Sunday Stash #125 – Compliment or Contrast
Well kids, it’s that time of the month where we look at some more Liberty prints! I’m seriously turning into a Liberty factory thanks to the generous stylings of fabric fairy Danielle (IG: collectstitchloveliberty). As I’ve received more and more small tastes of their various fabrics, I’ve been contemplating what to make. Originally, I wanted to wait until the end of the year and start on a collective project with them en masse. However, as each package has rolled in, I’ve been asking myself, “Whatcha waitin’ for?!”
So now I’m thinking something simple like nine patches would just let the fabric speak for itself, and it could be a slow burner project. It would minimise the amount of fabric wastage, and with the price of Liberty, you gots to know that is on my brain. Now, what do I pair this crazy-ass variety of prints with so they don’t lose their stylings, while I also don’t lose mine?
I like the idea of using Art Gallery Pure Elements in Linen as it would keep the same silky texture, and that solid has a softness to it that would pair nicely. Or I could actually use an Essex Yarn Dyed Linen (in natural or ivory?) that would contrast the texture of the Liberty. The vastly different weights might prove challenging though, and I’d have to buy some more Essex Yarn Dyed Linen. But wait, y’all! Those both seem like pretty safe ideas, and we all know I am anything but safe. I don’t want the quilt to appear muddy in anyway, so maybe it all needs to be paired with something warmer like tangerine or magenta? Spicy, indeed! Decisions!
What do you think? Or do you have entirely different suggestions? What would you do with all these dainty morsels? Obviously, this palette is not my typical stylings, but it’s good to stretch outside our comfort zones. Plus, I can already imagine what a great Christmas gift this would be for several special people. Selecting the recipient would probably be the hardest part of making this quilt! Who deserves my Liberty love?
Wow, that's quite a collection. My first thought was to use a black, and then one of the yellows. Tangerine would be interesting as a backdrop. Can't wait to see what you go with.
I have been getting Liberty from the Westwood Acres Fabric club for about 6 months now and have quite the boxful. I am going to make a Liberty only quilt of 2" (finished) squares, I think, or maybe tumblers, but definitely small sized pieces and randomly placed and not trying for anything other than a sea of Liberty
Why not try a disappearing nine patch. It's still a very simple patch that would let the fabrics shine, but is a fun twist. I'd use the LOL fabrics in the four corners, use your background fabrics (love the idea of a black or navy blue), in the four outer centers, and then use an accent like tangerine in the middle of the block.
Liberty and linen is such a classic combination and it works oh so very well together so don't the the difference in weight put you off. Nine patches work so very well, but are, well, too predictable. I've been building up quite a stash of fat 16ths and I'm going to be getting my wonk on with some of mine. Some strip piecing wonky style, some sashing in linens (coloured of course). I'm thinking rainbows. Looking forward to seeing what you will do with yours.
How about making one of your famous Union Jack flags :p Whoever gets your gift will be a lucky person,
Drooling.
I am so out of my element here! I haven't any idea what you should go with for a background color ~ but my choice would be bright and bold. With so many colors in the Liberty fabric, the possibilities are endless!
Lecien melange chambray, Andover fabrics chambray, studio e peppered cottons, light alternatives, with a nice texture. Shot cottons and other wovens. Have you seen Anna Maria Horner's wovens? Might be too busy for the liberty though.
The only hard part of the Essex is that is stretches quite a bit. You have to really starch it. It pairs beautifully with everything though so it is worth it!
Hmmmm. I love the idea of some spicy color because yay color. 🙂 I guess it depends what you want to highlight about the Liberty prints. Obviously a solid will already highlight the prints. If you do a bold color, anything similarly colored will recede a bit, while the complements will pop out. A neutral lets them all play equally. I'd still probably go bold color though, because I know you have the chops to make it work wonderfully.
Great minds think alike! I have been stashing Liberty for over a year thanks to Westwood Acres monthly club. And if I'm totally honest, a few judicious purchases from various on-line sellers both here in the US and in the UK where I purchased some various pre-cut charm collections. I was scared to cut into them because of both waste and cost as you mentioned, but I have decided this is ridiculous – it MUST be used. So just two weeks ago, I took every piece I have ( like about 150 cuts ) and cut a 6.5" equilateral triangle from one lower edge – almost no waster – and a really nice finished sized to show off each print. Next I cut a nice collection of low-volume ( and I mean REALLY low volume ) prints AND some DOUBLE GAUZE. I've never sewn with the Liberty or the Double Gauze before, but I must tell you all is a dream so far!! I'm not sure what my end arrangement will be, but look on IG @pamelalynne4 to see one layout option photo and PLEASE let me know what you think.
Rita from Red Pepper Quilts has several Liberty quilts. She did a checkerboard using a chambray and one using a text print. Both look great but I prefer the look of a textured solid in an neutral palette to let the Liberty stand out. I also think giving it some breathing room helps so it doesn't look too busy and old-fashioned.
http://www.redpepperquilts.com/search?q=liberty
Its kinda like tellin gran how to suck eggs, if it were me I would use one of your patterns with liberty and solids. Then post it to me for Christmas. WINNER.
Gotta love those Liberties! I know they are expensive, but I think it's just a case of 'biting the bullet' and cutting into them! I too have a little collection now. After much agonizing, I finally decided on the more complimentary path, a double four patch – with Liberties marching across interesting neutrals. Ha – ha, not your style methinks, look forward to seeing if you make the first cut! Linda
I love the idea of a bold background – i saw this quilt on Pinterest and was inspired to try colors other than white for future projects: http://www.pixelstopatchwork.com/2013/03/starburst-quilt-finish.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+FromPixelsToPatchwork+(from+Pixels+to+Patchwork)