Working on a Reader’s Challenge
I have always wanted to enter a reader’s challenge and this week I finally did. Quilting Arts magazine had a challenge to create a mini-quilt with the theme of “Art in the Park,” and I had an idea from our trip to San Diego last year, so I decided to try.
Now that the “quiltlet” is done, I think it is pretty, but not exactly original. But I learned so much from working on a small scale for once. (And if it’s not chosen, I’ll show it here!)
How can I fit all this stuff into an 8″ x 8″ square? It barely fits in my house!
Working in small scale made me think harder about how all the elements work with each other and with the whole. I limited myself to one kind of fabric, one thread color, and only two kinds of embellishment to keep the quilt cohesive. But I spent a lot of time experimenting with composition and color placement before I got an arrangement that is interesting and balanced.
I think I could have made a crib quilt in the same amount of time, but I would not have learned as much!
This sounds like fun. I had never done a challenge before but am participating in one now, to make a 70″ and 30″ “cot to coffin” quilt, to commemorate my town’s part in the War of 1812. It’s very different to make a quilt specifically for outside eyes and not just to please myself! I hope to see your quiltlet someday!
I have never heard of a “cot to coffin” quilt, and it sounds intriguing, but also intimidating! I just searched your blog and saw that you have done some posts about it, so I will be reading those through to learn more.
I definitely kept myself on the safe side with the little quiltlet – I was already out of my comfort zone by working on something small and detailed, and I didn’t have the time to experiment wildly and then see if it was effective. I just wanted to get it done and submitted. The good thing is that I can always add more later. But you are right, you feel those eyes evaluating even while you are still making something.
“Challenge Quilts” that aren’t a “challenge”/learning experience could really be termed a failure. Having just completed a challenge project, I can attest (as can DH) to how much I have learned as I labored to complete it. Can’t wait to see your finish. Mine will have to wait til later in May.
I enjoyed trying that small challenge, and I look forward to seeing your in May!
🙂