Traffic Pattern

You know how every project you work on is your favorite at the time?  Well, this quilt, Traffic Pattern, has remained a favorite even as I have worked on others. 

It started quite some time ago when I began noticing bird images everywhere.  Something about the silhouette of a bird really speaks to me and I began to muse about a quilt with birds.  Several weeks later, this flock coming towards me popped into my mind.  At first I envisioned this as a black and white quilt, but decided that would be too stark.  Besides, black birds in this quantity had the potential to look slightly sinister.  I rejected a light blue background as I did not want a realistic look to the quilt.  I eventually settled on this grey/yellow/white combination.

The thin yellow strips are flanges that are sewn in between the blocks.  I think they added just the right amount of definition to the “edges” of the quilt.


Here is the original sketch of my idea – don’t laugh too hard at my “drawing” ability. I cannot draw for beans. When I was young, I really thought I wasn’t at all artistic or creative because I can’t draw. I’m so glad I found another way to express myself!

This quilt is a pattern in my Etsy shop.

7 Comments
  • Cheryl Arkison
    Posted at 18:09h, 23 August Reply

    How did I miss this? Fantastic! One of my favourite colour combos and such a great design.
    (PS My sketches look a lot like that too. That's why I quilt, not draw.)

  • Lisa
    Posted at 06:31h, 31 July Reply

    This is absolutely stunning!

  • Liz in Ypsilanti
    Posted at 16:25h, 19 July Reply

    I really like this quilt. I like the sense of perspective, and the carefully controlled use of space. Good job!

  • Rebekah
    Posted at 13:49h, 19 July Reply

    Gorgeous! I'm so glad you've posted a picture of this online. I've been thinking about it ever since I first saw it at the quilt guild.

  • Rossie
    Posted at 16:38h, 14 July Reply

    It's a beautiful quilt!

  • Gale's Goodies
    Posted at 15:09h, 14 July Reply

    Wow, this is a fabulous way to express your bird love! I love the way the birds travel across the quilt. I imagine it was a challenge to quilt around all those appliques.

  • BaileyGirl5
    Posted at 14:07h, 14 July Reply

    Wow! I just love everything about this quilt. Very striking and beautiful and in such a clean, clear way. LOVE IT!

    I've got your triangle maze pattern printed and have been dying to make that as soon as I get the right feel for the fabrics I want. Thanks so much for sharing!

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