Tuesday 3 January 2017

Creativity Takes Courage

      Ever since I participated in the 2015 Fabric Quilt block challenge and blog hop I've wanted to design more quilts.  I included quilt design in my goals for 2016 and again in 2017.  The problem is  I have trouble getting around to it.  So when Sandra at Musings of a Menopausal Melon mentioned she wanted to work on a 30 quilt design challenge this winter I offered to do it along with her. It's modelled on the 2016 challenge by Rachel of Stitched in Color. We're inviting anyone who wants to, to join us in this project.  Here's how it works.  I copied this from Sandra's post:

Who:  Anyone!

What: 

  • Design a quilt block or an entire quilt.  If you draw a quilt block, maybe put a few together to see what an overall pattern might look like.  Add some colour.  Just as Rachel said in her challenge, you can use non-original blocks, but re-invent them by changing up colour or value, or put two non-original different ones together and see what magic can occur!
  • You may submit hand-drawn designs or digital designs.  Personally I find there is something relaxing and Zen-like in getting out the old Crayola pencil crayons and notebook...
  • No construction directions needed.
  • The goal is to create 30 quilt designs by March 15.

Where:

  • Take a photo of your design, number it, and post it on Instagram using the following hashtag:
#30quiltdesignschallenge2017
  • Please tag each photo @mmmquilts and @sunlightinwinterquilts so we can see your designs!
  • Be sure to number each design.
  • To be eligible for prizes, be sure to follow both @mmmquilts and @sunlightinwinterquilts

When:  Today, January 2 - March 15, 2017


Why:  Because as Matisse Says "Creativity Takes Courage" 

and as Helen Keller says"Life is either a daring adventure, or 

nothing at all"


    There will be prizes but we are still working out the details on these.  For now Sandra has offered a couple of prizes on her blog and I'm throwing in  one or two of my own.  A charm pack of rainbow coloured charms I'll cut from my stash and as I'm working on a couple of quilts with my "Handmade" fabrics by Allison Glass, I'll make up a charm pack from those as well. Here's a selection of my Handmade stash:



     Here's my first design which I'm calling Pipe Dream.  It's made of two blocks that I've randomly put together.


          A couple of folks have joined us already.  I hope you will too. I'm linking up with Lorna at Sew Fresh Quilts for Let's Bee Social.   






    






14 comments:

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

Creativity does take courage! I'm so glad you found a way to make design fun and challenge yourself, and I look forward to seeing your designs evolve. :)

Chantal said...

I would love to design some blocks. I love "making up" stuff. What happen if I don't have a cell phone? :^{
Love the Pipe Dream block. Great start! ;^)

Diana @ Red Delicious Life said...

What a great way to put yourself out there and tackle that goal of designing more. Knowing what I have coming up between now and March, I'll have to watch from the sidelines but it definitely sounds like fun!

Tish Stemple said...

I love that you guys are doing this. I'm still on the fence about joining in. Waiting for inspiration to strike :)

Kate @ Smiles From Kate said...

You certainly have the courage Lisa, Pipe Dream is such a great start, well done. I can't commit to joining in but I will look forward to following.

Jayne said...

I'm excited to follow along with your progress! It's hard to take the designing step...but your can do it!

Raewyn said...

What a great way to learn!! I'd love to take part but the first 3 months of this year are a busy time for me...I will watch your creativity grow with interest!!!

Sarah @ Berry Barn Designs said...

That Pipe Dream layout is neat! Great idea doing the challenge together : )

Sandra Walker said...

Very excited to do this with you Lisa. :-) Love this design and the colourway you did it in.

Bernie Kringel said...

Look at this! What a fun design. I haven't played with Quiltography for a long time. This makes me want to get it out and spend a bit of time with it. I will have more time after my son's wedding. For now though, all things revolve around that trip. Lots to do!!

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

I want to be able to design but I can't seem to get my creative juices flowing, so I'm hoping this will help me. I'm in!

Puppilalla said...

Amazing initiative! May I advertise and repost on my blog?

helenjean@midgetgemquilts said...

gosh 30 between now and march - that's a great challenge - if only I was organised enough to join in. I have ideas but when faced with a piece of paper and pencil they all dry up very quickly

Cut&Alter said...

Oh what a wonderful idea Lisa! I wasn't in the right place to play along last year so it's wonderful to have the opportunity to now. Also it's just the right time for me .... having recently installed EQ7! I am enjoying seeing yours on IG already and will be sure to link up.