Chase Patterns Mini

I completed this for the Project Quilting Challenge at Kim's Crafty Apple. This is the last challenge for this season and the challenge this week is on the zig zag. My title for this piece is "Chase Patterns" and it measures 17" x 32".

Of course to approach this theme, I didn't want to go with the regular zig zag arrangement. It was pure coincidence that the day before I had decided to use my Oakshott charm squares in a mini with HSTs. At that point, I wasn't sure of my direction but intended to play around with the colors and value differences in each charm.

When I read that this challenge was to do with zig zags, I decided to use this idea with the challenge. I have also been thinking about zig zags in nature. That landed me on how prey runs from predators in a zig zag formation. My dogs also do this when they chase each other. These two scenerios are different but the patterns are the same.

I sketched out this idea and also thought I would add on appliques of various animals of prey to put on top of the zig zags. Due to time constraints early in the week, I only got as far as prepping the charms instead of diving into this idea. I'm glad I had the time to think about it more as it seems like the theme for this past week as been to get away from the literal.

I had placed the charms into pairs, first with complimentary colors, moving into value differences, and then pairing up using the different colors in these shot cottons. I wanted a variety of color play to work with. Once I sewed up the charms into HSTs using Jenelle's quick tutorial (I know I keep pimping this, but it really works so well!), I set out to play around with arrangements. All I knew going into it was that I wanted one dominant zig zag to show up and then place the other pieces in varying ways.

After seeing this laid out on the floor, I decided to nix the idea of adding any applique. I think my inspiration speaks for itself with just the erratic zig zags and the addition of applique would have been too much.

I went back and forth on how to quilt this and in the end, decided to do straight lines in the ditch. I used a gray thread so it wouldn't stand out too much against the fabrics. My other idea on quilting was to stitch along each zig zag, but I wasn't too sure on it. Maybe in a future piece I will try that.

The backing is the same as the binding as I tried out the wrap from the back method of binding. I have never done this before, and while I ran into one issue of not having enough backing in a corner, it went well. I may use this method from now on for quilts that I intend to be hung on the wall or laid on a table.

This quilt is starting me on my path to where I want to be with both my sewing and art. It is not perfect by any means, but I love it all the same. It will be hung proudly on one of the walls in my sewing room as a reminder to do what I love instead of what someone else says is right. Not only do I like it, but I lost track of time working on it, staying up until an hour that was closer to sunrise instead of sunset.

Please feel free to tell me what you think about it. I will not be offended if you do not like it or see areas for improvement. I see flaws and my sensitivity to picking apart my work is gone after a few years of critiques at school. I really have a passion for making this my living and want honest feedback. If you don't feel comfortable leaving me a comment here, you may also email me directly with your thoughts.

This is the last challenge this season, like I mentioned, and I am already looking forward to the next one. I do have the pieces to finish for the challenges I have ideas for and I also intend to work through all of the past challenges in the meantime. If you are interested in stretching yourself with your quilting, I do urge you to take a look at Kim's website for more information.