Wednesday, February 3, 2016

January Progress on Quilty 365

Eighty-nine circles through the end of January. Much brighter colors this month. I didn't realize I'd used so much red and orange.

Quilty365 circles for January 2016

I'm enjoying this project on my own terms. Which means:
  • Pulling background fabrics from hither and yon, cutting them into squares, and stashing them in a ziplock. 
  • Putting smaller remnants in ziplock #2 for circle consideration.
  • Occasionally sewing crumbs into a piece large enough for a circle and adding those to ziplock #2.
  • Writing an event and date on each finished block.
  • Keeping a stash of red fabrics for "red circle days."
Equally enjoyable is seeing the many different ways people have approached this QAL. Especially notable to me are Stephie's fabulously artistic, expressive creations. Her abstract pieces convey so much emotion that I could look at them for hours. On the other hand, Shasta's style runs to the fun, funky side. Her circles make me laugh as I wonder what she'll pull out of her hat tomorrow! What a treat to see how two artists with vastly different styles work within the same parameters.

These are just the tip of the iceberg. Be sure to check all of the current work at Audrey's Quilty365.

Enjoy the day, Ann

38 comments:

Mary said...

I love your rules and approach to this project.

Sew of Course said...

I like where this is going!

LA Paylor said...

aqua and red, a winning combo. I admire these circles being made, and the many ways to make them.LeeAnna

Quilting Babcia said...

I love how all your background fabrics all blend together so perfectly, and accentuate your circles perfectly. May you have just as many red-letter days in February!

Ann said...

Thanks, Mary. I'm so impressed with everyone's variations. I never thought there could be so many different ways to approach this project. What fun to see where everyone has been each month.

Ann said...

Thanks, Sandra. Aren't we having fun with this? I'm so glad Audrey thought this up.

Ann said...

Thanks, LeeAnna. I'm pulling fabrics from current projects and am so glad I'm using the reds I love.

Ann said...

Thanks. I started with some light blues and aquas so I'm trying to stay with backgrounds that blend with that. Of course, I still throw in some zingers. We have several red-letter days planned. I hope you have as wonderful a month.

liniecat said...

Your circles are so striking and 'warm', maybe its the red but yours seem so happy and joyful somehow! By that comparison mine are subtle but dull LOL
My next batch will be livelier though since I deliberately chose to make several smaller lap sized covers with them rather than one huge whole. Looking forward to see where your colours go next!

Ann said...

Haha. We are twins. I liked mine in December but thought they were subtle and becoming a bit dull. That’s part of the reason I deliberately looked for brighter circles this month.

audrey said...

Your fun look circles are making me want to ditch my muted ones for some livelier fabrics! The red and aqua looks very 'you' though!

Ann said...

Well, I liked my previous ones but thought they were getting a bit understated. This month is "loud and proud." Hopefully, they will meet in the middle when combined. :-)

Janie said...

Red is a good color for winter,it warms and brightens.

Mystic Quilter said...

Lovely circles for January and great organisation.

VivJM said...

Ooh, they are a lovely selection. I adore all the red and orange and am particularly drawn to the block with two smaller circles.

Monica said...

I also find that I keep coming up with very similar colour schemes from one project to the next. Your approach seems very sensible to me, and the result is lovely!

Ann said...

Thanks, Janie. Red is one of my favorites. You're right, it's especially warming in winter.

Ann said...

Thanks, Maureen. They aren't particularly organized; I'm still deciding whether or not not put them in chronological order.

Ann said...

Thanks, Viv. I added those small circles to a background that had a large orange bud on it. They seemed to go together.

Ann said...

I've been thinking about that, Monica, and think it's because we're pulling remnants from previous tops. So hopefully, the next quilt will change the color choices for us both.

Kaja said...

I like these a lot and together they have a lovely warm, happy feel. Every time I look at your work I think I must try using more red.

pandchintz said...

Such bright, cheery circles.

Angie said...

What a great fabric story your circles tell!

Doris Perlhuhn said...

Your colors make me smile they bringten my day.

Lara B. said...

Ann your 365 quilt is gorgeous! It is really fun seeing people's individual approaches.

Ann said...

It's funny how different the shades of each color can be. These are happy reds. I love red but got a bit put-off by the neon reds of a few years ago. Thanks for writing, Kaja.

Ann said...

Thanks for writing. I did want something cheery.

Ann said...

Thanks, Angie. I'm so impressed with everyone's approach to these circles.

Ann said...

Thanks, Doris. I was going for happy with these.

Ann said...

Who'd have thought simple circles could express so much diversity. It's a treat to see what everyone does with them.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

Thank you for the mention Ann! I appreciate the compliment. I really enjoy making these blocks. I sometimes doubt myself, but I have decided as long as I am having fun, it is the process and not the end result that matters.

Ann said...

Your take on these circles has a child-like joy. I'm glad you're having fun; I certainly look forward to your results every month.

Cathy said...

Your circles shout joy. I think I'm going to love your finished quilt. I love it already.

Ann said...

Well, thanks, Cathy. They are colors I enjoy; glad to know the feeling caries through.

Mel said...

Such interesting blocks with subtle but fun variety! I wonder if all the red and orange was you getting ready to celebrate Valentine's day?!?

Ann said...

Thanks, Mel, for the encouragement. I thought last month had more variety; guess that's why I was surprised when I laid this month out. After all, red is my favorite color. ;-)
Getting ready for Vday is a good story. I'll stick with it!

Stephie said...

Your January blocks are so uplifting Ann, just what we need in the darker months here. It's always so grey and wet in the early part of the year in Cornwall. The reds look great on the blue backgrounds. I wonder if you'll keep them in monthly order when you piece them together? (PS thank you for your very kind words! I'm flattered that you like the way I'm plodding on through.)

Ann said...

Just last week I saw the cherry and pear trees blossoming here. Wow. That seems early. I love red; hope these all go together. No, I'm not planning to put them in date order. In fact, I may quit writing the date on them. Some of my busier fabrics don't ink well.
I LOVE your circles. Still hoping to buy one.