Becoming a favorite on my Design Wall

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I was reading Rule-Breaking Quilts by Kathryn Schmidt. I used some of my free time over the holidays to try one of the exercises. My objective, which I think Kathryn would agree is an objective of the book, was to increase my comfort with just free cutting pieces of fabric rather than measuring precisely. I was challenged by this concept when I took Pat Pauly's class earlier this fall and figured I could use some more experimentation. Kathryn's book gave me a bit of a structure which I really appreciated.

To start, I followed the basic instructions rather strictly. I wound up with a set of blocks.

At about that point, you are sort of encouraged to 'get creative' in assembling them into a quilt. Kathryn gives you some pointers but your finished quilt is really your own creation. After a few days of staring at the blocks, I decided to start playing. It didn't take me too long to come up with a design that I liked enough to sew together.

 I credit Kathryn's tips and many photos for the quickness of my progress. I actually found myself liking the piece the more I walked by it. So, I decided to work a bit on some additional borders to bump its size up a bit. And, I liked it even more. So, I added some more. What is interesting is how this last border really changed the balance of the colors.

At this point, I am really pleased. I am going to let it sit on my design wall a few more days. I may add some more to it. Otherwise, it is on to the next phase - quilting!