maybe it’s just the calm after the storm? I think the palette is refreshing and calming. I get it that you like exuberant colors, but all of us are multifaceted people so it makes sense to have different color palettes that fit different points in our lives/emotional states. Can’t wait to see it come to fruition!
What is it about quilting that makes our quilting community so loving and lovely. Its the same wherever you go. After the blitz in WW2 the Canadians sent thousands of quilts to London. Some are still in the collection of the British Quilters Guild in Yorkshire. After the 26 Dec 2004 tsunami, South Africa sent a container of quilts to Japan for the newly (cold and) homeless. The list is long.
Quilts with a healing theme have been the subject of many creations in SA, especially in the African rural areas. As you undoubtedly know, many, many people of all races across the population suffered tragedy and loss as a result of apartheid, white imperialism and the struggle for freedom. But not only that, quilt history though time reveals that quilting has served social purposes far removed from the creative indulgence we enjoy today.
I am glad you are supporting where you are in your life's journey and following your feelings with making this a somber quilt. I would not be surprised if you think it is a stunner when you finish. It can be more "fun" to sew with happy colors but it is not always the best choice .
So true. It is really fun to sew MANY with happy colors. But sometimes the quilts that I find most attractive from my clients, for example, are in more restrained palettes. It can be quite powerful.
"I have learned there is no timetable for grief or sorrow to abate. There are no shortcuts. No easy way around it. The only way is right through the middle of it."
This new, out of your usual, quilt is part of where you are right now - the process may even be cathartic, in some ways. It will be beautiful. - Jeannine
I love the colors! The journey might be cathartic — the finished quilt will be gorgeous. Thanks for sharing; I’m working on my fabric choices! Can’t wait to see all the quilts develop.🙂
Wow! Fate shined down on me today as I just found this post! As a “confident beginner “ quilter who has experienced a great deal of loss in the last 5+ years this sounds so therapeutic. I’ve considered something similar and more complex, which is why I dismissed the idea just now, but thinking in terms of value and expressing grief that way is inspiring me! Thank you!
I had a similar moment of inspiration myself and arrived at a color array that is similar to yours, I think. I grew up on the central coast of California. I've followed my husband around the continent, from Utah to British Columbia and northern Alberta until we finally settled for good in the central Appalachians, close to where he grew up in Pittsburgh. No matter where I am, I have never stopped missing the Pacific environment of my childhood. My quilt will be the greys, from dark to silver, of the sea and fog, with blues thrown in for the sea and sky. I'll make my solid a wheaty yellow, for the dry grassy hills in summer and my darkest notes will be the greens and rusty browns of the redwoods. I'll brighten it all by making the flowers the colors of California poppies. I never imagined that at the end of a long and eventful life I would find myself in such need of solace and peace, but it's my hope that working on this quilt will afford me that. Your designs and posts are truly inspiring. Thank you.
What a glorious plan, Christine! I especially love the nod to California poppies. My best wishes that making the quilt is a true blessing.
Thanks! And thanks for all you do. Your posts are a highlight of my day. I'm considering adding some small flashes of red to the "hills" but what I love about your quilt alongs is that I can make these changes and little improvisations along the way.
Although I’m also a fan of brighter colors, there is something calming about a pallet of subtle colors. It’s a good way to challenge yourself by trying something different
Even the brightest and most beautiful gardens go dormant in the winter. I look forward to seeing what you create!
Thanks, Amanda!
I love the idea of a gray palette. Doesn't have to be sad. The gray with purple can be beautiful. I hope you will see that as you go. We all have sad days but they make the happy days better. You will be in my thoughts today. Thank you for designing this beautiful quilt.
Thank you, Lori. The last time that I set out to make a sad quilt, it ended up being more beautiful than I expected. That was about 10 years ago.
You're a girl who wears her heart on her sleeve! You'll have days like this, as do we all. But quilting is healing and each little journey will bring you towards acceptance and a state of mental health. I found that a quiet quilt is often needed after a vibrant one. Applying values in whatever colour palette you choose will make a successful, moody and beautiful quilt. Hopefully it wont renew the melancholy when you look at it later on. One morning last week we woke up to a frozen grey white and silver landscape (something I've had little experience of having lived most of my life in tropical Africa). When contemplating my quilt palette I toyed with the idea of a Winter Garden quilt but gave up on the idea not having enough fabrics in the necessary colours (and denying myself permission to buy ANY MORE FABRICS!!) I did once select a portfolio of fabrics for a client whose daughter-in-law insisted on a "beige only!!" quilt. Was beautiful in the end if I say so myself.
I hear you on not having so many winter fabrics! I can imagine that your beige only palette was lovely. I had a white/beige quilt on my bed for about a decade and it did give a serene vibe to the room.
The good thing about making an emotional quilt, is that you can choose to pass it on after you are done. In this way it is an opportunity to feel the feelings and let them pass through you and to let go. That is what I intend, anyways =)
To be fair I did have a whole rack of beiges to choose from - pinky beige, yellowy beige, greeny beige... you get my drift! So it wasnt difficult to find the perfect matches.
Maybe it’s just the calm after the storm? I think the palette is refreshing and calming. I get it that you like exuberant colors, but all of us are multifaceted people so it makes sense to have different color palettes that fit different points in our lives/emotional states. Can’t wait to see it come to fruition!
Well said!
I read your notes and then followed with reading the comments……EVERY single comment was said with such love and inspiration ……such lovely followers!
So agreed!
What is it about quilting that makes our quilting community so loving and lovely. Its the same wherever you go. After the blitz in WW2 the Canadians sent thousands of quilts to London. Some are still in the collection of the British Quilters Guild in Yorkshire. After the 26 Dec 2004 tsunami, South Africa sent a container of quilts to Japan for the newly (cold and) homeless. The list is long.
Quilts with a healing theme have been the subject of many creations in SA, especially in the African rural areas. As you undoubtedly know, many, many people of all races across the population suffered tragedy and loss as a result of apartheid, white imperialism and the struggle for freedom. But not only that, quilt history though time reveals that quilting has served social purposes far removed from the creative indulgence we enjoy today.
I am glad you are supporting where you are in your life's journey and following your feelings with making this a somber quilt. I would not be surprised if you think it is a stunner when you finish. It can be more "fun" to sew with happy colors but it is not always the best choice .
So true. It is really fun to sew MANY with happy colors. But sometimes the quilts that I find most attractive from my clients, for example, are in more restrained palettes. It can be quite powerful.
"I have learned there is no timetable for grief or sorrow to abate. There are no shortcuts. No easy way around it. The only way is right through the middle of it."
This new, out of your usual, quilt is part of where you are right now - the process may even be cathartic, in some ways. It will be beautiful. - Jeannine
Thank you!
I love the colors! The journey might be cathartic — the finished quilt will be gorgeous. Thanks for sharing; I’m working on my fabric choices! Can’t wait to see all the quilts develop.🙂
Muted isn’t bad. I do all “neutral”quilts to calm life down. Look at it as a transition.
This is a good tip for me. I like the idea of a transition.
Wow! Fate shined down on me today as I just found this post! As a “confident beginner “ quilter who has experienced a great deal of loss in the last 5+ years this sounds so therapeutic. I’ve considered something similar and more complex, which is why I dismissed the idea just now, but thinking in terms of value and expressing grief that way is inspiring me! Thank you!
I am sorry that we have this in common, but pleased that the project may have a place in your process. You are welcome!
👏🥰
I think your quilt will turn out in a stunning way!
I love this palette. It’s very calming and serene. ❤️. Can’t wait to see the full quilt 😘