I saw a bumper sticker the other day that simply read, “If it’s not fun, why do it?” And while that’s a cute, seemingly irrefutable bit of rhetoric, my first thought was… there are so many reasons. “Fun” is fabulous– but so is challenge, experimentation, even frustration.

Don’t misunderstand me. I loved making this quilt. But figuring out the pattern involved some ups and downs. Some unexpected turns that in the moment I wouldn’t have described as “fun” but which were an intrinsic part of the process. And it was all worth it for a finished product that I’m very pleased with.

I started off with the basic notion of intersecting rainbows, which I nested between strips of white and bits of black, then cut slightly off-kilter in blocks of varying sizes.

I almost always press my seams open, but these skinny strips were not very conducive to this– and it turns out I loved the different textural effect of seams pressed to the same side.

It probably goes without saying that making quilts is my favorite thing in the world. Obviously. But “fun” is only part of the appeal– making quilts is this wonderfully fluid, unexpected, and ultimately gratifying process. “Fun” is just the tip of the iceberg.

A couple of weeks ago, my mother gave me a magazine clipping about the artist Gustav Klimt– specifically, the tapestry-like element of his patterns and paintings. I like to think I do a pretty good job of coming up with original designs, but there’s nothing like a fresh source of inspiration.

Obviously, I departed a bit from the original source. For starters, my colors are much more vibrant and I don’t think this piece has that wonderfully spooky/mysterious aura that so much of Klimt’s work does. Like most of my work, it’s more playful and fun.

But I do hope I captured that visual sensation of an overall pattern that is both spontaneous and controlled, improvised but geometric…

Once I’d sketched out the overall design, it came together so easily– it’s just squares and stripes after all– but slowly because those little squares are only 1″ on each side. Fortunately we finally got a real New England snowstorm this weekend so I’m happy to be cuddling indoors in my sewing room.

I still haven’t given up on my mission to deplete my stash of scraps. The challenge of it is addictive– and truth be told, my bank account could stand another month or two of restricted fabric shopping

Alright. The randomly selected winner of the Quilter’s Way Giveaway is Beezus! Congrats!

Just send me an email at pippapatchwork@gmail.com with your full name and mailing address and I’ll send you your fabrics.

Thanks to everyone who participated and tried out the Quilter’s Way’s awesome online Kit Designer!

I’m very pleased to be one of the lucky individuals asked to introduce the Quilter’s Way’s new online tool: a Kit Designer which allows quilters to select a pattern, customize fabric choices, and then purchase all the necessary materials.

I think most quilters will agree that figuring out fabric requirements and visualizing the finished piece is one of the trickiest parts of the quilt design process, so this tool is an awesome resource for those who are looking for a user friendly, fun, and efficient way to plan their quilts. And it definitely helps cut back on potential fabric waste and excess purchases (which, ahem, I know we’re all guilty off).

One of my favorite features is that  you can share your design with others via email, Facebook, Twitter, or your blog, and get feedback before making a final decision.

First things first, you select a pattern from 14 options. Then, you click and drag your fabric choices to create your unique design. It’s so easy!

I loved playing around this simple Framed Squares design. And naturally, I had a blast picking and choosing from solid Kona cottons. As someone who loves simple, geoemetric designs that let the colors shine, being able to instantly experiment with different colorways was very gratifying– and clicking the ‘undo’ button when you want to change your color choice is a whole lot less painful than seam ripping.

Of course, I love all the solids to choose from– but they also have lots of great pattern collections. And once you’re happy with your design, you can purchase the required fabrics, in the correct amounts, with the click of a button.

It gets better, folks. Jane at Quilter’s Way has very generously given me four fat quarters of polka dots to give away to one lucky reader.

Just check out the Kit Designer and leave a comment on this post about your experience (my one warning: it’s addictive)! I’ll select a winner by the end of the day Saturday (January 21st). Good luck– and happy designing!

To finish off the hop, be sure to visit Laurie’s blog tomorrow.

Previous blogs include:

Monday– Alice

Tuesday– Jen

Wednesday– Aimee