Monday 9 March 2015

Possum Magic - Serena's quilt

I had fun working on Serena's Possum Magic quilt in February.  Serena blogs at Sew Giving for those of you who don't know her already. She's a very generous person, so the name of her blog is very appropriate. She's always making things for other people.



When I received the quilt from Alice I was quite unsure about what I would do with it. I personally felt it needed some depth and some darker colours, but when I shared my tentative plans, readers were horrified. Of course, they were politely horrified, and no one actually said "What are you thinking?!!" but I could tell that's what they meant.



So I had to give in and go and buy some low volume grey fabric! Yes, it was the first time in my life that I had stood in that corner of the fabric store, but it had to be done. 




I came home with some nice grey fabric, and then I realised it was Art Gallery fabric, so that cheered me up. I'd used Art Gallery fabrics on Carla's Possum Magic quilt and it had turned out really well. 


Carls'a quilt. 

I still wanted to use the multi-coloured spotty fabric, so I cut a few blocks to see how it would look on the grey. I liked it so decided to continue down that path.




My thinking is that they grey strips can provide a link through to the next border which will be added by Sharon. Then there's only Jo left to add her border and the quilt will be back with Serena by July. 




I know that Serena is really pleased with how this quilt is turning out. From what I've seen online, I think it will work really well in her house.  The quilt now measures 67" x 67".

I'm looking forward to seeing my own quilt again. Rebecca in Tauranga has two months to work on it, and then she will send it to Alice in Wellington. I don't know if Alice will let me have a sneak peak before she adds her border, or if I'll have to wait until she's finished.  Quilts can look so different in photos compared to real life, so I'm eager to see mine in real life.

You can see the progress of each of the quilts in the Possum Magic tab at the top of my blog.

20 comments:

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

It sounds like the Possum Magic quilts has been a great way for everyone to stretch and try something new. I really like the way your border frames out the center so nicely. It is going to be fun to see how they all finish up shortly!

Lorraine said...

This is a really interesting project Wendy!

Bethany said...

This is so lovely!!! I adore how this looks. Great job to you all! (And now, I seriously want to be in a round robin!!)

Mindy said...

The grey fabric works really well as the background, and I love the use of color. Beautiful quilt.

Serena @ Sewgiving said...

Low Volune fabric against a rainbow of colour and the beautiful hand of Art Gallery fabrics - I'm feeling very spoilt! Thanks Wendy :)

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

This is looking great! I think you have continued the bright colour theme beautifully, even if it's slightly deeper. Continuing the overall grey/low volume backgrounds seems to keep it all flowing well. Looking forward to seeing what happens next! Linda

Helen@Till We Quilt Again said...

It is so nice that you have a group that love the bright colors the way you do. It is also fun to see all the variety of ways that you use them!

Designing Duo said...

In my judge's eye, you were so right to add the deeper fabrics in your border as it frames and value balances the top so well! And since there's a final border coming, it was wise to interject the grey rectangles to allow the lighter quilt center to flow through to the very last border. I've not seen the multi-color dot with black background fabric, and love it! Who's the manufacturer, and what collection name is it?

Granny Maud's Girl said...

Serena has sold her house and is moving! We will have to remake the whole thing to suit her new house!
Ha ha! Only kidding. She is moving, but I am sure this will look lovely in the new place.

Unknown said...

Amazing all those different blocks, colors and fabrics and such a beauty!!!!

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hi Wendy! This quilt looks gorgeus! I'm looking for to see it finished! x Teje

Kerstin said...

Good choice for your addition!

Jayne said...

Such a beauty! You did a great job, I love the border!

Myra @ Busy Hands Quilts said...

Looks like you made the right decision! Great border.

Mack and Mabel said...

I love your choices. it looks great.

Rebecca said...

This is really pretty!

Marie Joerger said...

Rocking the Rainbow! Love this!!

Julie said...

I adore this - such a fun swap/group to belong to. You will all treasure the end results.

the zen quilter said...

Spectacular use of color, really a beautiful quilt! Love it.

JanineMarie said...

I love seeing how quilts change "direction" with each border added. And using the bright, deeper colors you prefer along with the low volume fabric is a great way to extend the quilt while providing continuity. I can't wait to see what the next direction will be.