I surprise myself

I love it when my quilts surprise even me. Recently I have been spending a lot of time thinking about northern lakes. This is probably because my DH and I are leaving soon for our vacation up in northern New Hampshire. Umbagog to be precise--a marsh land related to the Androscoggin River. Only 15 feet deep on average with floating islands in the northern area. A lot of it is protected area--perfect for kayaking. I've never been there before but I have a hunch it's going to be gorgeous.

After the heat of this summer I must confess I am really  looking forward to slowly paddling on a cool lake-a breeze at my back. This is probably why I decided to make a wall hanging in cool soft teal colors. I need work this size for the Long's Park Art and Craft Festival on Labor Day week-end. It will be similar to this brown version called rolling hills.

I pull out teal colored fabric--go through the pieces that I've cut but not yet used getting the palette just right. This should be easy. I have this wonderful fabric that is basically the woods. Don't you just love the soft colors with the soft yellow and rust?

I come across a piece from this fabric. I had purchased it because I wanted the wonderful water and sky pieces for another quilt. I had wedges of the tree area left--I never could figure out a use for it but the green was just the soft blue green color I was looking for. Maybe? Waste not, want not--they say.

I get a block done. Then another. Pin it up on my design board.

WOW. This design is more than I had dreamed possible.

Let me show it to your from a distance so you can really see it.

Do you see the island and the reflection? Up close--I agree--nice colors. But from a distance an unexpected shimmer of color and light.  I keep piecing--will it continue? has this ever happened to you? An inspiration beyond what you expected. I keep piecing. Now I just have to sew it together. Was it  because I was thinking of floating islands that I created this wonderful image? Yes, I can duplicate this mirage. Suddenly all sorts of designs come to my mind--what else can I do before I run out of this wonderful fabric. Can I find some more? I get into work early today to sew the quilt together. What do you think?