When I showed my sister my baby quilt-in-progress, she reminded me that her friends had expressed a preference for the colour red. Mmm, I really quite like the colour red, not that you would know it from looking in my stash where it is strangely limited in appearance.
In a flash of inspiration (my sisters are very smart), Amy also wrote: “Perhaps (and not trying to get in the way of your creativity!) some red patches, or red binding could give it a pohutukawa feel? And save you having to start another…”
And of course, she was exactly right. The top really did need a certain something to break up all those similar value greens and blues. So here is how it is looking now:
The palette is very similar to the pohutukawa platter that I showed you back at Christmas time, albeit with a touch more lime. What’s more, to continue the New Zealand flavour, I happen to have the perfect pukeko backing fabric:
Although we also have purple swamp hens in Australia, including right here at the lagoon in Copacabana, New Zealanders have really embraced the quirky, awkward bird.
Amy’s friends currently live in London but will be returning home after the baby is born. In the meantime, the baby will be wrapped in some kiwiana.
Mum says
What a difference th red makes, I love it….. and I love the backing too. I magine a toddler pulling the quilt over her/his head and tracing the birds with his.her finger … and talking to them.
Squeaksqueal says
Love the red additions! Great backing piece too. No pastels for this baby!
Chantel says
Love it!
Helen says
The touch of red is brilliant. It really adds interest and gives it some zing. Being a kiwi I love your choice of backing!
Caitlin O'Connor says
ZING!!Well, that dash of the complementary colour took that quilt from sweet but.. to REMARKABLE! I reckon ANY quilter who says “But I don’t need a colour wheel” should look at this quilt as an illustration of just that principle. (In fact, I might write that on the Scquilters list right now…)
kristin says
Now THAT’s serendipitous! The red additions to the quilt really work and that backing fabric and plush Kiwi are to die for!!!
Erica says
The red really makes this quilt pop. What a wonderfully stimulating quilt for a bub.
teri says
Wow….what a difference one color makes. I LOVE that backing!! Of course, I have a thing for wierd birds….(being on myself, don’t ‘cha know??)
teri
debbi says
The red border is great!
Amy says
I love how that whole concept has come together. The backing fabric is perfect!