Wake was created in 2018 for the QuiltCon Two-Color Challenge. This was also my first attempt at creating my own foundation paper piecing (FPP) block. I designed this block-based quilt in Adobe Illustrator by randomly drawing straight lines across my chosen block size.
Almost a year and a half after this quilt was finished, I attended a lecture by Amy Friend through the South Florida Modern Quilt Guild and I learned that this technique was called “improv foundation paper piecing.”
I used my trusty “design floor” to try out different layouts for these blocks. I ultimately went with the layout on the far right pictured below. The effect that this layout created reminded me of the wake behind a boat moving in the water, which is where the name comes from. As you can see there are many different effects that can be created. Imagine adding more colors!
The quilting design I landed on was something fairly simple to not distract from the complex piecing on the front. I’ve contemplated going back and adding more quilting since I like to quilt things to death, but haven’t done it yet.
The only thing I don’t love about foundation paper piecing is the tearing out the papers at the end! Otherwise, I love the precision and accuracy that can be achieved and it is one of my go-to techniques.
The Details
- Finished size: 36″ x 48″
- Fabric front: Kona Pool & Ice Frappe
- Fabric back: Kona Silver
- Binding: Kona Pool
- Batting: Warm and Natural White
- Thread: Aurifil Dove (2600)
- Shows: None
- Publications: None
- Awards: None
