So, here it is. Version one of a new pattern I'm designing. Despite all its imperfections and mistakes, I'm happy with the way it turned out. The design uses a few very basic block designs, including "lazy angle," half square triangle, and whatever that clipped corner square is called. My intention was to create a cloud hovering over a gradient sky, and I included both solids and prints to create dimension and interest. Since this was mostly a learning/practice project to perfect the design, I'll mostly talk about its flaws (though you're free to admire its glowing qualities as well).
First off, the gradient went too light at the bottom left corner, making the cloud too difficult to see. The easy fix, of course, is to start darker. The next glaring mistake was in my initial mental calculation for how to cut and assemble the clipped-corner-square blocks. After talking it over with my math teacher husband, I made a line graph that quickly and easily solved my problem, so version two will have perfectly matched seams. Lastly, I ran out of one of the fabrics I had selected, which threw off my gradient in the top left corner and required a bit of muddling to get right again. Next time, buy more fabric!
One thing I'm completely happy with is the quilting design. The simple wavy lines, overlapping in random spots, adds some movement, like wind, so I can almost imagine the cloud can move across the fabric background. I also love, love, love the bright yellow fabric print I chose for the binding. It pops so nicely with the blue and aqua shades and adds a feeling of sunshine coming through the clouds.
I think my next version will be a larger, maybe lap-size, quilt with a repeating cloud motif or just larger-scale single cloud. Either way, it's a design I love that I will pursue as soon as I wrap up a few more projects in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, I think this mini will become a thank-you gift for a woman who was, in a way, an integral part in the creation of this piece. I hope she likes it as much as I do!
