Tag: Quilt Your Own Story

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Colour Inspiration Tuesday: Autumn Splendour

Autumn Splendour color scheme from Clever ChameleonColour Inspiration Tuesday: a free resource of colour combinations to try on your quilts.

Welcome back to Colour Inspiration Tuesday. Here in Adelaide we are now officially into winter. But summer lingered this year and there are still some wonderful displays of autumn leaves to be seen. Autumn (or Fall) is especially beautiful in the hills surrounding our city. So, I thought that before all the autumn leaves disappear altogether, I had better pay tribute to the beauty around me. Therefore, today’s palette is “Autumn Splendour”.

The photo I have chosen this week for inspiration, has of course, autumn leaves. But in truth it is as much the autumn colours of the background that really captured my imagination.

Autumn splendour colour palette from Colour Inspiration Tuesday

Colour Inspiration Tuesday: Autumn Splendour

The “Autumn Splendour” colour palette is burnt red, orange, coral, dark olive green, light olive green, saddle brown and olive brown.

I can imagine this colour palette being used in a paper pieced maple leaf quilt or a quilt covered in appliqué leaves. Or in blocks made of 2.5″ strips set on the diagonal. It would make a lovely lap quilt in any number of patterns or a wonderful re-interpretation of harvest colours for an original table runner. I’m sure your imagination could run riot with ideas for this colour scheme!

Not ready for Autumn yet? Thinking about Spring instead?

Lily pad glow colour scheme from clever chameleon

Find a little bit of Spring in the Colour Inspiration Tuesday archives with “Lily Pad Glow“. Softer pinks and greens evoke the feeling of growth and gentle warmth that epitomises the best of Spring.

Credit

Today’s photo of autumn splendour is from Unsplash.com. Unsplash is a collection of free, high resolution, “do what you want with” photos. I love to give credit where credit is due, and am always grateful to people who contribute to open source communities. So I would like you to know that this lovely photo was provided by Aaron Burden via Unsplash. Be sure to check out his collection of photos on Unsplash.

Aaron Burden

Olive green Clever Chameleon LogoFor colour inspiration for your quilts in your inbox weekly follow along by subscribing to this blog. Or follow Clever Chameleon Quilt Colour Inspiration on Pinterest and pin your favourite colour palettes to try later. 

P.S. If you would like to use Aaron’s photo or another Colour Inspiration Tuesday photo for your own projects, you can easily find all the Unsplash photos from Colour Inspiration Tuesday in one place for free in my Colour Inspiration Collection.

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From the Sewing Room – The Daisy Motif

Daisy motif for quilting

Learn how to quilt this informal daisy motif onto large, pieced quilt squares.

Remember how I said I was going to start doing some charity quilting to increase my quilting practice without using up my entire quilting budget? Today I plucked up the courage to start on my first charity quilt. There is a part of me that was a bit concerned that the owners of the quilt top may not be enthralled by whatever I did. I am not a professional quilter, after all. They have already invested their time and money into this quilt – what if I did bad things to it?! But that attitude will not get quilts into the hand of recipients or practice into my quilting muscles, so I took a few deep breaths and this is what happened….

Choosing a quilting motif

I quickly discovered one interesting thing. Apparently I think a lot about quilting a quilt while I am piecing it. It was quite a new experience to decide how to quilt a piece without weeks of prior musing. I can’t say I was prepared for how different it felt to be handling a quilt I was not intimately familiar with. Has anyone else experienced this?! 

Coffee and TimTams charity quiit all pinned
The beautiful quilt I received to quilt. It arrived thoroughly pin basted and ready to go.

The quilt I have been entrusted with has chocolate brown pieced squares with cream coloured sashing. I like to think of it as Coffee and TimTams (an Australian chocolate biscuit). My daughter argues that it is actually Maltesers and Milo (more Australiana). But anyway, at first glance I assumed it was a man’s quilt and instantly thought to quilt a strong geometric design on it. But on closer inspection I discovered that the fabric prints were predominately floral. So I decided that this little beauty needed something feminine in  the way of quilting to bring out it’s gentle side.

While I got my head around this thought, I stabilised the quilt by stitching in the ditch in every sashing seam (ie every seam except those inside the brown boxes).

Stabilised quilt
Coffee and TimTams is a 5×5 grid of squares measuring around 6″. The quilt is 47″ square

Working up the Daisy Motif

The process of stabilising the quilt thankfully helped me feel more connected to the quit and able to decide how to proceed. One of my priorities was to leave the quilt feeling soft and comforting. Eventually I decided that I wanted to fill the the boxes with a simple flower motif. Before I attempted this though, I did two things. Firstly, I mocked up a digital example on Inkscape software to see what it might look like.

Digital trial of daisy motif
I started with photos of two representative blocks. Then I drew a basic circle and petal design. Finally I decided to fill in the centre spiral and place a line in the centre of each petal.

