Before we head down the Drunkard’s Path, let’s talk colours
Today’s colours are brought to you by Northcott. These are the fabrics for one of my upcoming projects, and all but the brown Shadow Play (by Maywood Studio) are silky cotton fabrics by Deborah Edwards, Northcott Studio. The red, dark green, blue and purple Bold Beautiful Basics have been supplied to me specifically for the project, which is a quilt block for Marian’s Once Upon A Story Row Along at Seams to be Sew. This hop is coming up soon in September.
I love the feel of Northcott prints; so soft. So, I am really looking forward to carving out some time to make my demo block. The story I am quilting is…. duh duh duuuuhhhhhhh….
Puss in Boots!
Anybody else in love with this quite dubious story with questionable life lessons? Hands up! 😀 My block will be 9″ by 18″, and references Puss, the rabbits, partridges, the ogre and his castle as well as the unfortunate ogre-mouse. My block will be just one stop in what I can guarantee will be a very fun row along with a free block pattern at every stop. Starts September 3!
In the meantime, I’ll try not to get distracted, but……
Beware the Ideas Merry-go-Round!
A funny thing happened to me this week as I was visiting last week’s link ups. I went from never considering making a Drunkard’s Path quilt to being almost possessed by the idea. It all started with Nancy……
Look what Nancy of Grace and Peace Quilting made!
Nancy made her beautiful modern “Four Fishes Kissing” quilt from a pattern by Melly and Me called “Wallflower”. One of Nancy’s commenters, Debbie, remarked on the clever use of the Drunkard’s Path block to make this pattern.
And that immediately got me wondering about the Drunkard’s Path block and all it’s layout variations. And that turns out to be a huge genre of quilting all its own and the deepest of rabbit holes! I don’t think I can think of any other block that has been so embraced by both modern and traditional quilters, and everybody in between. Just the smallest tweaks in rotation, placement, colour or appliqué add-ons makes yet another variation. Follow me down this rabbit warren if you dare!
I started a new Pinterest board, just to collect my favourite examples of Drunkard’s Path variations and extensions. And spent ages surfing the net! Here are some of my favourites.
Drunkard’s Path quilts and more Drunkard’s Path quilts
Then I realised that last week’s linky was actually chokka block full of Drunkard’s Path variations too! Suddenly, quarter circle layouts were absolutely everywhere!
Roseanne at Home Sewn by Us had two Drunkard’s Path variation Fizzy Blocks done and dusted for her July IG Honeybee commitment despite the crushing heat.
And a quilt idea squirrel baking in the background that is another variation of the Drunkard’s path, courtesy of an infectious idea from Pam of Elm Street Quilts.
And Melva from Melva Loves Scraps has been repairing the binding on a Drunkard’s Path quilt. Her post is also a nice discussion of her values and aims when repairing old quilts.
So, just reading through our link ups last week netted four Drunkard’s Path variations. Maybe it’s a sign……
To be honest, I think I just really like the combination of straight lines and curves in these patterns. In the same way that I really love New York Beauty quilts. And Winding Ways.
Of course, it is no secret that I am not a curved-piecing kind of Chameleon, but perhaps if I had enough motivation I could learn! I have learnt that manually cutting lots of curved patches is tedious from previous Winding Ways quilts so I now I am eyeing off the Drunkard’s Path dies from Accuquilt. This pattern seems to come in three die sizes compatible with my GO! Cutter: 7″ finished quarter circle, 4″ finished quarter circle and 3.5″ finished quarter circle. Perhaps I am even starting a Christmas list……, leaning towards the 4″ finish as it will work with my 8″ QUBE I received earlier this year. 😀
Our last feature this week is totally sober, no Drunkard’s here
Susan of Quilt Fabrication linked up a sweet tutorial on how to make terrific watermelon wedge blocks that I love so much that I have to show you even though this post is long enough all ready. She’s used them in a runner and a large quilt. You can see her fun table runner on her blog already, but you’ll have to wait just a little longer for Susan to post the full quilt. Don’t these look delicious?!
What a fabulous collection of ideas we were treated to last week – these and all the others I can’t fit in this post.
I wonder what ideas this week’s linky will bring?
I love being inspired and distracted. So, tell me, what are you working on, or have recently finished in your sewing room? We want to know so we can visit and be inspired. Link up a blog post, an IG post or simply a photo from your computer. See if you can get the Chameleon to turn quilted with happiness. We’d love to see your quilting colours!
- Link up your latest or recent quilt/sewing excitement. All quilt construction stages welcome – finished quilts, quilt blocks – even fabric pulls! Or inspiration sources!
- You have 50 characters in the link description…. tell us who you are and what your fantastic project is.
- URL links are not necessary to link up…. non-bloggers 100% welcome! If you don’t have a URL, you can link up with just a photo.
- Take a moment to visit some friends who came to the party – leave a little love and make their day. And a link back to Clever Chameleon is always appreciated.
- Do it now……. before you forget!
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The Chameleon turns rainbow with pleasure when he hears from you. I am more reserved, so I will respond in gratitude by email instead. Now that it’s your turn…. Scroll right to the end, leave me a comment and tell me, what do you think? Thanks for connecting!
Would you like to keep in touch with Clever Chameleon and the fun quilty ideas I design as well as find all over the internet? You can follow directly for email updates, or through Bloglovin’, Pinterest, IG or FB. All your follow options can be found here. Don’t forget to link up all your current quilting projects on Tuesdays at our Colour & Inspiration Linky parties!
Drunkards’ Path is among my favorites, though I’ve not made many variations yet. There’s still time. Love that variation in your first photo.
Haha! Fun to see 4 chameleons kissing!!! Yes, those drunkards paths are super varied, endless possibilities. I did have to make templates for mine. Fortunately some were quite large, which made fewer blocks necessary. I like the idea of a die for cutting them out. Thank you for the feature, Dione!
No curved piecing on my side of the world, eevvvver if I can get by without it. I’m really looking forward to what you do though.
I like your new Pinterest board. I have yet to make a full drunkard’s path quilt – it’s on the list, though toward the bottom!
Hi Dione! Imagine my surprise when reading along, shaking my head at the fascination and BAM! Thanks for the mention, my friend. Yes, that DP quilt is driving me to distraction. I can think of nothing else but have other things I should be worrying about. I think the Christmas list idea is a superb one. You know people are ALWAYS looking for ideas on what to get you! I have to add that I love Northcott fabrics as well. ~smile~ Roseanne
Looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Curves a not on my list of things to do anytime soon though. And it’s certainly easy to lose time in Pinterest isn’t it?