quiltology...

It should come as no surprise to those who know me (or at least know the colors I like) that I’ve fallen in love with the new Blue Underground Studios “In & Out” quilt—this one a study in earth tones. Do I fall in love with lots of quilts—yes I have to admit that I do. Am I fickle or is it just this fall fixation thing again?

Usually I’m not one to rush the seasons—winter can certainly wait and the sizzle of the summer heat can take its sweet time—but there’s something about fall and the brisk air that I simply crave. For me Labor Day coming and going is like turning the page of a good book—anxious for what comes next. Of course I’m not quite ready to put away the summer sandals—living in Los Angeles broke me of that habit—but I am ready for the earthy tones and vibrant hues of fall like colors. I gravitate toward rich browns, radiant reds and glowing golds with just the right hint of black (magic?) tossed into the mix. Some people have their comfort foods—I have comfort colors. They engulf me just like an old comfy sweater. That’s probably why this new “In and Out” quilt is speaking to me.

I’m a big fan of the Blue Underground Studios patterns. For me they strike a nice balance between the formal construction of traditional patchwork and contemporary geometry. There’s a symmetry here that unifies the quilt top without making it appear too cookie cutter. Their use of deep saturated color, pattern and texture lend variety and visual interest to each piece so the eye travels easily over the top and we see something different every time we look at one of these quilts.

In their “Around the Block” quilt we see a classic courthouse step block made more interesting by setting it on point. And we can we talk scrappy? I love scrappy quilts—there’s a magic to them! Amy and Janine’s wonderful use of Kaffe Fassett’s fabrics take this quilt to another level. In fact we should be calling this “extreme” color! And just like extreme sports—this kind of color work is not for the weak hearted or ambivalent. You’ve got to just go for it.

Curious?

Then you’ve got to stop by and see these quilts. We’ll have them on display in the shop for the next couple of weeks (through Saturday 9/22.)

And if you’d like to meet the Blue Underground Studios designers Amy Walsh and Janine Burke—then drop by the shop this Wednesday 9/5 between 6p to 9p.  We'll be hosting a trunk show with samples of their work and copies of their newest patterns.  Have a glass of wine and talk quilts!

Quiltology--The Urban Quilt Space