The chaos theory, if I understand correctly, which I'm not sure I do, but I think it's the whole "a butterfly moves its wings in Tierra del Fuego which makes a leaf fall and a squirrel scurry, then a car swerves to avoid the squirrel and so on and so on and so on, and chaos ensues until - well, until something really momentous occurs. Read about it here but trust me, put on your glasses and your thinking cap for this one and don't blame me if your eyes roll back in your head and you fall over faint, it's clearly obviously written by scientists.
In any case, suffice it to say that chaos reigned (and has reigned for months) in the Queen's craft room. Fabric and scraps were piled nearly to the ceiling in very unorganized hillocks. Something really momentous needed to occur here to start moving some of this stuff along. Then I came across something called the Chaos Crumb technique of creating quilt squares. For a wonky cat like myself it is the plus ultra of quilt squaring. I mean no measuring - well, hardly any - nothing much in the way of precision AND it eats up scraps like a mighty Hoover.
It has to do with crumbs and strings (there are always strings, ne c'est pas)? But this kind soul has published a tutorial that is fairly comprehensive. I had to actually work along with the pictures but once I got it there was no stopping me. Yesterday I ground through a massive mountain of cotton scraps.
I started small and a little apprehensive, but once I started, mystery lover that I am, I couldn't wait to put on the next round and then the next round to see how it was all coming together. And once again - NO measuring!!! Pinch me, am I dreaming?
I whipped up a good part of 36 squares just yesterday afternoon. I have a few more rounds to go and then I will put them all together to make my very first patchwork quilt. Yay!!!
The plan is to back the quilt with this super-soft vintage 100% cotton sheet and then quilt away. I've got butterflies in my tummy from the excitement of it all. Watch out.
You may call it chaos but I call it beautiful!! I'm a lover of random things....no symmetry for me so this is like heaven.
Posted by: Janet | July 01, 2009 at 11:38 AM
Wonderful colors. I can't wait to see some of the squares put together.
Darla
Posted by: Darla | July 01, 2009 at 02:58 PM
Well clearly (and obviously), this summer thing is really working out for you. Those blocks look yummy -- can't wait to see the end result!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | July 01, 2009 at 03:09 PM
Perfect summer colors like ice cream.. and once you get going down stand out of the way everyone... good sounds like you are enjoying yourself......
Posted by: Karen Junking in Georgia | July 01, 2009 at 03:29 PM
edit... where the down came from? It is true I am crazy always suspected it .. K
Posted by: Karen Junking in Georgia | July 01, 2009 at 03:30 PM
I adore them. Happy 4th of July...hugs...m
Posted by: Mary Isabella | July 01, 2009 at 08:17 PM
No measuring? No precision?? Using up bits and scraps? Sounds like it's right up my alley. I'll have to check it out.
Posted by: Randi | July 02, 2009 at 04:54 AM
Your chaos is gorgeous!! I love all of the colors and the design. I can't wait to see the quilt when your finished!!
Have a wonderful day!
Sherry
Posted by: Sherry Wescott | July 02, 2009 at 05:36 AM
The colors are lovely! It will be so pretty and so Queenly!
Posted by: Cindy Is Crafty | July 02, 2009 at 07:24 AM
Oh Oh my kind of quilt, and it gets the sewing room clean...I'm drooling can't wait to see your finished results
Posted by: Barbara Bunn | July 03, 2009 at 08:03 AM
Ahh yes..the butterfly effect...know it well. love all your fabric! My Grandmother pieced quilts all the livelong day. Beautiful!
Posted by: pam aries | July 03, 2009 at 01:04 PM
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS! I want to try one myself....thx for including the link to the tute. And don't forget to post photos when yours is finished. Happy 4th of July!
Deborah
Posted by: DeborahW | July 04, 2009 at 10:36 AM
How interesting! I don't even quilt and I bookmarked that tutorial.
Posted by: Jennu | July 04, 2009 at 10:46 AM
It is beautiful - can't wait to see the finished result.
Posted by: teresa | July 10, 2009 at 09:42 AM