Thursday, February 24, 2011

Favorite Things Friday - Black and White Quilts

I'm once again joining the Favourite Things Friday party at Quilting in My Pyjamas.  Shay and I had an email conversation about the subject of black and white quilts recently, trading links and inspiration.  It's something that's on both of our to-do lists.

Here are a few of my favorites, done by some highly creative quilters, from Flickr.  As you can see, they're not all just black and white.  Some have another color or two thrown in, just enough to make it pop, sing, or sizzle.  I really like that idea.

1. Quilt Show in Portland, 2. Circle Applique Quilt Top, 3. "Which is Which", 4. The Geese are Free!, 5. Spider Web Doll Quilt, 6. Rett's Black and White Stringer, 7. T-Bright Spinners on Black and White, 8. Opera Quilt, 9. Half Moon DNP, 10. The Black and White Quilt

I also started a folder in my browser's bookmarks for black and white quilts, and here are links to a few of them.  Remember, you can middle button click to open the link in a new page, or right-click and select "open new tab."

Snapshots Quilt, by Elizabeth Hartman
Planetarium Quilt, by Elizabeth Hartman
Snail Trail Mini Quilt
Striking Black and White Quilt

For the past few months, I have been collecting black and white fabrics for a quilt.  I also bought a pattern but wasn't sure if it was the one.  After overthinking the matter far too long, I realized I was approaching this as my one and only black and white quilt, not what was more likely to be the first of many black and white quilts that I may make.  Perspective shifted, I cut some fabric, already.  

This also seemed like a good time dust off Viv, my vintage Singer 301, to do the piecing.  She does a great quarter-inch seam (as long as I don't drive over the line), and she really needed something to do besides just sit there looking all retro-sexy. 

Here's a sneak peek at the layout.  In the next post, I'll show you what I've gotten sewn together.  I'm really liking it so far!

How about you?  Have you made a black and white quilt?  Feel free to share a link to one you've made or been inspired by elsewhere, if you'd like.

14 comments:

thea said...

Me too! me too! I want to do a black and white quilt too. I'm liking what you've done so far. a lot. thanks for sharing.

momto2wasd said...

I like those inspiring quilts! I've been more attracted to white and black quilts lately, too. I love the 301...I've been wanting one in black but I'm too broke to actually buy one. Do you love yours?

Unknown said...

oooh, I love your eiffel towers fabric.

Kate said...

Like what you have so far. Ive not considered doing a black and white quilt, but after looking at your examples, I need to add one to that to do list in my heaad.

Janice said...

I love the black and white quilts and your sneak peak looks intriquing. I too have a vintage 301, It is a workhorse.

Much better than my new Brother, that is in the shop again.

I am collecting black & white fabrics, but will probably throw some red in there with it.

Thanks for sharing

Elizabeth said...

Gorgeous! Loved all the black & white eye candy. I've been thinking about a red, black and white quilt for a while. But I've got too many other things that aren't finished in the way. This one will have to wait for a bit.

I love your layout so far and can't wait to see your progress. Great FTF.

xo -El

Kirsten said...

Love your FTF. A black and white quilt is on my list...I will make on for my son one day.

Shay said...

I love the way you shifted your perspective and I adore the layout for this quilt. Black and white quilts are so striking and bold.

Glad Viv got a chance to shine with this project.

I realised I was overthinking design on mine recently and think I have it all sorted in my head now. I cant wait to see yours in all it's glory! I'm sure I'll be inspired.

Thanks for linking up to FTF this week P!

Cathy said...

I found my Mini Snail Trail on your list of faves. How cool is that? Obviously I am a fan of black and white but is kinda wonderful with red too. Check out my Bento Box Table Runner on Artfire.
www.artfire.com/users/NewMoonDesigns

Marg said...

Wow I've been collecting black and white fabric for ages now, with the intention of making something, anything, but so unsure of what I wanted to do. This post has made me realise that yes I can make more than one black and white quilt so I should just go for it and stop procrastinating, I can always make another and another etc. Thank you for making me realise that.
I can't wait to see yours.

Anonymous said...

I have never made a black and white quilt. Actually, I've only ever made one quilt and that was little trucks, cars, and submarines. I love black and white, though. I think I'll go to the fabric store this week. :)

Kirsten's Cooking said...

stunning - love it!

There is something so timeless about black and white, isn't there?

Alisa said...

Not being a quilter, I never would have noticed the beauty of the black and white quilts. They are pretty.

Michelle said...

I have to agree, black and white quilts are a fabulous favorite and one I share with you.