"Dancing Fans" 76" x 61"
I had fun playing with the many design possibilities of the fan blocks.
It took awhile before the final idea "unfolded." ; )
It began with a charcoal background and layout inspired by this quilt.
Then I visited my friend, Patricia, at Okan Arts,
and bought some of her vintage yukata cotton for the border.
The charcoal had to go. And why not play with the fan setting?
Hmm, wheels?
Straight rows?
On point?
One row up, the next row down?
Snake?
Ah, now we're getting some movement. I love the way they almost spin.
This is the same design I settled on, but the fans aren't paired by color here.
Happy spring! Wishing you lots of pink snow.
Wowzer! They almost look like dancing pieces of candy... Love it...(though I also liked #2 with the black background and the big red flowers.) Interesting all the possible choices...
ReplyDeleteOver the years yukata fabric has changed from blue and white smaller patterns to bright colors and larger prints. It makes it harder to use in some ways but very striking when it fits. Your fans are great.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a knock-out! And I love that yukata fabric for the border! Inspired choices. You always seem to hit a home run!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutley brilliant !! Those fans really are dancing!! And the borders look like streamers that are unfurling in mid air. What a happy festive quilt full of movement. Another wonderful Nifty quilt!!
ReplyDeleteThis is stunning! and love the border too! Linda
ReplyDeleteLove the fun quilt! So much movement. Your fan placement is perfect with the lively border.
ReplyDeleteLove that border fabric. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteI do love fans. These designs are fun! Hugs Nat
ReplyDeleteNo losers here! I'd say make a bunch more and do one of each!! They are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteHow fun to see your fan quilt top finish just in time for the pink snow - a very sweet combination. Enjoyed seeing the different layouts of the fans, and love the movement of your chosen one. So pretty with all the lovely reds and the perfect border.
ReplyDelete; )
So many possibilities with the layout of your fans. I do like the one you have chosen.
ReplyDeleteThis is so lively. The border fabric and layout you chose looks great, though you had lots of options.
ReplyDeleteWhat a colorful pretty quilt! The border fabric is great! A perfect choice!
ReplyDeleteThe border fabric is a perfect compliment to the block design. I can see a series here.....
ReplyDeleteThis quilt would knock my socks off if I wasn't barefoot! Absolutely fabulous ~ and thank you for sharing all of your different set/border considerations. So informative.
ReplyDeleteI bought a bolt of graphic yukata fabric on my first trip to Japan and haven't thought of it in years. I might need to dig around for that today!
whee fun! have to admit I'm partial to those wheels - maybe another time. woohoo for spring!
ReplyDeletePerfect choice. The border fabric is so Nifty! It looks fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking us along on this journey. An excellent illustration of how playing & taking time can come up with the best solution.
ReplyDeleteThe yukata PERFECT with the fans & I'm on a campaign to use more tans as background. Camel is the new Black!
We are having an unusually beautiful & lingering Spring here. I always love the "flower litter" under the trees.
Love the fan idea. It just give you so many possibilities with color and design
ReplyDeleteThey really do dance! Almost look like candy too. Gorgeous quilt! Thanks for showing the progression of ideas too.
ReplyDeleteMatching the patterns on the apposing fans really creates a boldness to the final composition. Great job on resolving the design!
ReplyDeleteFun to see all the different ways it can go together.
ReplyDeleteWhat a marvelous post (and awesome, awesome quilt top)!
ReplyDeleteThanks for brightening a rather gray Monday!
I loved each and every layout. Beautiful blocks and quilt. Perhaps you want to make a series . . .
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, you are the original Fandancer! I love the bows...or butterflies...or ?? The red makes them all dance the Fandango. (groan)
ReplyDeleteSend some pink snow my way, please.
Thanks for the wonderful jolt of color when opening your blog today, Nifty! All the iterations were good, but the final choice is spectacular...and the yukata border print is just plain luscious. Good job!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great quilt! Love what you've done with this-so many choices for layout!! The printed fabric border is wonderfully you.:)
ReplyDeleteJust.....WOW! Thanks for sharing your process with us!
ReplyDeletegreat setting! is there a name for this one? I think of it as 'candy' wrappers or butterflies.
ReplyDeleteIt was wonderful to see all the creative ways to set this wonderful fans. Love the red corner.
The first version looks very asian and I really like that one too - what fun!
thanks for an inspiring post!!
It's wonderful! I love fans and your layout is perfect! The border is fabulous as well!
ReplyDeleteAs usual, I love your choice, your quilts and seeing the decision process in the blog. Your work always inspires me.
ReplyDeleteHow did you know which one was "the" one? I love so many of those settings! Your quilts always look so great to me and this one is right up there with many of my favorites from your creations.
ReplyDeleteHappy Sewing
What a fabulous quilt, love the energy and movement! Well done!
ReplyDeleteWow! Wow! Wow! That's a triple wow! Love this quilt, another stunner by you.
ReplyDeleteYour setting is wonderful! Love all the colors you chose.
ReplyDeleteWhat a celebration of color and movement! This whole quilt seems to be dancing around the maypole! Love seeing your design process. I'm going through the same thing here, wish you could pop over and weigh in. Happy spring !
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous and your border choice is perfect. Definitely eye candy!
ReplyDeleteThe movement is almost real if I look at the fans, isn't it? Very bright and happy result. I like the border too. We are enjoying the pink blossom too over here. Happy weekend to you too,
ReplyDeleteGroetjes
Annemieke
I would love to see some pink snow! Spring has been so slow to come to my neck of the woods. Thanks for sharing your design process - it's so fun to see. There is such wisdom in making the blocks first before deciding on a setting.
ReplyDeleteLove love! Border fabric perfect!
ReplyDeletedelicious!
ReplyDeleteSo many great design possibilities... incredible.
ReplyDelete(Me thinks you may have to make them all!)
I just found your blog and have added it to my blog page because I just LOVE everything you are doing! So happy for the new inspiration! Cheery wave from Bev
ReplyDeleteI knew it! I knew I was missing out on something so fabulous by not reading blogs while I was away! I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE this quilt! Your choice of background and borders are always perfect. Shirtings with prints for the fans are mesmerizing! Yum!!!
ReplyDeleteThis quilt is spectacular. Is there a pattern available or did you just use a fan block pattern and play with it? -Derrith
ReplyDeleteGosh, that yukata fabric is fantastic, and the perfect foil for the fans. It turned out beautifully, LeeAnn, great job!
ReplyDeletejust love these fans , that border fabric is perfect. You have such a knack of using the right fabric to make the quilt sing :)
ReplyDeleteKathie
your fan quilt is fantastic! I just love the fan and dresden plate shapes. There are so many ways to position them to make different designs.
ReplyDeleteFinal top is perfection!! I loved seeing your process. Isn't it amazing how many options you can come up with? Some we like and some we don't. You just keep going and going and letting it stew a little and then FINALLY that feel good moment when it all comes together!
ReplyDeleteI.LIKE.