Icarus Star {Modern Rainbow}

Hi there!

I’m continuing my quest to show you the rest of the quilts from Modern Rainbow. Next up is Icarus Star, which is deeply personal. Much like the story of Icarus, this quilt was born out while I was experiencing incredible things, and yet feeling like my wings were about to melt right off! Do you ever feel this way?

Being a mother of 4 young kids, there is so so much pressure to be everything and do it perfectly and effortlessly. I never have ascribed to the philosophy of being all things and instead cling to the grace God so graciously provided. But still. Despite my knowing that, the worldly pressures are loud (LOUD!) and my eyes like sparkly things.

Icarus Star represents my life: hinting at order and symmetry but in reality drifting toward imperfection and rebellion. Without the influence of their creators, the quilt and my life would fall right apart.

The quilt is messy and colorful, and I hope beautiful. It’s my hope and prayer God can construct something beautiful and beloved out of this crazy life and heart of mine.

Practically speaking, this quilt is in the improv section of Modern Rainbow. Making this quilt is right up my workflow sweet spot. Little pinning and little precision leaves room for lots of carefree making, playing with color, and watching the resulting movement. I used my favorite top-stitch appliqué technique, which I show you in the book (but you find a tutorial here).

I chose a zig-zaggy all over quilting pattern using a teal thread (Aurifil WT 40 – #4093) – gosh quilting with teal thread is fun fun fun fun.

Two of these pictures were taken during Christmas time in 2013. My schedule was tight: my plan was to finish 1 quilt top a week (whew!). I felt the incredible high of writing a book (how cool is this!?), but also had a sense that surely something is going to go wrong.

But that’s just life and quilting. Sometimes, things don’t go according to plan and we just have to make-do or improv our way through.