Jailhouse Rock Quilt - Finished

Jailhouse Rock

After designing this piece using my paper mock up. It went through a couple of variations. I like the piece it's simple, easy and clean.

After I put the long colored stripes together I couldn't decide what background fabric to use so I tested it on a black and white print.

I didn't like how the color of the blocks seemed to fade into the fabric. So I ran out to the quilt store and purchased a white on white print. This was a much better choice as the colors seem to really punch with the clean white.

Here it is with the white on white background.

I had fabric left over so I decided to have a little fun with the backing instead of just using one color.

Back of quilt.

Jailhouse Rock Front 53" x 54"

Taking It For Granted

Disregard the Russian subtitles. This is such a fabulous clip from Louis CK talking about technology and how people can't appreciate the amazing things that we have access to.

Mock It Up Baby - Quilt Design Process

I've been wanting to design a geometric quilt but I've been challenged with how best to layout the design. I started with graph paper but I found the 1/4" scale too inflexible. First I had to tape together 4 or 6 sheets, which is a tad bit cumbersome. Then when I wanted to put down color, if I made a mistake I was kind of screwed. I finally realized I should do what I used to do when designing and making costumes for the theatre...do a mock-up.

You don't want to cut into your fabric until you are certain the design you've come up with will work. So I took my construction paper out and began to do a 1/4" scale mock-up. 

I knew I wanted black and white stripes. So the first thing I did was cut out a piece of paper large enough for the quilt in 1/4" scale. Then I decided on the width of the stripes and  placing them on the background I taped down the black stripes.

Background ready for placing color.

I pinned the background to my design wall and started playing around with placement of color. I really found this incredibly helpful. I would just pin my 1/4" scale colored pieces to the background. Take a picture and then try another design. Below are the three designs I came up with. 

I've decided on the third design. It's more active and interesting. So now, I get to move onto a 1/2 scale rendition in actual fabric. I believe I am saving myself a lot of time and expense. Before I used to draw something up and start cutting into the fabric. I can't tell you how many times I did that and ended up dumping the design because I didn't plan well enough. I believe this process will work best for rather simple and geometric designs. So...off to the cutting table. Ciao!