Page Buttons

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Quilt Show Mini

The Memphis area has only one real quilt show each year (that I know of).  It is at a local plantation, and it is a wonderful display of the time-honored traditions of quilting.  As you might guess in such a historic location, the quilts are absolutely gorgeous, but definitely very traditional.  Well this year, they're in for a little bit of a shakeup.

Our MQG chapter has decided to have a real presence at this year's show.  Even though there isn't a "Modern" category, we have each decided to enter a quilt (I'm entering Serendipity).  There are also tables for rent where groups can demonstrate a block or technique.  We really want to take this opportunity to show how awesome modern quilting is, so we're demonstrating improv quilting and letting visitors try it, and are each making a mini quilt that is an example of modern quilting to have at the table.  So this is how I spent a lot of my day yesterday-


(Why yes, I did scotch tape the quilt to the side of my house.  It works for this little bitty quilt, and I couldn't find anywhere better to photograph all of that busy color!)

It's small of course (only 24" square), but I think it packs a modern punch, don't you?  I used my improv piecing technique (sewing by color), then used those blocks with my Easy Peasy Chevron tutorial to create rainbow improv chevrons!  Each HST measures 3 inches finished.

I had so much fun with this one.  Don't you just love projects you can start and finish within a day or two?  I chose big, black and white polkadots for the backing, and I like the pop of the colors against it!


I was really torn about the binding for this one.  I almost used a solid gray binding, but I wanted something a little more interesting.  I decided on this type-text print I had on hand, and I think it looks so cute without being distracting.  This was a little bit of a risk for me, and I'm glad it paid off!


The quilt show is in two weeks, and I can't wait to show visitors a fresh, fun side of this amazing art form.

Here's my only issue.  I am not a mini-quilter.  This is the only mini I've ever made, and unless I have another specific purpose, probably the only one I will ever make.  I really like this quilt and it was fun to make something so quickly, but beyond the show, I don't know what I'm going to do with it.  I know I could hang it on the wall, but I don't really have the wall space.  I know I see tons of minis out there in the blogosphere.  So tell me, what do you do with them?

Edited 10/26- Since Blogger's Quilt Festival is going on right now, someone suggested that I enter this quilt in the mini category.  Makes sense...why didn't I think of that?  So, this is my second entry in the festival.  Shattered Rainbow is entered in the ROYGBIV category.  You can find this, and other amazing quilty inspiration on over at Amy's Creative Side.  Pop over and check it out!

Quilt Stats:
Name- Improv Rainbow Chevrons
Quilting- Free motion meandering by me
Entry Category- Mini Quilts


AmysCreativeSide.com



36 comments:

  1. I do believe there is a little girl who would love a doll quilt. Just a suggestion.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I sometimes use mini quilts as table toppers or wall hangings. I love the mini, by the way.

    ReplyDelete
  3. They make excellent gifts. I use some of mine under lamps on the end tables, too. I've even used them under the computer monitor to brighten up my workspace at the office.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The mini is fabulous - love a good rainbow! Mini's do make great gifts, you could turn it into a cushion or maybe a table topper? I love the binding choice too - very cool! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. So cute and makes a statement! I hang mine around the house and switch them out periodically. They really make everything happier. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. OMG love. I cannot think of a more perfect backing!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have a mini on top of my file cabinet. Table topper? Do you have a cat? great mat for it to sleep on. However you use it....it's beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great mini!
    I have just finished two minis myself, my first two EVER. They will be wallhangings for my sewing room.
    Why don't you add your mini to the mini category in the Bloggers Quilt Festival? I am sure people will love seeing it!
    Esther

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love that mini, and yes I love quicky projects, so much satisfaction in a short amount of time.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Beautiful mini, I use some of mine for table runners or toppers.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great mini! I make some and hang some, use as table toppers and runners. If they aren't too large they can be placemats. They are fun to change out from time to time for a new look. They make great gifts.! Surely there is a little girl who needs a dolly quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is a gorgeous mini! Great job! Loving it! I know lots of people giveaway their mini's and especially if they don't have the wall space or what not. :o) I know plenty that hang them also... I know I need a few on my walls!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I think it's definitely modern enough and so eye-catching. As always your colours are great. No idea what to do with minis (never made one).

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a fun idea for a show location AND your table idea sounds like a great time as well!!! And of course the mini is awesome as usual. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Yep - table topper for this one - or else use it for a gift. I make a lot of minis so I can actually have something finished - haahaaa!!!! (I am a hand-quilter, so things take a bit longer to complete!!)
    I use them on my coffee table and other tables, changing them out as the notion takes me. I really love your rainbow version - so fun!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Darling quilt - y'all are going to really shake up your quilt show!!! Love it!!!!! Little quilts like this are perfect for NICU units - they fit the isolettes and the parents can take them home when the baby goes home.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Kelly this is just so pretty. I love how you shake up the fabric with each new quilt you make!
    Maybe a little excitement at that local quilt show will be a welcome change of pace... ;)

    I put an entry into the Mini Quilts Category at Amy's too and was thinking Mini's needed to be 80 inches or less... maybe Small Quilts would work for this beauty ?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Is it too large to be considered a preemie quilt for the local hospital?

    ReplyDelete
  19. Please post lots of pics of your quilt show!! I always find 'found' space to hang small quilts, like along the stairs, or in the entry, or over part of the bulletin board (just for awhile). They also make interesting 'curtains' for small windows. XX!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love how it turned out and the reason for making it too. report back on how the modern style was received. At 24" this would look great on the table with a vase of flowers or even turned into a large floor pillow.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love it! It's so happy and fresh! As for what to do with it. . . I do not have the answer for that one. I have a lot of things sitting in a pile in the corner of my sewing room right now, but I'm loving some of the suggestions in the comment section! Good luck in the Quilt Festival!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Fun! Love your idea to demo improvisational quilting at a local show, too.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wow! That's a lot of color in a very small package.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Love the binding and what a great idea to enter the local show and give them a taste of something different. I'm not a mini maker either but thanks for joining up with Scraptastic Tuesday and showing us this gorgeous mini!

    ReplyDelete
  25. This is a great mini I've being doing a bit of Rainbow stalking for my Possum Magic round robin quilt, which has a rainbow theme and this has given me a couple of ideas...thankyou for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Really fabulous! I love quick projects sometimes too! Way to shake up the quilt show! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Beautiful quilt. I love it. I use blu-tack or drawing pins to hang the quilts and swap them occassionally if I have too many!

    ReplyDelete
  28. It looks great! I love how the colors flow into each other

    ReplyDelete
  29. Your mini is so beautiful. I will eagerly use it as inspiration for a baby quilt for my new granddaughter. -- soparkaveataoldotcom

    ReplyDelete
  30. This quilt is fantastic. I cannot resist a beautiful rainbow. I put one of my votes on this one! :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. I LOVE LOVE LOVE rainbow quilts and this one is so cute! I want to make one of my own!

    ReplyDelete
  32. How odd you go at the quilt airing with your modern quilts and stand? I love the rainbows you come up with. I don't really see the point of mini quilts either so i can't help you with that one!

    ReplyDelete
  33. My friends' children love the mini quilts I make. They use them for all kinds of cool applications: baby doll quilts, picnic mats for teddy bears, cape for doll/bear, wall hangings...

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for your comment and for visiting! I read and appreciate every single comment, and I reply to each one as soon as I can. If you don't hear back from me, you might be a no-reply blogger. :)

09 10 11 12
Blogging tips