Quilt Finish – Field of Dreams
I officially started this Field of Dreams quilt in July 2015 as part of the No Girls Allowed Quilt Bee 2. The quilt bee was an assembly of some of my favourite self-identifying men who quilt. Some of us had worked together as part of the original No Girls Allowed Quilt Bee, and wanted to continue our quilt journey in a new way. For this bee we decided to do a round robin adventure, each adding a border to bring some of our own flair to each others’ centre medallions. I describe my original design intention for my quilt below:
This paper-pieced unicorn comes courtesy of a pattern by Kristy “Quiet Play. I asked her ages ago if I could pattern test it for her (and by “asking” I mean grovelling) and I finally have the perfect use for it! I told my bee mates that I want this quilt to be spontaneous, magical, shiny, and frivolous. This centre-block captures it all! I’ve included lots of that navy background, along with scraps of pinks and Jennifer Sampou’s Shimmer fabric to send along with my block. Our bee mates don’t have to use these, but I’m hoping some scattered throughout will create some continuity.
The Return of the NGAQB! – 11 July, 2015, Molli Sparkles
From there it travelled around the world, with contributions from Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. Round and round she went, indeed! There are so many magical details contained in the piecing of this quilt that you really have to be buried under it for a while to discover them all. Considering it’s summer in Australia, I’ve got some time to figure it all out!
When it came back to me, I wanted to really emphasise the rainbow colour way. I mean, you can’t have unicorns without rainbows, right?! Riiiight?! So I dumped my colour-coordinated scrap boxes on the floor and went about pulling similarly toned fabrics. I really wanted to showcase those bright, highlighter colours in the design.
By using a multitude of varying fabrics in each scrappy log cabin block, it gives that border more value and tonal range, thus creating more depth. Dive deep into the colour, honey! Truth tea: I want to create a totally separate quilt with a rainbow of log cabins! One WIP ends and another begins!
And how fabulous is this backing fabric? It’s a double gauze I picked up in Tokyo when visiting Alyce from Blossom Heart Quilts. I was ho-humming about whether to buy it at the time, and she convinced me to commit to four yards! Thank goodness because it’s made the back of this quilt even more unicorny! Those quilted swirls and stars were completed by the never-ending talents of Leanne from Mount Vincent Quilts.
I’m so excited to have this quilt finally completed! It’s another one from the ageing WIP cupboard that I can check off the list. A giant shout out to all the gents who contributed to this quilt, and other NGAQB/NGAQB2 projects along the way. It’s been an absolute pleasure working and growing with all of you!
Title: Field of Dreams
Size: 60″ x 60″
Pattern: Round robin freestyle, centre block pattern by Quiet Play Designs
Fabric: If it rainbows, it fits.
Piecing: My portion machine stitched on Juki TL-98P with Aurifil 50wt, White 2024
Quilting: Long arm quilting, by Mount Vincent Quilts
Binding: hand stitched with Aurifil 40wt, Dark Navy 2784
Backing: Double gauze from Tomato in Japan
Timing: July 2011 – October 2020
Favourite Part: Showcasing the styles and talents of men who quilt from around the world.
Very brave of you to send your Unicorn on such an adventure! Oh the stories she (he?) will tell. Thanks! Each layer is wonderful. Fascinated by the sky! Will take time to see all of it.
2020 was my de-stash year and except for a “wee bit here and there” I haven’t bought any fabric. And now it’s time!!!! Last week found some of the double gauze and without a blink killed the bolt.
As always thanks for sharing.
Gooooorgeous!!! 😍😍😍