Thursday, May 18, 2017

Zen Chic Inspired – a design challenge and a giveaway

As you might have seen, Brigitte Heitland, the person behind “Zen Chic”, published her first book with Martingale.

the book
In “Zen Chic Inspired” she describes her approach to designing quilts that really match one’s peronal style. She begins by questioning if you ever bought fabric that you loved when it was on display at your LQS but at home you realise that it looks less appealing and strangely out of place?! Yes. Me. Guilty.

She then shows how to design quilts that match your living space: your flat, your house, your mobile home. She starts from a photograph of a room and deducts shapes and colours from it.

the challenge
When she wrote the book, several members of our Modern Quilt Guild Bielefeld, helped her sewing the quilt tops (yes, me too). Brigitte threw a party when she received the first copies of the book and we had a blast sketching quilt designs based on random photographs that evening. We decided to carry it a bit further and to make a little MQGB challenge – just for fun. Brigitte chose a picture and we were to make a matching quilt, mini quilt, table runner, wall hanging, etc. based on it.

Houseology Interiors, flickr
photo by Houseology Interiors, flickr

fabrics and colours
In her book Brigitte shows different ways to deduct colours from a photo. I tried Moda’s Palette Builder: but seeing that I was on a short timeline (no time for ordering and waiting for shipping of chosen fabrics) I pulled solid fabrics from my stash instead:

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design
Next up was shapes and design. I liked the shapes of the lampshades but as there is similar quilt in Brigitte’s book I thought it might be too simple to just copy her quilt. I still wonder how it happend that I chose the wall clock instead.

Here’s a close up of the clock:

wall clock

And these were my first thougts for a possible design:

IMG_0719

I never made a dresden plate before so this was entirely new to me. I thought of differnt sizes for the wedges and of using negative space between them.

work in progress
I found a tutorial “how to make your own dresden plate template” here and just followed the instructions. Easy peasy. I can recommend this tutorial, if you ever want to make dresden plate templates in your exact size.

Once done with sewing the wedges together (I skipped the wonky idea and made a “traditional” dresden plate), I wondered how to achieve that translucent look of the wall clock. I opted for a second layer, more fragile and quite thin. I made another template and drew the design directy onto the paper side of a fusible web.

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The next step was tedious. I ironed the fusible web onto a light grey fabric and had to cut out all the shapes with an exacto-knife.

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The dresden plate was ironed onto the background fabric and the second layer was ironed onto the dresden plate:

IMG_0644

I appliquéd the second layer with my sewing machine, using a wide and dense zig zag stitch in a similar light grey aurifil thread. Thereby I attached two layers in one step. Here is close up shot:

Detail of applique

I kept the quilting fairly simple and just stitched some straigt lines “radiating” from the tips of the wedges, using a white aurifil thread.

the result

Mini Quilt Zen Chic Inspired Challenge

The binding is made of the same newspaper print (from Brigitte’s Modern Background fabric line) that I used to break up the solids-only-look of the dresden plate.

I added a zipper and an extra backing at the back so this mini quilt can double up as a pillow cover.

IMG_0702

Here’s a photoshop image, showing how the mini quilt might look as a wall hanging in the original room:

Graphic mit Mini Quilt

summary
This challenge was a greate experience for me. If you look at the quilts I made during the last years you will discover that I rarely follow quilt patterns. I love to make up my own designs. This book helps me to get better at choosing fabrics and designs matching the surroundings/ person the quilt is intended for. When I plan to sew a quilt for my sister next, I’ll snap a photo of her home first. Of course I know her living room, but do I really remember the hues of green she used for decorations? No. And I might not have noticed the unique shape of that armchair leg that I could use as a shape in my quilt design.

So if YOU like to design your own quilts, this book is for you. And if YOU have always be terrified by the thought of designing your own quilt, this book is for you, too! I takes you step by step through the design process and includes 12 patterns, deducted from 12 different photos of 12 living spaces.

