Like the unpredictable wind, The Dancing Wind mini quilt turned out to be nothing like the quilt I had originally envisioned. I usually have a very good idea of the direction of my work starting from pattern writing all the way to the binding. Then, once in a while, a project comes along where it changes itself every step of the way. Over the years, I have learned to give in and let it take me for a ride. I love it when that happens, the unexpected turn is always exciting!
This is the other quilt I made using the same pattern for my beloved orange kitty.
Pinwheel Star combines the pinwheel quilt pattern inset within a star quilt pattern. I named it that not just because it is a combination of Pinwheels and Stars, but also after the Pinwheel Galaxy.
The Pinwheel Star pattern is a set of two patterns which can be used to create at least four different blocks.
When I thought of this quilt a couple of years ago, I had in mind a more industrial theme. However, as I was putting the blocks together, I kept thinking about rivers flowing with meltwater at the edge of growing woods. So I put my unfinished blocks aside, swapped the off-white fabric for a dazzling white fabric and restarted.
Once I finished the quilt-top, I started thinking about the quilting design. I was walking in the park one afternoon and saw the tall grass swaying in the wind. That gave me the idea for the wavy line quilting in the middle as if the gentle wind is flowing through the woodland. The wind grew more dynamic playing on the waters. Once it reached the snow, it swirled and turned with the careless nature of the wild.
These ideas meant that I would have to set my walking foot aside and dive full-on into the world of FMQ, another deviation from the original plan. I am new to FMQ so it took a lot of work, but in the end I surfaced with a quilt that I love.
Robert Frost is one of my favourite poets and The Dancing Wind reminds me of
Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening
See you next Thursday, May 5th, for Wandering Camera.
-Soma
26 thoughts on “The Dancing Wind”
M-R @ Quilt Matters May 7, 2016 at 10:28
I find that the more I’m flexible with the design process of the quilt, the more successful it is. You’ve certainly shown that with this one too, Soma. Beautiful! So glad you linked up with TGIFF!
Sarah May 6, 2016 at 14:15
Love this- it’s beautiful!
Beth @ Cooking Up Quilts May 3, 2016 at 18:05
I love when our craft takes us to unexpected places. Thanks so much for sharing the story of your journey with this quilt. Many years ago I weaved baskets. Even though I always had a general idea of what I wanted when I started a new basket, I really never knew where it would end up because the basket itself told me what it needed. Weird I know… Congrats on your pattern – it is so versatile!
Cheryl May 3, 2016 at 05:41
I love this version of the quilt and love learning about your design process. Great colors!
Cath May 2, 2016 at 19:09
you are such a clever lady…..I love the way you thought about the quilting. Thanks for linking up with Design Board Monday.
Kaja April 29, 2016 at 22:54
I love the way you describe the images that inspired you as you worked . I have been thinking about getting the movement of water into quilting and I think this quilt does capture that . I also like the way the pattern changes with your colour placements.
Anne April 29, 2016 at 18:12
Good for you being flexible with your process and allowing things to take on a different direction. The end result is wonderful.
Wendy April 29, 2016 at 11:54
You captured the water and the wind perfectly Soma! Love this little quilt. The FMQ looks great with the big rolling waves and the little ripples too. What a beautiful piece. Loved your description of how you and the quilt got there in the end. And W.C. next week already?!! I have to get something together ;)
Jayne April 28, 2016 at 06:31
Letting the quilt take you where it wants…I love when that happens! This is a beautiful quilt and your quilting only enhances it’s beauty!
Kate April 27, 2016 at 19:23
Beautifully done! Definitely worth all the twists and turns in the design process.
Dixie April 27, 2016 at 16:28
A wonderful quilt gathered on inspirational wind. I enjoyed reading how your observation inspired your work, Soma.
A favourite poem of mine, too. “He gives his harness bells a shake to ask if there was some mistake.” And of course, “the woods are lovely, dark and deep…” Both lines true and lovely! Wished I would have thought of them. :)
Dixie April 27, 2016 at 16:28
A wonderful quilt gathered on inspirational wind. I enjoyed reading how your observation inspired your work, Soma.
A favourite poem of mine, too. “He gives his harness bells a shake to ask if there was some mistake.” And of course, “the woods are lovely, dark and deep…” Both lines true and wonderful! Wished I would have thought of them. :)
Cynthia April 27, 2016 at 13:14
Sometimes you just have to go with the flow. What a beautiful quilt.
Patty April 27, 2016 at 04:29
Love the quilt.
Susan the Farm Quilter April 26, 2016 at 21:55
Beautiful quilt paired with my favorite poem!! Love how your quilt turned out!
susie April 26, 2016 at 20:17
What a beautiful quilt!! I think the Robert Frost poem fits your quilt fabrics, design and the quilting perfectly.
Lara B. April 26, 2016 at 20:15
Your writing is so poetic Soma… you were already putting me in the frame of mind of picturing all the things that inspired your beautiful quilt and how you quilted it.
Robert Frost’s poem has always spoken to me, for so long now that I identify it as a part of my life even though it is his scene.
FVITH April 26, 2016 at 18:39
Its aleays nice to know the story behind a quilt. My only experience with Robert Frost was when we studied a few of his poems in year 10 or 11, but I really did enjoy studying them, and a few lines still hauntingly float around in my head, such as “And miles to go before I sleep”, above, and “And they, since they were not the one dead, turned to their affairs” from ‘Out, Out’.
Heidi April 26, 2016 at 16:00
Thank you for sharing this beauty with One Monthly Goal! It is really striking with the white contrast, and I enjoy reading about your process. Your quilting really looks great, this is a perfect size for practicing new quilting designs!
Sandra April 26, 2016 at 15:30
My favourite colours and favourite block (a star), so this is a hit for me. Great FMQ too Soma.
rosa April 26, 2016 at 13:52
Wow,it`s absolutely beautiful and love your fabric combo,great choice.
Mary April 26, 2016 at 10:33
It turned out beautifully and I love your idea of the forest theme. The wavy line quilting is perfect for the design, The versatility of the pattern is wonderful. Great job.
Kathleen April 26, 2016 at 10:24
It’s beautiful Soma! And I sort of see a cat’s face and ears in the two green corners. :)
krislovesfabric April 26, 2016 at 10:15
Love the new design and your quilting really compliments the pattern well!! I think my favorite parts are the low contrast corners :)
Susan April 26, 2016 at 07:28
I really like the quilt, especially the secondary designs I see and the colors are great.
Janine April 26, 2016 at 06:45
Your quilt looks great and I enjoyed hearing about your design process and the Robert Frost poem. We had snow today – only fleetingly and it didn’t settle but a nice surprise at this time of year :)