Fun in my fabric world....

Friday, July 4, 2014

Happy as a multi-coloured clam!

It was so much fun reading about your personal colour phobias....there are lots of us not to keen on purple, brown and yellow, with a few not being partial to blue and green.
It is funny how we each see colours a bit differently, and what I love, someone else will detest! I love the way that we can sometimes see a quilt and recognise it's maker. I used to be a red girl, and thought that I hated pink...but when I was sorting my fabrics I found I was a bit short of reds but had oodles, and I mean OODLES of pink...how can that be?


As I have said, my DD and her beau have requested a quilt...blues, greys, neutrals. She didn't say it, but I know she was wanting a non-manic quilt....she thinks I am a bit fabric-loud! Have you ever?


I ask you, is this TOO loud?
But, devoted mother that I am, I have risen to the challenge as handed to me. A queen sized clamshell quilt is now underway.


Gulp! There were a few tentative starts as I worked out what technique would suit me the best...6" clams are a non standard size, and assembly without papers was a little hit and miss. I like nice curves. So I am now tacking onto freezer paper and it seems to be giving a nice finish.


Not unexpectedly, I am being a bit cheeky and using some quirky pieces to add some fun. Not wanting trouble after all the hand stitching, I have been seeking approval, and found it! They are happy, which makes me happy. Pink flamingoes make me VERY happy!
Looking back, my colour style has evolved over the years...and continues to evolve. There are lots of bright clear colours here at present, but I am enjoying working with DD's gentler (mostly) palette. Where are you heading with your current colours?

Cardygirl xx



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18 comments:

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Colour is very interesting isn't it Cardy? It's a bit like music I think. Lucky we are different and love different things. I really love your use of colour, both the brighter trip around the world, and the slightly tamer clams. Wow, what a wonderful quilt they will be! xo

Jeanette said...

Love you trip around the world. Very lovely colours. Your clamshell quilt will be beautiful. Hugs,xx

barb's creations said...

Love the clam shell quilt your working on, lovely colours. I'm still loving red and white together but like you I've deviated from my first love of blue & yellow more towards pinks and greens and I was NEVER a pink girl growing up very much a tomboy lol,it's amazing how our tastes change and evolve as we get older :) Barb.

Abby and Stephanie said...

One must have a little fun and those flamingo are the perfect touch of whimsy. Happy the couple approved. :o) I'm usually in a green/blue mood but adding different splashes of color to the lovely pair -- right now it's orange.

Shay said...

Beautiful clam shell Cardy - and much more restrained than your usual palette.

Ive found that as my quilting journey has evolved Ive gone from using only bright in your face colours to toning it down occasionally with more muted fabrics. I dont think I'll ever be doing a quilt with neutrals but they seem to be sneaking their way into some of my more recent projects.

My stash has a dearth of yellows and purples I've found- and a ton of pinks, red and greens (which I rarely use - how did that happen?)

Sue SA said...

I think our favourite colours change over the years as we discover new styles and ranges of fabric....a change is as good as a holiday!

Susan said...

It is such a challenge to work with colours that aren't what you'd choose for yourself, but I think you have made a grand start. I am a red girl, but I am quite partial to some of the teals and blue/greys that seem to be around at the moment. I think our tastes do change and it's a good reason to use that "most favourite fabric ever" now while you still love it!

Fiona said...

I always love to see your choice of colours... the thing that fascinates me most in our craft is everyones use of colours.. may not be our own choice but the result is spectacular in it's own way.... sometimes scrappy quilts with no coordination whatsoever are amazing ...
Hugz

Stacey said...

Really lovely....I too use a lot of pinks....it's my "colour signature"....but I think it's fun to break the mold and use all those other great colours ;)

Small pieces said...

Perhaps you buy pinks but don't actually use them?..

wish2stitch said...

Quilt for DD is looking good. Can't believe she said you are 'colour loud' . I'd be indignant about it too.

Marg said...

The clamshells are looking fab.
I think my colour choices change each quilt, sometimes they are in your face bright, others have been muted neutrals. I like mixing it up, the only colours and fabrics I don't think you will ever see me use are civil war repros. Then again.........

Lorraine said...

Loving the clamshells ....hmmm.....I can't remember what my current colours are - it is so long since I even set foot in the sewing room - the mojo has left for a warmer climate I think....but I am sure it will return one day...I think I need to work on something loud to jolt me back into some stitching. I had a "phase" where I worked with only civil war repros, but has passed I think.

Michelle said...

I'm loving doing my clamshells. Like you I had to work out a good technique! I ended up doing mylar and starch. Works really well for me (and stops me from getting bored!)

Love love love your colours. Enjoy the process!!

Rachaeldaisy said...

I love your bright trip around the world! The red really sings!! Your clamshells are beautiful in those blues, I bet your daughter is loving seeing it grow knowing it's for her.

Ann-Maree said...

Love your TATW!! Looks awfully familiar to me.....look forward to seeing it progress. I'm a red girl and was surprised when I sorted my fabrics into colour I had little blue....don't dislike it, love it in quilts....but obviously never bought it so I try to buy a little blue when stash buying! Clamshells look great, I might be tempted..one day!

Dasha said...

My colour choices are definitely changing. I used to be a dyed in the wool "country" fabrics girl. All those darkish prints, mustards and greens and reds. I find myself more and more drawn to the fresh bright colours that are so in these days, and the country colours aren't making it to my quilts any more. Shame because I have oodles of them.

Michelle said...

I recently read Kaths books and met her in melbourne and brought lots of her new range of fabric. Now I'm trying to push my colour boundaries!