If you’d like your own book, Brigitte offers signed copies here.

giveaway
As a bonus for those who read through this lengthy post, I will give away one copy of “Zen Chic Inspired” AND the mini quilt I made. Just leave me a comment below, telling me if you prefer to design your own quilts or if you rather follow quilt patterns (there are so many lovely ones out there!).

This giveaway is open until midnight, May 29th, CEST. I will draw a random winner on May 30th.

Happy sewing everyone!
Christine

P.S. If you’d like to see who else participated in the challenge and what they designed for the same room, click here and here.

P.P.S. Yes, Brigitte is my friend but yes, these thoughts are my thoughts and I really like the book. And no, I don’t get paid for writing a review and yes, I really bought this book to give it away to you.

70 comments:

  1. Ooh looks like I'm the first one!! I'm rubbish at making my own designs up so this would be a really good book for me. Love your mini, especially the lattice over the top.

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  2. I like the idea of making a quilt just mine and think this book would help.

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  3. it's a gorgeous quilt, i usually follow patterns im not really an improv girl

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  4. Wow, so gorgeous! I design my own patterns and also use other people's patterns. I love paper piecing and couldn't begin to design some of the awesome things other people come up with, so I frequently use patterns for those things.

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  5. Your wall hanging is amazing! What a great idea. I love to alter other's patterns and design my own. Sometimes though it is great to have someone else figure it all out for you when you need something quickly finished !

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  6. Love the wall hanging! I primarily stick to patterns I buy at this point, but look forward to a time when I can venture farther into designs of my own. My one original design was based on a package of mini charms that were supposed to be mug rugs, but weren't inspiring me. It's all pieced and ready to be quilted...just waiting for inspiration on how to quilt it.

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  7. I have always designed my own quilts, except for 2 of Bonnie Hunter's mysteries.

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  8. What an interesting approach to designing. I love your mini...very inspiring. I do love to design my own quilts, but if I do use someones pattern I tend to always change it up.

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  9. As a new quilter I follow patterns. I still make enough mistakes to not trust my abilities. I should probably rethink that. I love your mini! Thank you for the chance to win. Momoftana at yahoo dot com

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  10. I agree, there are so many wonderful patterns out there. Lately, I've been trying to change one thing to make it my own, and find I do love those just a bit more.

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  11. I am trying to get more of "me" into the quilts I make. This sounds like a book to challenge myself. Your mini is amazing...such courage to press the last overlay in place.

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  12. I love coming up with my own variations when I am using a pattern or starting with a set idea. Once in a while I love designing a quilt step by step as the ideas come to me. I rarely have a fully formed plan when I begin. I love your mini. The book really sounds intriguing.

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  13. I download patterns but do not follow the instructions, that's my way of making what I like.

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  14. I almost always follow a pattern. I follow the directions too, unless they are poorly written, which happens sometimes. I love your clock inspired mini! Well done.

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  15. I love your quilt! I have designed my own quilts but I am always looking for new ideas and ways to approach quilt designing. I like the way you shared your thought process and how you actually made your quilt. Thanks for sharing your quilt with us and the book too. K- lkw2x6-apq@yahoo.com

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  16. Oh that is so pretty! I've done a bit of both - I've made several quilts to patterns, but usually with my own riff off them somewhere in the mix!

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  17. Very nice!! How ingenious! I love the Zen chic fabrics. I take patterns as Inspiration, start from there and adjust them to my taste

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  18. This book takes me back to the late sixties when I was struggling in Art classes but learning so quickly about modern designs. They are indeed timeless and so love the fabric and design in the book. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  19. Oh, I love your quilt! I like following a pattern, but I'd like to try making one up some time!

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  20. What a beautiful mini! I like to make up my own patterns but I also like to follow a pattern as well. Great giveaway !

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  21. I find it a challenge to follow a pattern so I doubt that I will ever make a quilt that I've designed ( in this lifetime). Your little quilt is great- the design that you created is amazing.

