Monday, 20 April 2015

Marsala Medallion - a quilt top

Woohoo - I finally finished my Marsala medallion quilt top!  It's been a long time in the making so I'm really thrilled to have it done.

Marsala medallion quilt top

I started with the central block, which is my own design.  All the appliqué in that block is blanket stitched by hand, which look a LONG time.  It has great texture though, and I found the hand-work pretty soothing, most of the time.

Marsala medallion quilt top 

I actually made the outer border next.  It consists of 12" square traditional blocks, made in a range of pretty busy marsala-ish fabrics.  I was definitely going with "more is more" for this quilt!  I had to make a total of 12 blocks, but I actually made 15 before I had 12 I was happy with.  

I used to think that having to re-make blocks was a sign of failure, but now I'm much more relaxed about it.  When you're pushing the boundaries in terms of colour and design, sometimes things don't work out the first time around.  Being able to see that and make changes is a good thing.  I also find it easier not to get stuck or agonise over fabric choices when I bear in mind that I can always re-make a block if I really have to.

Marsala medallion quilt top

The inner borders consist of a solid (I think it's Kona Sienna) and quarter square triangle blocks made with Oakshott ruby reds.  They add a bit of sparkle which I really love.

2015 Pantone Challenge

There is still plenty of time to link-up to the 2015 Pantone Quilt Challenge.  Entries are open here.  I'm going to pop my quilt top in the non-judged category - as an organiser of the challenge I'm not eligible for any prizes, but of course I want to show off my quilt top!  I'm really looking forward to visiting everyone else's entries too.

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21 comments:

Leanne said...

It's wonderful, definitely more is more and it works so well.

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

It looks wonderful, Adrianne. I am really drawn to the oakshots in the quarter square triangle border; they provide a nice balance between our central focus and outer blocks.

Debbie said...

This is lovely! What a fun and varied use of Marsala - love the addition of the Ruby Reds.

leanne said...

its so fabulous !! love the appliqued centre and those hourglass blocks are awesome !

Heather J said...

It is spectacular to see all these blocks come together into a quilt top. Love it.

Julie said...

Wow - so many Marsala toned fabrics. I especially love that Oakshott border. Well done.

Wendy @ Wendysquiltsandmore said...

It's beautiful - I'm particularly drawn to that triangle border. I know, it was probably the easiest bit of the whole quilt, but it really is striking and sits so well between the beautiful centre block and the outside blocks. Putting blue with marsala really was a great idea. Fantastic quilt.

Maryse said...

Wow, it looks fantastic!

jednoiglec said...

I just love your quilt top! It's the best Marsala project I've seen!

Leeanne said...

A lovely explosion of colour!

Jessica said...

You've done such a great job, those bright blues and violets are just what Marsala needed.

Jessica said...

Wow. Those colors work amazingly together. Beautiful job! I love the red in the HSTs, too!

Ms Cameron said...

Congratulations on making Marsala look good. I love the way you have combined all the different elements into a cohesive quilt.

Mine-rSewFun said...

Outstanding!

Kirsten said...

Gorgeous quilt - love the pops of the purpley blue in with the Marsala fabrics!

Juliet @ Tartankiwi said...

Such a beautiful quilt! I've loved watching it come together on instagram. That Oakshott border pulls everything together beautifully.

Helen M said...

Hi Adrianne
Your quilt top looks beautiful. And the colours are so rich and intense.

sarah elizabeth :: {no} hats said...

Adrianne I seriously keep catching myself sneaking another look at this top. It's truly sensational.

Anne said...

I love all the texture you created with your piecing on this! I think my favorite part is that middle border though with those tiny diamonds, SO lovely!!

AnnMarie said...

I love your quilt. It reminds me of the "Decemberists" new albumn cover ~~ which is way cool!

Ailsa (Cape Pincushion) said...

This quilt is gorgeous! The colours are so rich and vivid. So glad that I just stumbled upon your blog. Lots of amazing eye-candy here!