Secondly, once I was happy with this design, I got out a good old fashioned pen and paper to see how I could quilt the daisy motif as a continuous design.

First attempts at daisy motif
First: I tried drawing the petals and then filling in the centre in one pass. As you can see, it wasn’t a huge success. The petals aren’t nicely formed and the centres are jagged.
Second attempt at daisy motif
Next: I tried drawing the spiral centres first, then the petal outlines and then going back to fill in the petal centre lines. This is better, but the double outline is busy, and escaping the block looks messy.
Third attempt at daisy motif
This time I did the same as my second attempt, but just traced the original centre circle when I returned to add lines to the petals. Much simpler and tidier.

If you would like to learn this design by first tracing it, you can download a free pdf of the daisy motif here: Daisy motif free printable.

Quilting the Daisy Motif

To get the daisy motif to show up better against the mildly busy fabrics of this quilt I opted for a rayon (40wt) thread in antique white for the top thread. In the bobbin I had 80wt cotton/poly thread.

Step One: use chalk to mark thirds on the centre fabric of the block. Quilt the stem of the daisy and the centre circle. Fill in the spiral now, if you want one.
Step Two: Quilt the petals clockwise out to the edge of the block. Stop each petal just short of block edges and the centre circle – this looks neater than accidentally crossing the lines.
Step Three: Once all the petals are outlined, fill in the centre line of each petal by travelling anti-clockwise around the centre circle.
Step Four: If you have forgotten to do the spiral, you have another opportunity to fill it in now. Otherwise, exit the block by completing the other side of the stem.
Finished daisy motif
The finished daisy quilting motif

A Bonus Variation of the Daisy Motif

In every second block, I didn’t add the centre spiral – so I have some open and some filled flowers. Truth be told, this is largely because I forgot to quilt the spiral into one of the flowers early on. Then I decided I liked the variation…. so now it’s a feature! Hahahahaha!

quilting spiral quilting In the sashing I did a simple leaf vine with the same thread combo. It is very nearly invisible but it gives a good overall texture. I left the star fabric squares un-quilted and filled the outer border with quick perpendicular lines. And finally, I put spirals in the four corners to echo the flower centres.

So, that’s it. Quilting completed, and quilt ready to hand to the next volunteer willing to do the binding!

Here is the finished product!

Finished daisy motif quilt

Further Reading

If you want to further explore the topic of how to choose a free-motion motif for your quilt, you can read a very thorough discussion on this at Amy’s Free-Motion Quilting Adventures.

If you want to know why I think you should consider quilting for charity, you can find out in my previous discussion here.

Perhaps you like the colours in this quilt and want to make something with the same colour palette? Here is a colour inspiration bonus for you, even though it is not Tuesday.

Cookies and Cream color scheme from Clever Chameleon
Let’s call this colour palette Cookies and Cream.

Clever Chameleon logo brownI hope you enjoy quilting this daisy motif. Until next time – keep Quilting Your Own Story!

 

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Colour Inspiration Tuesday: Knot Dramatic

Knot Dramatic color scheme by Clever ChameleonColour Inspiration Tuesday: a free resource of colour combinations to try on your quilts.

Another Tuesday, another healthy dose of colour inspiration for your quilts! Today we have a really strong colour palette, called “Knot Dramatic”. Inspired by a crisp photo of a coiled rope with beautiful lighting and textures. It is another blue and brown colour scheme, but in cool rather than warm tones like the lovely “Blue Fox” scheme we had a few weeks ago.

Knot Dramatic colour scheme

Colour Inspiration Tuesday: Knot Dramatic

The “Knot Dramatic” colour palette is dark slate grey, gingerbread, coffee, light powder blue, stone blue and aegean blue. It is quite masculine, but would also look wonderful against neutral decor in a living area, or as a throw rug on my dark blue couch.

I think this combination would work best by concentrating on the mid and light tones, using the dark colours more sparingly. There is definitely a risk that too much of the slate grey could dampen the mood of a quilt in the Knot Dramatic colour scheme, but a little would really lift the vibrancy of the rest of the collection. Play with it until you find Your perfect combination!

Purple tulip colour schemeDon’t need a masculine/neutral colour palette today?

There are much softer, warmer palettes to chose from in the Colour Inspiration Tuesday archives. Perhaps you’d prefer “Purple Tulip” in pinks, purples and greens or the gentle pastel confectionery colours of “Lily Pad Glow“.Lily pad glow colour scheme from clever chameleon

Today’s Photo Credit

Today’s stock photo is from Unsplash.com. Unsplash is a collection of free, high resolution, “do what you want with” photos. While there is no obligation for me to tell you where I got this photo, I love to give credit where credit is due. So; this lovely photo was provided by Robert Zunikoff via Unsplash. Robert Zunikoff

Clever Chameleon Logo blue

For colour inspiration in your inbox weekly follow along by subscribing to this blog. Or follow Clever Chameleon Quilt Colour Inspiration on Pinterest and pin your favourite colour palettes to try later. 

