Modern Shapes Quilt

It's no secret that I'm a Mid-Century design lover. I love the shapes and designs of this period. Upon learning that the PMQG has the opportunity to have a special exhibit at Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show this summer, I knew I wanted to make something extra special. However, time and ideas were running very low! I've been talking with Rachel from the Portland Modern Quilt Guild about making a quilt inspired by Mid-Century designers/shapes, but everything seemed too overwhelming for my 10 day deadline. Then I saw this print by SuZanna Anna, and I knew that it was fate. I had to recreate it as a quilt. But how? I tried piecing a few pieces together, and that did not work! Curves and intricate designs were too much, especially for my deadline. Applique was my next thought, I hadn't done much with applique, and to learn a new skill and stretch myself seemed like a perfect opportunity for this challenge. 

First, I thought that this should be done in all solids. However, I love prints and I've just completed two projects with all solids. My heart was yearning for some patterns. Especially since I have lots of beautiful fabric that I haven't touched in a long time. It was time to use my stash! Pulling different fabrics and laying them out to design on the order, is by far my favorite part of the quilting process. 

This is my first attempt at choosing the patterns. I was concerned that there was too many of the same prints, but I did like the consistency. I decided to play around with it more after a trip to the fabric stores. At first, I wanted to break away from the rainbow, I've already done that, however I love the way the colors work together and provide consistency.

 

Finally decided on final fabrics and layout, now off to applique! I purchased two yards of kona white, however, I quickly realized that wasn't going to work after seeing this: 

You could easily see through the white to the background pattern. There was a complicated way around this by somehow cutting out the fabric from behind, but I didn't want to go that route. I went back to Bolt (local fabric store) and found that Robert Kaufmann has a thicker solid line, his white was perfect! In some fabrics you can see through a little bit, but most it's not visible. Perfect! 

I used heat n bond lite to the white, cut out the pattern, then ironed it to the patterned fabric. Then I zig zag stitched each seam to provide durability and a finished edge. It really helped make the whole piece look really well-finished. 

Here's a work in progress shot: 

What did I do during the super teaduous part of sewing the appliqued edges? Watch Downton Abbey of course! I purchased Season Two, just for this project. So enjoyable! ;) 

Finally, the finished project: 

Now, off to quilt and bind it! 

I hope that you all have a great creative weekend! Happy Friday!