process.ing a happy picnic quilt

Just a few days ago, I finally read this post over at R0ssie's.  Which led me to sign up for the process pledge.

Since then, I've really been thinking about what draws me in and inspires me, the steps I go through when I create, and lastly, those things that make me feel boxed in and are unappealing to me.

I guess we can all agree that bright colors draw me in.  That's pretty obvious just by looking at a little snippet of sewtakeahike.  I'm gonna tell on myself here, but I always tease my husband because when he goes to the grocery with me, *he's* the one that wants to pick up and bring home anything with bright, sparkly packaging.  Now, I realize I'm the same way, but with textiles.  *Note to self, no more teasing L-man about this!

Usually, I work best when I'm doing what I'll call semi-improv work.  I like to use templates, but with a layout that comes from me.  I rarely use just one fabric line in a quilt and love to mix up fabrics.  I usually don't know in my head or on paper what the end project will look like when I begin. 

The things that make me feel boxed in are quilt kits and quilt "patterns".  Kits are one thing I can say I never have, or ever will purchase.  I have purchased quilting patterns before, but for inspiration purposes only.

Taking the process pledge has made me realize that I would like to become more aware of things around me that inspire, and color combinations that speak to me.

Most recently, this quilt by Rita has completely inspired me.  It really has me thinking in half square triangles.  Last night, as I was folding and organizing some rogue fabrics that needed to be put away, I just happened to notice a white linen and a 2 inch red gingham  that needed to be married. 

Folding and organizing immediately ceased, and the "happy picnic quilt" was born.  And for some reason, I had a vision of this quilt finished before I began it (which has happened to me only one other time) and it's turning out just as I had imagined.

My plan is to get it into a quilt sandwich today, and start quilting it by this evening. 

And I'm going to put my arm out of my box and maybe a leg for the quilting. 

More on that as the Happy picnic quilt process continues, but it may have something to do with that first photo?

Comments

[Lynne]

I'm looking forward to seeing the quilting if those DMCs are going to be involved. Hand or machine I wonder.

[stephanie]

So happy & summery! That red gingham is the perfect picnic fabric. I'm finishing up a half square triangle quilt this weekend - I can't get enough of them!

[Rossie]

gorgeous quilt. so simple and lovely.

[Nancy]

I love this..it is going to turn out great. So fresh and tantalizingly picnicky!

[Amy]

I love this. I love the simplicity of red and white.

[wishes, true and kind]

I love that you dropped everything to start the project! Yes, they absolutely did need to be married, and now the happy couple can always be together.

[Renee Lange]

Your first picture drew me in right away and then the quilt! Simple and stunning altogether. Can't wait to see what you will do with those fun colorful yarn!

[Marybeth]

How perfect for summer. I can't wait to see how you quilt it!!!

[erica]

what a great picnic quilt! I love how summery bright this is.

[Arlene]

Great use of color and so like you. Love it, Penny. You rock!

[Thimbleanna]

Very fun Penny! I'll bet you'll have many a happy picnic with that quilt!

I feel the same way that you do about kits. I've only ever purchased a few, but they're still on my shelves. I've fallen victim to the fat quarter stacks lately, 'cause I just can't choose only a few prints in a line, but I tend to break them up when I get home and add them to my stash. I am hoping to use the kits that I have though -- I think they make good gifts when I need something quick and don't have the time for planning a quilt.

Happy Quilting!

[Tara]

Wow--hand quilting? So fun-- so ambitious. I have fabric for a happy picnic quilt my self and this might just work for me! If not, it can be the happy picnic quilt pillow for the same event!

[Anna]

looks beautiful! I just found out that rossie grew up in the town I live in. small world huh?

[Marit]

Very fresh!
; )

[Dayna]

"Happy", indeed! You have such fantastic ideas! I can't wait to see the finished product.

[Cindy]

Oh, I love it! I'll bring the basket filled with goodies and you bring the quilt!:) So fresh and pretty- perfect for a summer picnic!! Can't wait to see it finished!

[Suzanne]

I feel hungry for a picnic already. Thanks for sharing the inspiration quilt too. It was a beauty.

[Tammy Gilley]

this makes me want to break out the picnicware and fry up some chicken!! love it.

[nanette]

Gosh I love this. Really. I'm the same way. I make a few quilts a year by patterns, but mostly not. I'm inspired by blogs and books though. I love this. Whenever I come to your blog I think "I wonder what Penny is up to." I'm never disappointed.

[Casey]

I love this!! I would love to have one just like it!

[Nanette]

Love the scale, simplicity and of course fabric/color.