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  22. I've been branching out into designing my own. Callenging but fun!

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  23. That was a fascinating read. Thank you for sharing. And wow, that mini is awesome! Are you sure you want to part with it? Thanks for the chance to win.

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    Replies
    1. Oh yeah, your question: I follow patterns and modify all the time and make my own.

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  24. What a wonderful pillow! I like it and wish to win the book, because I want to try ...Greetings from Germany! Petra

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  25. I love your pillow design! I usually design my own quilts ... If I use a pattern, I follow it very loosely. Thank you for the giveaway!

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  26. Your pillow/ wall hanging is amazing. I borrowed zen chic inspired from the library and made a simplified mini version of one of the quilts
    I usually start w a pattern but, stray wildly along the way to a quilt

    sharongalli(at)gmail(dot)com

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  27. love your mini quilt design. I usually use patterns, but have been known to tweek them a bit to suit my needs - usually due to a design in the fabric or the lack of the needed fabric - sometimes my tweeking gets to the point that the original pattern is completely lost - but that's ok with me.

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  28. The pillow is amazing. Thank you for the tutorial. I usually look at patterns for inspiration, then branch out on my own.

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  29. Love it!! I am very interested in designing. Thank you for all this great information!!

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  30. Love that you do your own thing but did follow pattern....with a twist.. Love quilts.

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  31. Love that you do your own thing but did follow pattern....with a twist.. Love quilts.

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  32. Design my own quilt pattern. ☺

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  33. I've designed some of my own quilts, but I also follow patterns. I love the way your mini quilt turned out!

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  34. Sarah Metzger23 May, 2017 22:01

    I've done both. If I get inspired I will do my own, but generally I fall in love with the lovely patterns I find from many different designers!!!

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  35. Like many beginner quilters I used patterns. Now I just see something I like, and it becomes the idea I base the quilt around.

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  36. I have always followed a pattern, but now I am inspired to create my own. The quilt is stunning, Thanks for giveaway. The book is full of wonderful projects that I would love to make.
    djcutting2(at)gmail(dot)com

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  37. I've used patterns by others but I also enjoy designing my own.

    I love your mini quilt and seeing the inspiration behind it - very creative and beautifully executed!

    Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Brigitte's book. I love her work!

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  38. I love doing both! I sample sew for some quilt shops so I need to follow the patterns for those projects but I also love to do my own thing too! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  39. I like reading lots of books to get inspiration. I sew from patterns but will change some or a lot of the design to get the quilt I like for my home and climate. Your post has been an interesting read. Vicki in Central Queensland, Australia.

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  40. I actually enjoy both. I use the skills I learn from making a quilt from a pattern to make things of my own design. Someone always has something new for me to learn from. Once you have the skill, you can take it anywhere.

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  41. What a great quilt!
    I like to follow a pattern and then tweak it to make it my own!

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  42. So enjoyed this post! I do a little of my own, but mostly follow patterns with my own twists and turns.

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  43. Very interesting post I really enjoyed. Thank you! I do both, follow patterns an try to find my own way.
    LG Alex.

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  44. I love how you started with a clock and ended up with this radiated abstract design. I try to come up with my own designs but it is hard. Most of my quilts were made from a pattern. I'm ready to branch out and really hope I win. I absolutely love your design!

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  46. Ich habe grad gesehen, dass ich dir ja auf Deutsch antworten kann :-) Ich bin sprachlos vor Bewunderung! Ich nehme normalerweise vorhandene Designs und mache sie mir durch Auswahl "meiner" Farben und Stoffe zu eigen. Ich wäre mehr als geehrt, deinen genialen Miniquilt/Kissen zu bekommen! Toll geworden!