P.S. If you would like to use Robert’s photo for your own projects, you can find all the Unsplash photos from Colour Inspiration Tuesday in one place for free in my Colour Inspiration Collection.

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Colour Inspiration Tuesday: Lily Pad Glow

Lily Pad Glow color scheme by Clever ChameleonColour Inspiration Tuesday: a free resource of colour combinations to try on your quilts.

Hello – Happy Colour Inspiration Tuesday! Today we have a soft feminine colour scheme for your quilt inspiration, colours that would look lovely on a little girl’s quilt or would suit a lady with quiet, dignified tastes. Introducing “Lily Pad Glow”.

The Lily Pad Glow colour palette was inspired by a pretty pink lily flower. The dark water and the yellowing leaves in the background really highlight the freshness of the flower as it reaches out of the pond. These colours make me think of Spring.

Lily Pad Glow colour scheme palette

Colour Inspiration Tuesday: Lily Pad Glow

The “Lily Pad Glow” colour palette is dark sea green, blue, taffy pink, egg nog yellow, light sage green and light sienna brown. 

Perhaps if I was using this colour palette for a little girl I would drop the sienna and replace it with a bright teal green. Here are the two related palette so you can see what I mean.

Lily pad glow colour scheme with sienna

Lily Pad Glow colour scheme with bright teal green

I would try this palette on a quilt by using most of these colours in fairly equal proportions. This would maintain the fresh, almost confectionary feel of this collection, especially if you used white sashing or background. But if you or your recipient really like pink, you could try concentrating on the warmer pinks/yellows/browns and just use the greens and blues as highlights. Play with it until you find Your perfect combination!

Don’t need girly colours today? Blue fox colour scheme

Perhaps you are looking for something a little more masculine? Try the “Blue Fox” colour scheme instead….

Today’s Photo Credit

Today’s stock photo is from Unsplash.com. Unsplash is a collection of free, high resolution, “do what you want with” photos. While there is no obligation for me to tell you where I got this photo, I love to give credit where credit is due. So, if you would like to also use this lovely photo, it was provided by Ahmed Saffu via Unsplash.

Clever Chameleon logo in light greenDon’t miss a post – follow along by subscribing to this blog. Or follow Clever Chameleon Quilt Colour Inspiration on Pinterest and pin your favourite colour palettes to try later. 

P.S. For your convenience, I have placed all the Unsplash photos from Colour Inspiration Tuesdays in one place. Find them easily for free in my Colour Inspiration Collection.

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Colour Inspiration Tuesday: Purple Tulip

Purple Tulip color scheme from Clever ChameleonColour Inspiration Tuesday: a free resource of colour combinations to try on your quilts.

Hi – Happy Tuesday! I love purple and green combinations on quilts….. I haven’t made many so far but I sure do admire them a lot! 

Today’s colour palette was inspired by a stunning photograph of a tulip bathed in light, so I have simply called it “Purple Tulip”.  I think I have found a new favourite – I want to try a colour combination similar to Purple Tulip on a quilt very soon!

Colour Inspiration Tuesday palette Purple Tulip. Teal, plum, dusky rose, midnight blue, cadet blue, rose pink, purple.

Colour Inspiration Tuesday: Purple Tulip

Bonus yellow for purple tulip colour palette.
Add this light yellow to “Purple Tulip” for extra  contrast and highlights.

The “Purple Tulip” colour palette is teal, plum, dusky rose, midnight blue, cadet blue and rose pink. If I had eight colour slots in my colour scheme template I would have added a light yellow. I even tried removing various colours so I could fit light yellow into this palette. But every colour seemed to be needed to keep Purple Tulip true to the feel of the original photo. So, I am giving it to you here as a bonus colour!

I would try this palette on a quilt by using the blues as highlight colours, and the purples, pinks and greens as my main colours. I would also consider adding a dark purple to add more dark contrast to my quilt if I wanted a really dramatic effect. Play with it until you find Your perfect combination!

Don’t like purple and green? Never mind…..Blue fox colour scheme

If you like the blue colours in this palette, but are not into purple and green so much, discover the “Blue Fox” colour scheme instead….

Today’s stock photo is from Unsplash.com. Unsplash is a collection of free, high resolution, “do what you want with” photos. While there is no obligation for me to tell you where I got this photo, I love to give credit where credit is due. So; this lovely photo was provided by Sarah Kothe via Unsplash.

Clever Chameleon logo purple

Don’t miss a post – follow along by subscribing to this blog. Or follow Clever Chameleon Quilt Colour Inspiration on Pinterest and pin your favourite colour palettes to try later. 

 

 

P.S. If you would like to use this photo for your own projects, you can find all the Unsplash photos from Colour Inspiration Tuesday in one place for free in my Colour Inspiration Collection.

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