My quilting memories

An article by Rachel    1 Comment

Many of my finished creations become gifts. I get to enjoy the fabric while I create, cultivating memories as I go. Then the creation finds a new home. Many of my memories are all tied up in fabric that isn’t a part of my life. Well, I’m about to change that.

I fell in love with the Charm Quilts featured in the March/April issue of Fons & Porter. I loved the idea of creating a quilt using each fabric just once. I should mention that I’m a little surprised that I like this concept so much. Under normal circumstances, I’m not fond of scappy quilts.

I decided to make my own charm quilt, using scraps from all the quilts that I’ve made. I’m using the half hexagon shape. I actually like the apple core shape more, but I already have an apple core quilt. It is time to expand my horizons.

I went through all my quilt scraps. The scrap needs to be about 2″x5″. I decided I could only use fabric if I’ve already used it in a project. The project doesn’t necessarily need to be done. Unfinished objects count. I have about 150 scraps. I cut them into half hexagons. Not the best picture, but you get the idea.

Next I started to piece the hexagons into triangles. Each triangle contains 1 light, 1 medium, and 1 dark fabric. I think making designs with value is the only way to make a scrap quilt look good.

Eventually, I’ll join the triangles into hexagons to make the pinwheel like shape with the light fabrics.

So far the value is working. Some of the mediums and darks a little close in value. The mediums and darks form alternate to form their own pinwheel. It will be interesting to see how it all turns out in the end.

The finished hexagons will be stored in this lovely box waiting to become a quilt.