I urge you to try to make a quilt out of your comfort zone!
I was so happy to hear the news that my niece was expecting that I just had to make her a quilt! But I almost backed out when she requested it to be in gray, black and white tones. That’s when I remembered that my best work was done when I was stepping out of my comfort zone.
Stepping out of my comfort zone
I accepted the challenge and went in my stash to see what I had available. To my big surprise I had some 5” squares in those tones.
![So I accepted the challenge and went in my statsh to see what I had available. To my big surprise I had some 5” squares in those tones.](https://quiltingwithclaire.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Fabric-stash-for-project-600x382.jpg)
Still inspired by the book Create your own improv quilts (read my last post), I decided to do some creative improve: no rules. I picked two contrasting squares and cut them up to sew back together, making two rectangles.
![I picked two contrasting squares and cut them up to sew tham back together, making two rectangles.](https://quiltingwithclaire.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Cutting-the-pieces-paired-600x260.jpg)
Now for the fun part!
I had fun trying to figure out the setting of these rectangles. After many hesitations, I decided on this design.
![I had fun trying to figure out the setting of these rectangles. After many hesitations, I decided on this design.](https://quiltingwithclaire.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Block-done-595x600.jpg)
Once the block was done, I realized I didn’t want anything else in the quilt. It had to be the main focus. I went to my favorite fabric collection for the background: Northcott canvas! I found some leftover strips from another project. It added design elements to finish the quilt top!
![I just love the simplicity of the quilt](https://quiltingwithclaire.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Quilt-top-done-600x431.jpg)
Once pieced, the quilting design came spontaneously and I am really happy with the result. Best part is that I finished in just one session! I simply had to make my first circle than I followed along with the attachment on my walking foot.
![Quilting circles in echo](https://quiltingwithclaire.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Finished-quilt-600x411.jpg)
I finished my project in a month!
Hand binding included.
This is the first time that I actually finish a baby quilt on time to give at the shower.
Can you tell that I was stepping out of my comfort zone to make it? You should really give it a try.
Nice!! We’re always afraid stepping out of our comfort zone but we shouldn’t be!
Thanks Diane! If only we could do this more often!