Brainstorming Ideas - Make it Simple!

First click here and read the challenge over at Persimon Dreams.  Then come back....

Kim gave you some great photos ideas with a variety of color ideas too!  

I went thru' some of my fabrics and came up with some possibilities.

I want to use fabrics that I already have in my stash, because I live in the country.  It is not convenient for me to go to town, because I work at home.  I started by selecting fabrics and grouping them together.  

We all have a stash of fabrics.  Some have bigger stashes than others!  How about the fabrics you bought that you just thought were pretty and you couldn't live without them?

Do I want to use solid fabrics?

Or I should choose patterned and textured fabrics.

That would really add movement to the squares.  I think that would be a very interesting choice.

What if I chose solids with a black and white square print fabric?

I would have squares in squares fabric to repeat the square pattern. It would be very bold color choice.

Or how about another square print fabric with solids/blenders?

I like this soft green with this square print too. It is a very simple look.

What if I used a tiny flowered print with a square print?

I could use some 30's reproduction prints with floating squares and then add a gingham print in a flannel fabric.

I might even pull out some of my texture prints from my little collection of landscape fabrics.  This would really create movement in the squares. Wow!

I could even use the new kaleidoscopic fabric I received from the Secret Sister Fabric Swap.  My choice would be to combine it with a crackle texture fabric.  I think it gives your eye a resting space, but still adds detail.

On this challenge, I believe the first thing to do, is to decide what fabric combination to use.  

I will choose my favorite combination of fabrics. I have found, I will finish a quilt faster, if I like the fabrics and the colors.  I am not telling you which one, I will choose yet. I did not pull out any blue combinations, but I still might!

When I am actually working on my quilt this week, I may choose a different fabric combination. That is ok to change your mind on fabrics.  I might change my colors or I might add more fabrics and more colors.  That is the fun part. Be flexible and make changes.

In addition to choosing the fabrics, I will do a Google Image search for squares -- not just in quilts.  I will look at all squares and combinations of squares.  I did a search for squares.  I also did a search for square in a square.  There were some awesome squares and square designs! Remember to keep in mind --- Square in a Square.

With that in mind, I quite often go back and re read the challenge.  This is important as you will see so many ideas that you will forget the challenge details.

Next, I will think about what the final quilt project will be: A table runner or a table topper, place mats, a quilted pillow cover, or a baby quilt.  Maybe a quilted tote bag, a quilted carrier for my smart phone, or a quilted computer case for a laptop. I am not thinking any bigger than a baby quilt for my quilted project.

I hope that helps give you some ideas.

Choose colors you like,
pick a square in square design,
and create a quilted project.

I will go to sleep tonight and dream!

"Think Outside Your Square!"
Marcia

Are You Ready to Create?

Project Quilting Season 4 starts on Sunday at NOON CST January 6th!

I am participating and I am sponsoring with quilting prizes! 

I have a new idea for helping new participants (you)!

How about some brainstorming posts?  

I will post something on Sunday night or Monday, after we (you and me), have had some time to think about the challenge.  

I will share how I brainstorm and where I search for ideas. I will be posting my ideas. I will be sharing my quilted projects as I choose my fabrics, as I sketch and plan, and I will photograph as I cut, sew, and quilt! 

And how I do it all in 15 minute intervals! 

But I will also share ideas for you!  Join in on the fun!

If you haven't hopped over to Persimon Dreams Blog, do that right now and read about Project Quilting.  I will always have the link in my sidebar.

If you are on Facebook you can LIKE the Project Quilting Page and get the Challenge links in your Newsfeed.

Set your phone alarms for NOON CST on Sunday, so you can get the challenge as soon as it is posted.  That way you can start thinking of ideas, because sometimes it takes alot of thinking and sometimes it just comes naturally!  

It will be so much fun!  

It will change your life in a very positive way.  You will learn how to create with a new enthusiasm when it come to quilts.  

I can't wait!

Sleep well tonight!
Marcia

Create -------- My Word for 2013!

I woke up early this morning and I was thinking about my Quilting Business, Project Quilting, and my Minutes for Me Time and NEW Quilt Patterns! 

I choose "create" as my word for 2013!

What is the definition of "create"?

to produce through imaginative skill --- Create a . .... quilt, a quilt pattern, and/or a construction method.

to enjoy the process of something new.

to design:

  to create, fashion, execute, or construct according to plan. 
     to conceive and plan out in the mind. 
 

to produce or bring about by a course of action or behavior.

to make or bring into existence something new.

I am ready to create with a plan that makes sense to me:

1. brainstorm ideas
2. sketch it out
3. cut and sew - construct
4. pause and evaluate
5. brainstorm again
6. make changes as needed
7. finalize the idea and write it up
8. a completed creation

I am ready to create!

Create is my word for 2013!

Project Quilting starts on Sunday Jan. 6, 2013.

Minutes for Me Linky Party starts on Wednesday Jan. 9, 2013. Share, Share, and Share...

Quilting Sale starts Jan. 15th.  Email me to schedule your quilting date for the Winter 20% OFF the Quilting Sale. Jan. 15th thru' March 31, 2013. Marcia@craftysewing.com

Quilt Patterns available at www.craftysewing.com

Enjoy your day!
Marcia