Bargello Windows Quilt

Over the weekend, I finished the quilt that I blogged about last Wednesday.

One thing I have learned since I started quilting is that some of the traditional patterns that made me gag growing up can look completely different (and dare I say, appealing!) if they are updated and paired with the right colors of fabric. This quilt started out as one of those.

When I imagine the ugliest, most cringe-worthy traditional quilting pattern, I think bargello. Just google "bargello quilt," and a myriad of hideous creations will pop up on your screen. When I see the bargello motif, the phrase that comes to mind is:

Quilt Vomit.

Don't you agree?

I also envision such a quilt being held up by the proud creator who is sporting a matching quilted vest, baby pink Keds, and an 80's-style perm. Aahh! Stop running away, Imagination.

Despite my clear aversion to bargello quilts, I decided to challenge myself to create a modern bargello quilt.

I began with a limited color palette (orange and aqua). This alone went a long way. Second, I broke up the pattern by creating bargello squares sashed with Kona cotton in Snow because neutrals make everything more appealing in my mind.

I am pretty happy with the resulting quilt, though it is nearly blindingly bright! The intense colors are perfect for a baby quilt, though, as is the size—55" square.

I used my leftover scraps from the quilt front to make the back. Please don't comment on the fact that the pieces are not quite lined up and squared. I am aware of this. And the perfectionist in me is not happy about it.

I mean, I totally meant to make the back a little wonky! Yeah, that makes me feel better.

That's a wrap on this project.

Have you created anything that made you change your mind about a technique or motif that you previously hated? I would love to hear about it!