Incidental Refractions

Val made this quilt as a Mystery Project to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Canadian Quilter's Association.  The pattern is called Incidental Refraction and was designed by Border Creek Station.

There was a lot of open space to accept some doodle/graffiti/busy quilting and when I asked Val what she thought, she was all in.

I knew that I wanted to contrast the quilting in the background to the strips and stars.  I added some straight lines and star motifs and a few curves in the the taupe sections, and stitched in the ditch around the purple triangles. 

The background quilting was a freehand mix of paisleys, swirls, feathers, curls and pebbles.  No preplanning, just filling the space with what felt right.  I haven't done this kind of quilting in awhile and I really enjoyed the process.

Val entered this quilt in the Manitoba Prairie Quilters - Quilt Reflections this weekend and it earned 3rd place in the Two person, medium sized category!

Saving Liberty

This beautiful quilt was made by Linda.  The pattern is called Saving Liberty by Mel Storey Patchwork.  It is a mix of English paper piecing, hand applique, and foundation paper piecing.  The floral fabrics are Liberty Tana Lawn, and the background is linen, including some pieces from family heirloom napkins.

Coming up with the quilting plan is always a fun challenge.  Linda likes a lighter hand with the quilting and is not fond of feathers.  My first batch of doodles weren't quite the right fit,  but after a great telephone conversation a plan came together that we were both excited about.

For the centre compass I stitched in the ditch and echoed the circle.  I added a leaf and curl motif to fill in the corners.

The sashing was filled in with a coordinating leaf and curl motif.  To keep the quilting light a simple motif was added over the Churn Dash blocks.

Linda and I discussed numerous options for the pieced circles.  I originally thought of stippling behind them and adding some stitches on top of the circles, but that seemed to be too much.  I do love the simplicity of our final decision.  I stitched around the circles and then echoed around them. The beautiful fabrics and exquisite applique are left to be the star. 

Linda provided a wool batt for this quilt and it really has great loft.   Linda also added a Liberty cotton wide back for a really pretty finish.  

Elaine's Improv

Elaine made this great Improv quilt using blocks and fabric leftover from a previous project.  You can see it here.

I don't know if I have the right quilting personality to attempt an improv quilt.  Elaine obviously does!  She said she had her young granddaughter sewing some of the blocks as well.  

Elaine chose the Soho pantograph and I think the circular motif compliments so many of the fabric prints.

The coordinating pieced back is a nice touch as well.

Mummers Quilt

If you aren't from Newfoundland, Canada you might not have any idea what this quilt is all about.  The Christmastime costumed cultural tradition of Mummering is very interesting to read about.  Here is one article from McLeans's.  Amanda brought this beauty that she worked on with her mom.

This scrappy masterpiece began with the centre printed panels that were designed by Ralph Jarvis and are available through the Quilted Stash.  I love how the border around each panel is a unique in its scrappy piecing.

Amanda selected the Windswept pantograph and white So Fine thread.  It adds nice texture to the back of the quilt, but doesn't take away from the panels on the front.

I am always amazed by the variety of quilts that show up in my studio, and this was certainly a unique and fun one.