Isn’t that a wonderful word?
According to the dictionary, a gallimaufry is a jumble or medley of things. I’ve just finished a quilt where all the blocks were the same, and I feel the need for some variety now. I sat last night and scribbled some ideas and came up with 6 blocks I wanted to play with, a mix of traditional and something different. I’m also going to be a bit more liberal with the colour palette than I was with the Blue Hour quilt.
So, this is the design for Gallimaufry. It will be the same size as before, 5 x 6 blocks of 12 square inches each, finished size. The colour emphasis for the blocks will also alternate dark and light, but the effect will be less extreme because there is more pattern and colour, and also because I’m not using so much of the dark Prussian blue which gave that inky effect to the Blue Hour quilt.
And because I’m excited about this idea, yes, you guessed it, I’ve dived straight in and got a line of blocks done already. This is the third line down in the design, because I just had to start with the appliqué heart 🙂 Click on the image to get a better view of fabrics.
So, I’ve got three more block formats to try out, and the cute caravan appliqué block to play with. That one’s really calling my name, so don’t be surprised if you see it in the next post!
It’s so nice to be working with florals and using different shapes again!
talltalesfromchiconia 
This is going to be stupendous. I’m becoming increasingly intrigued by the possibilities of applique, still experimenting…..
I used to dread it because the stitches would bunch up the fabric underneath into a sort of tube, things would get all distorted and it was a total pain. Then I discovered tear-away stabiliser and the joys of hand basting the pieces in position first, and it was a game-changer. Personally, I like blanket stitch, but if your machine doesn’t have that, close zigzag also looks lovely.
Yes, I’ve been trying that a bit, too. But I need more practice! A friend gave me a useful hint: she makes and sells at markets, and uses a standard domestic machine: she does a normal straight stitch but in patterns (usually circles) over the appliqued bits, very close to the edge, and leaves the edges with a slightly raw look. It looks amazing. I’ll try and find a pic, because it probably sounds stupid !!!!
No, I know exactly what you mean, it does look very good, but my need for tidiness doesn’t let me work that way, I fret about the raggy edges!
are you on facebook? https://www.facebook.com/Theresa-Haslam-Art-Textiles-1603807569856450/
No, but the Husband is so I use his logon. I’ll get over and take a look, thanks!
Oh, her tip – use a darning foot on the machine – that way, you can move the fabric almost freely.
… and you have to drop the feed dogs or the machine fights back!
Oh yes, I forgot that bit 😦 !!!
😉
What a great start!
Once I’d started, I couldn’t seem to stop making blocks! I hadn’t meant to get so far ahead, but it’s all good…
Wow! That is going to be beautiful. ‘Gallimaufry’ sounds Irish, but it seems its origin is French. Great word!
Isn’t it! There’s another great one one, ‘salmagundi’ which in addition to its meaning as a sort of salad, also means a heterogeneous mixture. But that’s not such a pretty word, I think.
Now they sound like two characters in a children’s story.
I think they’re probably Harry Potter characters, don’t you? Professor Gallimaufry (cantrips and spells) and Miss Salmagundi (magical languages), wouldn’t you say?
I just had to look up ‘cantrip’ – you are educating me today Kate – love it!
I am a big lover of words, their meanings and origins. There’s even a word for that!
Oh YES!!!! You have hit the jackpot with those two! 😉 😀
I can tell you’re really excited about this one^^
No, really? Whatever gave you that idea? I’m all too predictable, I fear!
I love gallimaufry: the quilt and the word! You are so excited about this, I bet you’ll have it finished in no time! Any chance a scrap happy block will appear? If my memory is correct, didn’t you have some blue and yellow or pink blocks in a post not long ago?
I don’t think I’ll put in any of the actual scraphappy blocks, which are too bright, but there will be several blocks of that style, made of scraps of the darker blues, I think.
That will look great!
I read Gallifrey (that’s where the Doctor is from) 😀 Great new project, nice colours.
I could have predicted that reading! Glad you like what’s there so far.
I bet you have it done in time for the up coming trip with the start you already have. Such imagination – would like to hear the music that you are hearing with this one -lol
I might get the top done, but not the quilting and assembly as well 🙂 As for the music… All those lovely traditional florals are so soothing and comforting. So I’m hearing The Lark Ascending, the most peaceful music I know:
Enjoy!
Yes, The Lark Ascending is glorious and was voted the nation’s favourite classical piece a few years ago. I play it often.
Same here 🙂
I learn so much from you! I found the poem and read as I listened – so peaceful. Thanks Kate. I think it matches your blocks – this row and the next row- perfectly. It’s like you’re creating your own garden.
George Meredith certainly has a way with words, but I definitely prefer just the first verse, it gets all Victorian after that and doesn’t match the music so well…
We’ve just been handed a caravan applique pattern block for our guild’s block of the month drawing. I won’t be making one but they are darn cute and offer so much room for personalization. I can see why you’ve got so many blocks made already!
I haven’t drawn mine up yet, but I think it’s going to be hard to resist adding too much detail. As you say, lots of room for personalisation, but too many layers and it’ll get stiff and solid. Moderation… always so hard!
🙂
Gorgeous plan! I am excited to see it come to life:)
Well then, I have the best possible excuse to create another bunch of blocks 🙂
I love the fabrics you’re using – they definitely look better in close up. No outside pressure for this quilt as it’s for Miz Lizzie and she’s a caravan and can’t talk so you can relax.
… and I’m perfectly well aware that there’s no way I’ll have it ready for our next trip, leaving on Wednesday 🙂 But you know, Miz Lizzie is capable of reproachful looks, even if she can’t talk!
I LOVE it.
I’m so glad!
That is going to be totally wonderful!
Glad you like it! I’m having lots of fun with all the different types of block.
Looks like there´s gonna be a new great quilt for Miz Lizzie 🙂
I think so! I have almost finished another row of blocks. At this rate, I’ll have the top finished before we go away on Wednesday!
So much fun to start something new! I’ve been out of the loop for 2 weeks, and likely I won’t catch all your posts from that time. But I’m glad I saw this one. Enjoy!
It is, especially as I’m letting myself have fun with this one with all the different blocks and processes. Hope you’ve enjoyed your break 🙂
Great design, I’ve not tried designing my own quilt, I’m sure my maths would come a cropper!! Love the name too 🙂
Your maths can’t be any worse than mine, I failed my O Level maths three times before I gave up! I find the trick is to use 12″ quilter’s graph paper and draw the block design out, then measure the pieces and add a quarter inch all round. The sunrise was paper pieced, and the 9 patches were simple, just cut 4.5″ squares. You can do it!