I used to *intensely dislike* orange. Back in my traditional quilting days (as well as my crochet and cross stitch days) I never used orange. Orange, with it's lovely sidekick avocado, reminded me of 1970's kitchens. And not in a good way.
And then my sister-in-law wanted to decorate her 3rd baby's room in fall country colors. Orange, brick red, etc. And so I made The Dreaded Orange Quilt. And I fell in love with orange. Despite my calling it The Dreaded Orange Quilt, I really loved that quilt and it changed my attitude toward all the colors. I wish I had a picture to share.
Here's my latest orange quilt. Yes, it's wonky. Anna Turner from Sew Uniquely You gave me the fabric, a castoff from her wonderful hand dyes, and I didn't want to trim off any of that yummy color. I know orange is traditionally a fall color, but this reminds me of the warm intensity of summer.
I was inspired to try my favorite surface design techniques on hand dyed fabric after finishing this quilt which I colored with acrylic paint. The paint made the fabric pretty stiff so my favorite hand quilting with embroidery thread was tough on my hands. The hand dyed fabric was much easier to work with. I have a few more hand dyed pieces in yummy summer colors, so this may turn into a series. I'm looking across the color wheel from orange for the next one!
10 comments:
Love them both. One of these days I really want to play with paint but it's scary! I will do it though!
The orange is intense and very bright and bouncy. I'd have a quilt like that. I don't care what season the colours are supposed to be for.
Hi Nikki, thanks for playing with us at Inspiration Avenue this week! This quilt is gorgeous, I'll bet it was the star of the baby's room. Lucky baby!
Orange gets a bad rap sometimes, but it's one of my favorite colors. It's impossible to be in a bad mood when looking at orange! It's just so cheerful!
I am in awe of your quilting talents. Loving the orange.
Hi, Nikki. Great quilts. Loving the pinks with the oranges. Very fun!
best, nadia
Always a joy to be with you and your great energy.
Stunning quilts both of them. I know what you mean about the association of colors... These are both unique and beautiful. I love orange, but it has taken me a whole new outlook to love avacado again. I just wish I could even think about quilting..
The quilt is beautiful - I know what you mean about colours and the feelings or memories you associate with them. Orange is all about 1970's kitchens and my mothers terry towelling moo moo! x
I am in awe of all quilters. These are lovely-and the magical colors are fantastic!
what a beautiful gift
...wrapping a baby in
a handmade quilt
is love in a blanket:)
dear and sweet.
-Jennifer
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