My son's birthday has passed, and his camping quilt is at least a top, but remains unquilted. It's really ok that he didn't get to unwrap it on Sunday, mainly because he was off in the hills with his girlfriend. He's knows he'll get it eventually :)
You can see the blocks are made, and all that's left to do is the to put the spacers between them.
Zoom forward a week, and the blocks with spacers are now a top.
Don't you just love that tent? It's in my son's favorite color - orange. And if you look at the full tree on the very right, the olive green fabric is one of two fat quarters he brought back for me from a recent backpacking trip in the Grand Tetons. No, there's no quilt store there, but he found one on the drive home, and was sweet enough to stop, even calling me to ask what color I wanted.
Note: check out my video tutorial on paper piecing the tent:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwPB0L4z6vs
So what's held this quilt up from getting finished as a birthday present?
Part of it is the water feature he requested, because one always tries to camp near a water source.
First, I made a lot of beach going one direction. Then decided I didn't like that, so I went back to my original drawing with a smaller beach slanted in the other direction. Better. (Sorry, no pics!)
Then I decided I didn't like the fabric choice for water. Though it was a pretty water-like batik, complete with waves, the value was too dark. Sure, I'll put water in as he requested, but it drew attention away from the tent. Because...
This quilt is all about the tent, being out in the wild, alone with nature, and finding peace. It represents a time and place to escape from all the craziness around us.
Enough said.
So with that in mind, the water is now a quieter blue, to represent a still lake, not some rushing river. I'm off to finish up this quilt, and writing the pattern so others can have a wilderness escape.
Happy Quilting!
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I love it, and I'm certain your son will too. That pop of orange is just right. Can't wait to see the finish.
ReplyDeleteWow, looking great and he knows to wait for good things. I like hearing about your process and writing the pattern before you finish...good idea.
ReplyDeleteLove it so far! Looking forward to the water.
ReplyDeleteKathleen - kakingsbury at verizon dot net
Such a cute quilt! I like the way you have the lighter blue which enhances the tent!
ReplyDeleteIt’s gonna be awesome! Looking forward to the finish!
ReplyDelete