Most of the quilts I design come from some sort of inspiration. Many times they start out very simple and evolve into something so much more. I so often get the question, “How do you come up with all of the quilting designs?” Today I am taking you down the design rabbit hole that I often find myself in.
Here’s one of the latest things I’ve been playing with.
Years ago, likely five years or more, I was at the thrift store and found this…
It’s gross, ratty and the colors are interesting. I likely paid 50 cents for it but why did I buy it? The block intrigued me. I don’t know that I’ve really seen it before. It doesn’t mean it’s not out there, it just means that I don’t remember seeing it.
I liked it. Simple construction…not a lot more to it than a beefed-up nine patch with two patches in the middle side position of the block.
I think was originally a quilt and once it wore out, they made it into this strapless bag.
Here is the other side.
The piecing work is a little wonky and not the sizes I regularly use so I ended up reworking it to sizes I prefer. Here’s the block I came up with…I think this would be a popular block as there are no triangles and the construction is pretty upfront.
I was curious as to what the block would look like in a quilt so I put the block in place.
Then I twisted the blocks and made them scrappy looking. That wasn’t my favorite.
Then I made the blocks two color like the original blocks. Hmm. I like that better.
Then something called me back to the first layout in purple. Then I started to think maybe this needs some sashing.
This is what I came up with…YEP…same block. Can you believe it??
I couldn’t believe that this simple block…
Could make this complex-looking design. Then I started playing with the colors at the center of the quilt…here they are pink.
Here all white.
This isn’t the final design…I’m saving that one and will likely submit it for publication. I want to keep you guessing a little bit. But the design is close…just a few tweaks to make it that much better.
Can you believe that sitting down at the computer with this thrift store piece for inspiration…
Lead to this quilt design. Who would have imagined?
The fun thing is if you would sit 15 EQ users down at computers and show them all this block, each of us would likely come up with some other design. Quilting always amazes me like that. When I sat down to design this, I had a scrappy quilt like this in mind.
So that is what I am playing with here…
If you’re interested in the EQ quilt designing program, you can find it HERE on Amazon.
WOW, that is amazing!!’
I have EQ 10 and it has updated, I should play with it. I haven’t done a thing with it for a few years. I get frustrated with it b/c I don’t know how to use it…mainly b/c I haven’t used it. You may have inspired me!! Spring is coming and I won’t have a place for flowers except in planters so they won’t take up much time, I better get busy with designing some quilts!!
I am anxious to see what your son does with his “new” house!!! I love all of the old homes in the small towns in Iowa. Most have such beautiful woodwork. I have spent a good part of the last year at my cousins’ home in Liscomb. They have an old house that is like a museum!! I have enjoyed it. We have visited many of the towns around and shopped in the gift shops and eaten in the local restaurants. I have moved back to Minnesota and miss Iowa!
Thanks for all the looks into your life, I have laughed and cried at the stories…you have a beautiful family, full of love!
Love it! Your design is going to be a beautiful quilt.
I really enjoyed reading about the creative thinking process you went through for a final design. I used to teach college writing and there is a similar process, starting with what we used to call “the sloppy copy,” and ending up with a final unified essay that is pleasing and satisfying for both the writer and the audience. I am not creative in the sense you are, coming up with original patterns, but I am happy to copy what you and others have done, perhaps only tweaking the fabrics. By the way, did you know your Moment of Zen Quilt kit is sold out?!! I did order one the first day you blogged about it (thank goodness!) and am SO excited to start it this summer.
That’s incredible, Jo!!!
I really like the purple and white layout that looks like a quilt full of steps up to somewhere.the others are fun. I also like the one with the blue sashing. I could dive down that rabbit He and never come up.
Wow! I really like what you came up with! I recently subscribed to The American Patchwork and Quilting magazine just to see your designs that are to be published! And, I don’t even quilt! Hahaha!!
Hi Jo
Love love the purple with pink centre, I hope you know what an inspiration you are to me and many.
Love to you and your amazing family & friends.
Christina
UK.
I think this quilt would look nice reversing the lights and darks in every other block. It’s nice to be able to try it out in EQ before you actually make the blocks or shade them with colored pencils on paper.
Wow, its hard to believe that one block can look so different based on position and colors used. I do hope it gets picked up for publication.
Ooooh, I love this design. Please, please make a queen size available in your pattern design! This needs to go on my bed…
Thanks for all you do!
What fun….who knew play could bring such wonderment! This begs the question, what if I….what would happen if the disappearing 9 path trick were used? Might have to try that. Thank you for all you do.