Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Skyline Quilt

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you've probably seen a peek at my current project.  If you don't recognize it, it's the Memphis skyline, and for the past couple of days, I have been making really good progress.


With the "M" bridge and pyramid, Memphis' skyline is pretty distinctive, and it took a good bit of sketching and quilt math to get the proportions right.  I don't want to use someone else's photo of the actual skyline without permission, but a quick internet search will pull up several images so you can compare.  I'm pretty pleased with how closely it reflects the real thing.

I used the improv methods from my book to piece the background, along with Kona Black.  The skyline is 20" tall and a full 72" wide.  My plan is to fill out the quilt with plenty of scrappy improv goodness, centering the skyline from top to bottom.  All of my improv piecing is done without pressing because that's just how I roll, and Stash Statement gives tips for this, which makes it much faster and easier than you might think!


I already have half of the improv panels pieced, and I'm planning to have a finished quilt top by the weekend, so stay tuned!

Before we link up, let's check out some of my favorites from last week's party!  Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts linked up this gorgeous Moonrise quilt, and I love both the quilt and setting!


Elana at That Fabric Feeling showed off her Wish Upon a Star quilt.  I love the scrappiness!


This Rainbow Panes mini is by Liz at Savor Every Stitch.  Scrappy improv and a rainbow?? Of course I have all the heart eyes for this one!


This Royal Wedding Quilt is by The Lilac Cat.  Love it!


And finally, this beauty is by Shannon at The Flemings Nine.


Yes, there was a little extra eye-candy this week, because I couldn't force myself to choose just three. Y'all rock!  Time to show me what you've got this week.  Bring it on!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!
2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.
3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link.  
4. Spread the comment love far and wide!
5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)

25 comments:

  1. That skyline is fabulous, can hardly wait to see it finished! So creative!

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    1. Thank you so much, Kathy! I can't wait to finish it!

      :) Kelly

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  2. Love your skyline quilt - the sky just sparkles!

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  3. I love what you're doing with that skyline!!! Brilliant!

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    1. Thank you so much, Nancy! I am looking forward to getting it all finished up.

      :) Kelly

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  4. I love your improv Skyline quilt, we've visited Memphis years ago, and really loved it! Great music and fantastic ribs! Thanks for the memories :)

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    1. Thank you! Memphis is a fun city with lots to do. So glad you like the quilt.

      :) Kelly

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  5. I've never been to Memphis, but I like your Skyline quilt with those improv blocks in the background! Will be fun to see this one finished. Thanks for hosting the linky party!

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    1. Thank you, Wendy! I'm glad you like it! And you're welcome. I love hosting NTT!

      :) Kelly

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  6. Thank you for featuring my Moonrise quilt! Your skyline is a fabulous idea! I'm fascinated at how many ways you've come up with using the improv panels!

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    1. you're so welcome, Laura! Love your quilt. And thank you! Memphis' skyline is so distinctive, and it has been really fun to design. The trick with the improv is to use them as you would a single fabric. As long as they are the only "busy" thing in the quilt, it works!

      :) Kelly

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  7. We visited Memphis just last month! Stayed at Tom Sawyer campground just across the river. Rode bikes on the bridge across the river to the Pyramid:) So yes I recognized the skyline in your quilt!!

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    1. That's awesome, Vicki! Big River Crossing is so cool. I'm happy you like the quilt!

      :) Kelly

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  8. There are some fabulous colors and fabrics in your skyline pieces!

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    1. Thank you so much, Shannon! I'm glad you like it. I can't wait to finish up the top.

      :) Kelly

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  9. That is so perfect! You come up with so many brilliant ideas!

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    1. Aw! Thank you, Jayne! I'm glad you think so, but of course, I think the same thing when I see all of your awesome projects.

      :) Kelly

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    1. Thank you so much, Pamela! I'm so happy you like it.

      :) Kelly

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  11. The Memphis Skyline piece is really wonderful. Great eye candy too.

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  12. Kelly your skyline is fabulous. And, I'm in awe of the quilts you've highlighted. I can't even pick a favorite! Your new book is going on Christmas Wish List I'm sending to my kids later this year. It is really cool. Congratulations.

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  13. The skyline looks great. Love the quilts you featured -- beautiful.

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