Friday 6 September 2019

"finding beauty in the ordinary"







I'm loving these low-key ordinary blocks, so restful.











Karen Lewis' book wabi sabi sewing is full of projects "inspired by the wabi-sabi ethos of finding beauty in the ordinary, repairing rather than discarding, and appreciating simple design".

Inspired by Karen's scrappy log cabin quilt and her ideas of using bits of this & that when we run out, I decided to make another quilt.  
I started out raiding my scrap baskets, using a selection of low volume scraps of mismatched fabrics, mainly in blues, white & creams teamed up with mustard and just a wee 'pop' of coral. 
I did run out of course, but a new infusion of low volumes this week prompted me to get busy making up more 12" log cabin blocks. And to add to the perfectly (im)perfect vibe, all my centre squares are different sizes. I kept going until I had 20 blocks, set 4 x 5., a nice throw sized quilt.
I'm planning on machine quilting in the ditch around the block seams, and then adding in free form hand quilted details to each block.



Linking up with Kelly here for 'needle and thread Thursday'
and here at alyciaquilts for 'finished {or not} Friday'
and over here with Wendy for this weekends 'peacock party'
Until next time, Linda

18 comments:

Quilting Babcia said...

There can be serenity in simplicity! Love the way this is looking.

Julierose said...

this quilt is so soothing looking...nice work hugs, Julierose

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

That is simple and lovely, Linda! I really like the blue centers and the mustard added in!

Susan said...

Another winner Linda! I really do admire the knack you have in putting fabric together! Those little pieces of red and orange are wonderful, offset with the blues and neutrals!

Kate said...

Very effective use of scraps. Love those pops of colors in the centers.

Preeti said...

There is indeed beauty in simplicity. A simple quilt also means that you can focus on quilting and those pops of orange really sing and dance. Congratulations on a fabulous finish!!!

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

I think this is one of my favorites this week! I love the mix of fabrics and I love the Wabi Sabi idea!! YAY for you for this interpretation!!!!

Jess Pugh said...

Simple, yet lovely. Love the pops of color throughout.

Andrea @ Mouse in My Pocket said...

This is absolutely beautiful. I love a good improvised quilt design.

Robin said...

It is so restful. Which is exactly what a quilt should be.

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

Thanks Robin. Every time I use lots of ‘low volume’ fabrics in a quilt, I fall in love just a bit more! They are so easy to live with, fitting in with almost any decor.
And, lately I’ve been going #sewsmall. I find making throw sized quilts are great – a chance to play with a new idea, use up stash fabrics, so not too heavy $ wise, and you get a quick–ish finish!
Have a good weekend, Linda

Mystic Quilter said...

A very calming quilt Linda! I love your use of the low volume fabrics, I'm not confident with them sadly, but perhaps another try in the future.

Anonymous said...

I like your term “low volume.” Such a good description. This quilt is feels restful.

The Joyful Quilter said...

Nice job on spreading the color pops around the quilt. They are little surprises in a sea of calm.

Julie said...

I love this Linda, so different from your usual quilts in colour paette, but still very you in that it has that vintage vibe you are so good at.

Karen S said...

These are lovely blocks and they look great in the quilt top. Great fabrics as always.

Cindy said...

This quilt says "Aahhhhh"....love it!!!!! Colors are perfect.

Janie said...

Hello Linda, thanks for the tip on Karen Lewis and her book Wabi Sabi, I like her design style.
Your Log Cabin blocks are beautiful with blues and coral 'pops'. Super quilt and color mix!