Friday, March 2, 2018

My "Close to" Finish

No, this quilt isn't "close to" being finished...It really is all completed.


But this quilt takes my "close to" concept to the extreme!

When I first wrote about pulling the fabrics for this quilt, I discussed how when I don't have the right color of fabrics, I will pull fabrics that are "close to" the colors I need and rely on them blending in.



The plan for this quilt was blues and oranges.  I did not have enough darks in either color so I went to colors that were close - blacks for the navy and brick reds for the oranges.  I find that once you get them into the quilt, they work well!



I really didn't want to buy fabric for the backing on this one, so I had to work with what I had.  Once again, I did not have the perfect piece so I went with something that was "close to" what I desired.

I had a larger cut of an orange batik with green leaves on it and just enough of a green batik with a bit of blue in it to frame the center.


It is not an ideal backing but I really don't think too many people would question the choice if I hadn't pointed it out.  I am always telling people in my workshops that when you do something with "intent", most people will just believe that that was your plan all along.




And the final "close to"?  Not at all intended but thankful I had a bit of scrap to get the binding ends to meet.  It was oh so close!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!


24 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I really like it and I think the backing goes so well with the front of the quilt that in my mind it is ideal!

Libby in TN said...

It all works! I will remember your "close to" mantra.

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

It all works together very well - congratulations on the great finish!

SherryB said...

WOW...I'm impressed with how well all your "close-to's" made it into a beautiful quilt---if I tried that, I'm not sure it would turn out so well. And your backing turned out so nicely centered--wonderful! I want to try your pattern with some mismatched jelly roll strips; it should be just the ticket to use them up like this. Thanks for the inspiration!

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

Its awesome! Those fabrics must have like each other enough to want to be together - ha ha . Very great quilt!

Kristi B said...

I think 'Close' quilts that push the edges of the colorwheel are my favorites! If all the oranges match it's somehow just flat. But when you include colors that are one the edges of your originals it starts to sparkle!

chrisknits said...

In knitting I call my near misses or mis-steps "design features". LOL! Your "design features" are fantastic!!! Thanks for the tip on mixing and matching.

Vicki in MN said...

I think it is wonderful including the back! You do have a knack for adding in 'close to' it fabrics;)

Anonymous said...

I love it!

Robby said...

This is gorgeous. Thanks for taking us through the process with you.

Louise said...

Fun finish, Cynthia! I really like this "close to" concept...very useful!

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Your "close to" idea worked really well for this quilt! It's beautiful - so bright and fun! Next time I don't have enough of some color, I'm going to try find something that's close!

Mystic Quilter said...

Great quilt, I love the colours and the process you describe of choosing the colours.

Sandy Panagos said...

All the fabrics play well together. I think not having enough binding was a happy accident. The little bit of lo is cool.

Pamela Arbour said...

I love it. No one would ever know that it wasn't planned from the beginning!

Kate said...

Your "making do" turned out beautifully! Adding in a bit of the kinda the same, but different adds so much depth. It's so easy to get in the frame of mind it all has to match.

scraphappy said...

I think that using what you have and making it all work together is part of the fun of quilting. It all looks like it belongs together to me.

Mary Ann said...

Loving the colors on your quilt. What pattern was that?? survivor972002@midco.net

PaulaB quilts said...

Paula calling back, new password

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Close hues and tints just do work when all together. I really love this one (and I'm not an orange person) and great back. Making it work and clearing out - that kind of stuff makes me happy.

Cathy said...

I think the so close/make do attitude is what makes some of the vintage quilts I love (and yours) so appealing. Wonderful finish!

grammajudyb said...

Don't you just love it when a "close to" plan comes together! I think it is stunning. I am going to remember the "close to" mantra, also!

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

It's a great finish. All the colours work in my mind. Is this a pattern? Or something you created?

KatieQ said...

Great quilt! I really like the pieced back. I wouldn't have guessed that it was not part of your original plan.

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