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  47. I love you quilt and loved reading about your process! I prefer to design my own quilts--though I often use others patterns as a starting place and then tweak it so that it works for me. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  48. I find photos of quilts I like and then figure out the pattern myself. Or follow a latter. I love zen chic and use her quilts as inspiration

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  49. What a beautiful quilt you've made! I love how you used the clock for inspiration!
    I usually follow a pattern but occasionally I use pencil and paper to make my own design - that's what I'm doing at the moment. I used an embroidery design and enlarged the pattern on paper - big enough for a 60" quilt.

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  50. What a fun design challenge! I often follow patterns for full quilts, but like to design pillows and table toppers on my own.

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  51. What a great idea and design. It really adds another dimension to the design.
    As far as MY quilting, I do both. Some times out of necessity because the pattern I was following didn't work out!

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  52. That's a very clever idea and design. I love it!

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  53. Right now designing my own quilts is winning over using a pattern. I'm into wall hangings mostly, love the size and love that I can get it done in a decent amount of time and move onto something new. LOVE, LOVE anything modern!!!

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  54. That is a fascinating technique. I love the applique over Dresden idea. I have to say that I like both using my patterns and patterns from designers. It depends upon what I'm making the quilt for.

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  55. Oh my. This is exciting. I've done a bit of designing, but mostly have followed patterns. I would love to do more designing. It really depends on what I'm doing.

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  56. Yes, I design my own quilts, and I also use other people's patterns. There a re so many talented designers out there, and there seem to be so many great new ideas!! But when I do use a pattern, I seem to make a few changes. :-) Your design is just lovely: such a creative way of translating the clock design into a quilt! Hugs, H in Healdsburg

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  57. Christine, your work is beautiful! I'm a novice quilter. My very first quilt was a Zen Chic pattern that I made for my sister and I've been hooked on quilting ever since. I've now finished two other quilts and in the process of my third. I'm attempting to create my own pattern but at times I find myself heading "back to the drawing board". I love seeing what everyone else is doing. I'm @cakeordeathdesigns on Instagram
    Cheers, Pari

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  58. I love your design! However, I am the opposite of you in that I always need a pattern and follow it exactly. This book is what I need to break out of my box!

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  59. The pillow is fantastic and would be great to use the pattern for quilting.I`m not a designer,so I use patterns from designers.

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  60. I have to have a pattern and I'm always amazed by the work of people that make up their own! Maybe this book could help me stretch myself, be more imaginative. Thanks for the givewaway!!!

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  61. I love your process progression (and the colors are divine on your finished mini!). I usually start with a pattern, but rarely follow it straight through. I love to choose my own colors and rearrange blocks or add elements until I'm satisfied. I also go out and search for tutorials to learn new techniques so I can do things that are new to me. Even kits don't end up looking like the photo. Absolutely love the simplicity of Brigitte's Zen Chic fabric lines and the book! Thanks for the chance to win :)

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  62. I like making quilt patterns that speak to me but with my own spin to them. I eventually want to design my own quilt patterns. I love Brigitte and Zen Chic. Major fan love here.

    tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  64. Just fantastic what you came up with and the finished product is breathe taking. I like to follow patterns and then if I feel comfortable and confident enough have a go at altering and designing my own

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  65. Your quilt is just wonderful! I usually quilt from patterns, it's so much easier than to count yourself.

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  66. Hi Christine - lovely tutorial! I like making up my own quilts but I borrow elements from patterns! Thanks for the chance - love it!! churcae(at)auburn(dot)edu

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  67. Your quilt is gorgeous! I'm not confident enough to do my own patterns, so for now, I use patterns that are already available.

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  68. Love your design. Its gorgeous! Imagine it in a quilt, beautiful. ❤️ I hate following patterns. I'm always doodling on graph paper. I love the idea of taking a photo of the room you want a quilt for. I do a bit of improv and make up my own quilts. I have struggled to come up with designs for my home so think this is a book I need to get ��.

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  69. I generally follow patterns, but I most often make changes, like adding borders or changing the block sizes or number of blocks.

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