216. Third Time's a Charm

 Oh, the story behind this quilt. 

Years ago, Dotty Warkentine and I took a class together called Hidden Wells. Each of us thought we had an idea of what color scheme and fabrics we wanted. But when we went to purchase our fabric, the owner at that time told us we didn't know what we were doing, and chose our fabric for us!!

Purple and red is not what I had planned. So then I decided I would make and gift this quilt to my brother. 

Design wise--not bad. Color--not a fan. 

It sat hidden for years, not in a well as the pattern name suggested, but hidden nonetheless. My plan had been for a braided border, and I made slow progress, only to get discouraged and put that in a drawer as well.

Years later, inspired by Victoria Findlay Wolfe, who had cut up a quilt and made a double wedding ring, I decided to do the same thing--cut it up! My brother never knew I had made the quilt top for him so he was none the wiser.

Chop, chop, chop.

My plan was to add solids to tone it down. No matter what I tried, nothing was working.

I even called in some extra help. But still nothing worked. Back in the drawer it went.

And then I took a class by Tara Faughnan.  I discussed my dilemma. She suggested I try again, maybe using the blocks as the basis for color choices rather than actually using the chopped up blocks. 

I tried some of the chopped up fabric in the center but it didn't work either. So I ultimately went with all solids.

All of a sudden I was enjoying the process. 

Yet, I knew I had to incorporate some of the original quilt somewhere--it was part of the back story. so that's exactly where it went--the back. 

This was my first attempt. Horrid.

I finally settled on this and I'm happy with it.

We took it along on a trip in the Santa Cruz area and photographed it at a lighthouse.

It took awhile to get here, but it is now one of my favorite quilts. I had originally wanted to name it Broken Engagement, but I think Third Time's a Charm is just perfect.

Title: Third Time's a Charm

Pattern by: Tara Faughnan

Date Completed: 2021

Size: 68" x 68"

Quilted by: Darby Myers