the quilt I want to make

A week to go before the PA Guild Show. I finished the big quilt a couple days ago and then spent a day or two agonizing what to make next. There are some smaller wall hangings in colors that I know will sell--maybe I should make one of those? Some variation in color of course to keep me interested and to learn something new. Maybe a couple of much smaller pieces--table runners. I could always use more of them. Hmm. I ponder the colors. I just can't get going though.

Then it comes to me. I have been working toward a quilt with rolling fields for a couple years now. I did red barn, blue silos. Loved that piece.

And of course the mystery of bend in the road. A slightly earlier quilt.

And of course the rolling nature of hills and valleys. I bet you can see where I'm going.

This is a quilt I've been thinking about for some time. Although I am certainly not sure if it will work. I make a few quick sketches. I am making a wall hanging which I want to be 45x45 inches. I think this is a nice size.  Takes up wall space but can fit into many homes.

I drink more coffee. And then decide I must simply start. Not think about it. Not worry about whether there is time to finish it. When I was a child, we took swimming lessons at the local pool. Since we lived in the country our lessons were at 8 am when the water temperature was really cold.  There was a high dive which we were expected to jump off.  It really scared me. I knew the water would be really cold when I hit it. The sensation of falling through the air was fun but also unnerving. All I could do was walk to the end and jump--if I thought about it I wouldn't do it. I was always proud of myself when I did it though.  Sometimes quilts are like that too. You just have to start.  Pull out the fabric and make a block.  If I don't get it done in time, there will be another show.

I tell myself to make what I know. I do the greens. It gives the quilt a form and outline. How fragile it looks. But it is nice to be sewing with a purpose.

Then a row of golden browns--let see how this looks.

Progress.  I have no clue what comes next. Luckily for me it's closing time. I have all night to think about the colors. If I can just get one or two more done then maybe it will fall in place. What about a grey? A possibility. I don't want to go to the pinks--not for this quilt.  I want the subtle colors of fields at the end of the season--slightly dusty. Earth colored.  Maybe I could use a misty teal? Taupe?  What do you think?  Do you have quilts that you just start because you want to see what happens?