The Encyclopedia of Classic Quilt Patterns came in to the library for me over the weekend. I am planning on making its “Roads” quilt which is Drunkard’s Path variation. Boy, will it be a big project. This blanket has 60 quilt blocks with 6 pieces per block (including curved edges!) and a stack of coins border. eeeeeppppp! That doesn’t even get into the quilting part of it.
The fun part will be to pick the fabrics. I don’t really have a quilting stash built up yet, which means I have a blank slate to work with. I am thinking I would like to buy small quantities of “designer” quilting fabrics as a pallet to build from and then fill the rest in with less expensive quilting fabrics. One fabric line I have my eye on is Dave Walker’s “Oh Boy“. I like his transportation vehicle fabrics in that line. But then I found Riley Blake’s “Wheels” collection. The small roads on the fabric with the large road of the quilt might be too much, but I like the traffic signs.
I’m also really fond of the color scheme on this onsie.
Don’t be distracted by the cutie-patootie! Look at his shirt! (OK. Be a little distracted. He is very cute.) If I found fabrics that matched the yellow, green, orange, blue, and brown on his shirt, it would eliminate the need for the fancy schmancy fabric. It could prove to be difficult to find enough coordinating manly fabrics at our local fabric store.
Another decision I’m pondering is whether to pre-wash. I’m in the habit of pre-shrinking my fabrics before sewing, but the wrinkles on Oscar’s Quilt are beautiful. What would happen if I mix pre-shrunk and unwashed fabrics. For example, what if I used an old sheet for the backing, but new quilting fabrics for the front?. Would it come out looking ugly? I dunno.
Finally, is there a “fast way” to cut out curved fabric pieces? I’ve never used a rotary cutter on anything but a straight edge so I don’t know how it would work. The book did mention template plastic. I’m not sure how to use it though.
OK. I think that is enough rambling today….
Here is a cute picture of Matthias!
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Haha. I just realized that picture of Matthias has the some color scheme as his onsie in the picture before it – orange pool, blue shirt and eyes, green grace, yellow car, brownish driveway….
Hi Im a senior self taughed quilter just a few years ago. I do small: pillow tops, lappads to donate to the invalids etc. I do want a full size quilt???? I cant make up my mind which one?? Thanks for your time.
I am hardly the one to be asking. I’m a newer quilter than you! I would pick one that excites you enough to keep you pushing through to the end. 🙂