Pas de Deux: oh the Possibilities!
This January I have been so inspired by your beautiful Pas de Deux beginnings. We’ve only just begun, but even so you’ve open my eyes to possibilities I hadn’t yet imagined.
I’m feeling the tug to finish the scrappy rainbow version I’ve already started, and begin fresh with a new palette. Why not? It’s not, after all, a particularly time-consuming quilt. Here are some of the Pas de Deux beginnings that are inspiring me most today.
Maker: @Marvanzij
Her Style: One Color + black and white for each patchwork group
My Thoughts: I like the idea of using a theme like black and white throughout the quilt, along with random colors for each group. This plan will powerfully unify the quilt, while keeping it scrap-friendly.
Her palette feels clean and urban.
Maker: @1StrongCheryl
Her Style: Consistent colors for two neighboring patchwork groups.
My Thoughts: When I designed Pas de Deux I visualized each patchwork group as a separate and distinct entity. Thanks to this maker, I’m super curious to see what the quilt would look like if color was used to unify elements, rather than create distinction.
Imagine, for example, a Pas de Deux with ombre effect, color changing gradually in a vertical ombre, irrespective of patchwork groups. Hmmm!
Maker: @AnnetteQuilts2
Her Style: Limited color palette, plus sprinkling a feature fabric (winter tree)
My Thoughts: Annette has already sewn her February blocks, which lets us see how pretty it looks to blend the patchwork groups with a consistent color scheme.
What a fun idea to randomly place the winter tree motif throughout the quilt! One could do the same with any favorite feature print. It adds another layer of design will further unifying the quilt.
Maker: @AbleMissDesigns
Her Style: Theme prints - fresh multicolor florals - plus value play.
Notice the value change in the HST blocks as you travel from left to right. Plus, the top of the Circle Squares is darker than the bottom.
My Thoughts: If you begin with a limited color palette (perhaps defined by a focal print) you can feel totally free to play with color and value effects in the patchwork groups. Whatever happens, it all will flow together!
Maker: @Quiltwerke
Her Style: Consistent palette. Branching out to add additional design elements - see second photo for her February idea!
My Thoughts: Treating the Pas de Deux quilt as a colorful whole really opens the patchwork up to so many unexpected possibilities.
I can see that going this route would give me chances for discovery and play that feel almost improv in nature. That's really attractive to me right now!
Yep, it’s decided - I’ll be starting a new Pas de Deux this spring! Thanks to everyone for the bucket loads of inspiration, including many that I didn’t share here. You can see more at #PasdeDeuxQuilt on Instagram.
Would you like to join in, but feel like you missed your chance? It’s not so! You can totally jump in now and catch up easily. People are getting started all the time. Right now you can still choose between the annual subscription or the monthly model. With the monthly model, I’ll be in contact to collect January’s fee as well. Either way, you’ll have both January and February materials from the get go, so you can make a running start!
Pas de Deux is a block of the month club divided into 6 installments. Bring this modern sampler quilt to life, creating group by group of beautifully interwoven patchwork throughout the year.
Wedge Cross, Postage Stamp Stars, Transparency, Orange Peel, Still Point, Sawtooth Burst and so much more - each patchwork ensemble is its own lovely dance. Together they make up a stunning repertoire that’s as delightful to behold as it is to sew.
My inspiration for this quilt was to interweave many styles of patchwork in a modern, non-linear way. As I sketched, the patchwork spun and danced, bringing to mind a pas de deux, which is a dance for two. In fact, each patchwork grouping can be visually organized as two main colors, providing guidance for color choices while leaving room to explore many joyful pairings.
Skill level: Suitable for intermediate quilters. During the journey, you will learn techniques for applique, partial seams, foundation paper piecing and y-seams. No prior experience with these techniques is assumed. Advanced quilters will also enjoy the journey!
Size: 64” x 76” throw quilt
Fabrics: This is a scrap-friendly quilt! With your purchase, you’ll immediately receive the introductory Prelude PDF for quilt planning. It discusses tool and scrap needs, possible color palettes and includes a blank color sheet.
Within 1 business day of your purchase, you will receive an email with links to download the 6 monthly installments. In each installment you’ll find multiple patterns, plus already-sewn Pas de Deux inspiration from our community and fabric tips for each leg of the journey.
Plus, the Pas de Deux library includes 4 extra quilt patterns, each of which is a spin-off from one Pas de Deux patchwork group to create an entire quilt. The final two photos showcase two such bonus patterns: Diamond Wedge quilt and Postage Stamp Stars quilt.
Happy Patchwork, everyone!
