House of Wonky

Here's the top for my second quilt, "House of Wonky"

I had so much fun with my first quilt, I just had to play around some more, so I broke out a pack of Michael Hoffman Bali Pops and made this top. It's called "House of Wonky" and was inspired by the work of Jean Wells Keenan. This quilt is more architectural than most of Jean's work, which tends to be more organic and connected to nature. This is more like an imaginary dwelling, built of fabric...where Willy Wonky might live.

First draft: it was a bit narrower and squared off

Jean likes to place bits of small-scale patchwork into larger areas of color, which produces a dazzling effect of bright little gems hiding in nooks and crannies. Her work is magical. I tried to work in a similar way, using smaller bits of patchwork, oddly shaped pieces, and form with practically no geometry.

The back: here's what's going on back there

For the most part, I tried to maintain a 1/4" seam allowance when piecing. The top just about the size I wanted. After the "first draft" I added to the sides and cut it to make a slightly irregular shape. Will probably push that further when finishing it. Jean's quilts are knife-edge finished with free motion directional quilting, and that's what I've got in mind for this piece.

Little Boo is verrry curious about this quilting thing...

The only drawback to the whole idea of making quilts is the mess I've made in my kitchen. Threads everywhere! Piles of Bali Pops fabric and random scraps, some usable, some not. It's a good thing I've got appraisal reports to finish up this week, otherwise I'd have a king size quilt!

I realize this scene doesn't look messy to some...but I know how it goes!

What a mess!

So, what do you think of my second quilt project? Should I keep going and make bigger quilts? Should I buy a long-arm machine? (just kidding!!) I do have a destination in mind for "House of Wonky" but I'll divulge that later, if I can meet the deadline!