Paint chip Challenge

Before I get started, I wanted to post the pics of my pincushions that I received from the Pincushion Swap. I've done many swaps over the years - blocks, fabric, pay it forward, etc., and LOVE them. It is so nice to get a squishy envelope in the mail from another quilter far away and to make something for someone that you know will appreciate your time.
   So here they are...   In addition, I received a luscious Lindtz chocolate bar that sadly never made it to the picture :))

The owl and the rabbit have been confiscated by my cat, Mr. B. He likes to cart them around to different places in the house and sleeps with the owl on occasion.  The little finger pin cushion is my favorite and I use it LOTS~~~.

In addition to loving swaps, I LOVE challenges!!  My guild does one every year. We receive it either at the Xmas party or at the annual picnic in June and they are to be ready for the next picnic which comes up in three weeks!!  When I think of my "best" quilts, they are the ones that I did for the challenges.  The nice thing about the challenge is the IDEA is already done. I just have to work within  the perimeters.  The challenge has always taken me outside of my comfort zone and gets me to explore new techniques and ideas. It really gets my quilting mojo in high gear!!

This year, it is a paint chip challenge. We were each given an envelope and told to make anything but you could only use the colors on the paintchips and you could add one more color. 

Here are my colors...  Blues and oranges. 

Here are my fabrics..... I know these blues look really dark but acutally they aren't. The other thing a few of us like to do is try to "push the envelope" of the challenge so to speak. For me, I am adding white but not as my other color. For me, white is the "absence of all color".  We'll see how that flys on the flagpole. LOL~

and here is Round one.  I decided to go with  a pieced background and then applique on top.  I've used Ricky Tims' convergence concept before so thought I would start with that. Although the piece came out ok,  I was not in love with it. The last one I did the fabric had more pattern to it so it didn;t appear so static and flat.  This one has been relegated to the orphan box for another project.

I wanted something more flowing.  I've had Karen Eckmier's book Layered Waves for some time and actually am taking a class with her in July. But once I took a look at the cover, I knew that was what the bacground had to be. If you have never tried this, it is ADDICTING!! You cut, sew and add waves. If you don't like something, you take it off. You tweak as you go. It takes on a life of its own. Very organitc~ I was at it for hours and it felt like 5 minutes.  

This is the piece I have so far. I am absolutely in love with it~  I'm going to add a bit more to it and then will move on to the borders.   Hopefully that will be done by the end of next week. 

But this will be pushed aside for a few days so I can get my greatniece's quilt quilted and sent to her for her 3rd birthday. Check back for pics of this one mid week. Till then , 

 QUILT TIL YOU WILT!