Saturday, February 24, 2018

Bars 2 Quilt

My stack of baby quilts finally ran out at year's end. Good news that they all found homes but more will be needed soon. Plus, having reserves was one of my smarter moves. I decided to replenish the stack by using extras/leftovers from larger projects. {Yes, I have a bunch of Chinese Coin tops, too, that I'm holding on to in case I'm asked to demonstrate them again.} So here's the first baby quilt for the TBD pile.  These light sections came from the Bars workshop so this is Bars 2.

Since I didn't start numbering my quilts in the beginning, I've decided to number them within series. It's so much easier to name these quilts sequentially rather than coming up with original names. {I've never been good at that.} Frankly, many of my quilts begin with a traditional block idea.

Pastel bar sections for a baby quilt

As you can see, the photo above was taken at night so the lighting is off. It's another one taken before I got wrapped up in making class samples for the Chinese Coin demo. Some more sets with white are waiting to become the Bars 3 baby quilt but I don't have a photo of them yet.

Once the sections are sewn, they easily move around until the final arrangement takes form. The simplicity and speed of construction are advantages of small quilts that I must remember.

Bars  2 quilt top

Pinwheels have been my leader/ender project since the end of the year. Wow, these fabrics are dark. They were made from squarish remnants. I'm not sure why I didn't cut them into Coins but found this a nice change. No idea what they will become but again, it's good to have a small stash ready for an occasion.

Leader/Ender project 

Tuesday will be the next AHIQ linkup. Kaja invited us to work on scale changes but we're interested in all utility or improvisational work. I'm wrapped up in family issues but found something to share. What about you? Please join in; your posts are my late night relaxation for now and serious food for thought when we are scared to make a leap into creativity.

Enjoy the day, Ann

15 comments:

PaulaB quilts said...

That's a charming bars quilt for a baby. Making smaller projects is a good idea. They can be samples for your lessons or gifted.

Kaja said...

One of the beauties of working with a simple shape is that the focus is all on the colour play. I like your policy of stockpiling against future babies.

beth s said...

Ooh! I love those bars. :)

audrey said...

I will have to remember the like-fabric strips of coins. I used it once before and it really is efficient like you say in arranging and rearranging. Your solid color coins are gorgeous. Excellent blend of colors!

Nifty Quilts said...

There's something really wonderful about the solid bar quilts you've made. It must be your inspired color selection.

Ann said...

Thank you, Paula. I’m discovering the joys of simple utility quilts for babies. Always better to for them to use quilts and learn to love them than for the quilts to be set aside for some nebulous future time. And who knew small quilts could be so fun and easy.

Ann said...

I hadn’t realized this until you mentioned it. One-block quilts are perfect for color play. It certainly is a delight to have a limited area and shape to use.
“Stockpiling against future babies” ROTFLOL We really need to guard against them; especially the orange-headed one on this side of the ocean.

Ann said...

You and me, Audrey. It’s amazingly effective and quick to use. Perfect when we need a quick utility quilt. I enjoy using the leftover blocks this way - i.e., making a second smaller quilt.

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

Love the colours in your 'bars' quilt, the pastels mix in so nicely with all your greens!

Ann said...

Thank you, Lee Ann. I was inspired by Tara’s use of solids, something I haven’t used since the 80s. They certainly make a strong color study

Ann said...

Thanks, Linda. There were bunches of green in this too. I guess I’m hoping for an early spring.

Cynthia Brunz Designs said...

I really like those solids made into a coin quilt. Nice job. Thanks for sharing with Oh Scrap!

Ann said...

Thanks for hosting Oh Scrap, Cynthia. Tara's class was enjoyable. You should take one if you ever have the opportunity.

Mel Beach said...

You are already onto your 2nd quilt from Tara's workshop whereas I am still working my way through my first!?!? You are amazing, as is this second quilt top!

Nancy said...

Love, love, love both the coins and the pinwheels. Great colors in both!