After given the challenge of creating pattern designs for a quilt I decided to work backwards and see how that could affect my work. This way of working turned out to be a bigger success then I ever thought!

Instead of starting with any of my fabric patterns I first decided what I would want my quilt to look like. With spring coming and many bugs emerging from hibernation I saw a beetle and just had to take inspiration.

After creating what the quilt would look like, I then laid out what the main colors would be and their placements. I wanted there to be enough contrast between each fabric for the beetle to stand out and play each pattern to its strength. After that I dove into each
pattern individually. 

   

This is the Hero, or main pattern. This is the busiest and boldest pattern of all 6 featured here. I wanted to highlight the beauty of the process of death as well as the rebirth with the seasons change. The ancient art of fixing porcelain with gold came to mind with me and can be seen through out the patterns. This Porcelain Prison captures the beauty of blue china and intricate hand made details. 

   

For the next three I wanted to focus on three different values of gold, this first one being the darkest. With the ending design being a beetle I liked the idea of insect wings scattered along this fabric. If you look closely you'll seek small stitches for each wing to appear attached of sewn down. 

   

This middle gold pattern is one of the hardest to see with contrast. Though it may seem simple, upon further examination the viewer can seen elegant twists and curves of petals and swirls. With having this pattern such little contrast it allows for more of a rest on the viewers eyes and gives more attention to the hero design. 

   

Though simple, and the final gold design, I wanted to bring some spring time fun into this design. Using a flower shape seen in the hero this pattern allows for repetition and happier feel in comparison to the following patterns. 

   

After designing the bug wings with the previous design I had to use them some where else. These little dancing fairies bring some personality and variation to the design. With so many previous floral designs I wanted to add to the other side of the scale of death. With seasons and time comes death and rebirth. 

   

For the last design I challenged myself by creating a larger pattern. Most the prior designs fell into the small or medium in scale, a large was needed to wrap up the package. Tying in the skeletons from the prior one I created these gaping mouthed skulls. An interesting detail you may notice with these is that the teeth and lower jaw are slightly darker than the top section of the scull. This makes the bottom jaw seem further back and enthusiasts the gaping mouth.