Multifunctional Blanket – Eclectic, Earthy, Colorful

Defining My Aesthetic

Defining my own personal aesthetic is difficult because I, like many others, feel like there are many different facets to my life that join together to create my aesthetic. However, I believe my aesthetic is rooted in a love of the outdoors, warm weather, colorful things, and light. I draw inspiration from the mountains, sunny days, and time with friends and family. When thinking about how I could turn my aesthetic into a tangible project, I realized that I can define it as two fold: my aesthetic in the outdoors and my aesthetic indoors. I spend a lot of time outside and strive to spend as much time outdoors as I do indoors to achieve a very healthy balance of the two. My design style as applied to the outdoors could be defined as indie, folk, adventure core, and biophilic. As applied to indoor settings, my design style could be defined as colorful Scandinavian, eclectic, earthy, warm, with a touch of mid-century modern. I plan to keep these definitions in mind when creating my final project. A few photos below help define the visual aesthetic that describes me best.

Outdoors Inspiration

Image credit: all images are my own.

Indoors Inspiration

Image credit (in order): The Alchemist’s Home, Elizabeth Daniels, Historiska Hem, Jules Lee, 1st Dibs, My Decor Inspo

Inspiration for Making a Quilt

Upon brainstorming project ideas, I determined I wanted to answer the question: what can I make that will be functional and useful in both outdoor and indoor environments? Something that can highlight my personal aesthetic in multiple settings? The answer I came up with was a multifunctional quilt. I am hoping to create something that will be cozy on the couch and durable enough to withstand the elements when taken outside. A throw blanket/picnic blanket combination will satisfy this goal. That way, I can enjoy the blanket when cozy indoors, then I can take it outdoors to the mountains for scenic picnics. I am also very detail-oriented. I want to create something that, even up close, displays a high level of craftsmanship, implementation of colors, and thoughtful design. I am inspired by the many possibilities of fabric combinations when it comes to quilting. A few quilt photos and picnic inspiration photos are shown below. 

Image credit (in order): Shannon Fraser Designs, Erica Marshall, Pie Lady Quilts, Calhoun and Co, StockCake.com

Ideas for the Quilt

To create dynamic components in the design, I’m planning to implement detachable components that help the quilt transition from inside to outside uses. My ideas so far include: 

1) Velcro or button-on tarp for the bottom layer (the ground-facing side) to protect the fabric from mud, dirt, and rocks. This should be detachable because tarp material is not comfortable on the skin for indoor uses. 

2) Snaps on the corners or sides of the blanket that allow the quilt to stay folded or rolled up when carrying it from my home to the picnic location.

3) A handle that is attachable via buckles, to easily carry the rolled up quilt. However, hard plastic buckles can be uncomfortable when lounging on the couch, so I hope to implement some sort of pocket tucking pouch so the buckles aren’t exposed 24/7.

Sources

1. The Alchemist’s Home https://thealchemistshome.com/products/tabitha-quilt-cover-set-blue 
2. Elizabeth Daniels https://la.curbed.com/2012/11/21/10312656/touring-architect-ray-kappes-incredible-house-in-rustic-canyon-1
3. Historiska Hem https://historiskahem.se/objekt/tillsalu-sundbyberg-sundbybergs-centrum-tulegatan-58b-OBJ18440_2058978278/#gallery_images-10
4. Jules Lee https://www.thesorrygirls.com/lifestyle/eclectic-maximalism-why-you-should-try-this-design-style-how-to-achieve-it
5. 1st Dibs https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/more-furniture-collectibles/textiles/quilts-blankets/large-hand-quilted-patchwork-bed-quilt-made-from-organic-cotton/id-f_41230392/#zoomModalOpen
6. My Decor Inspo https://mydecorinspo.com/15-mid-century-modern-living-room-interior-inspirations/
7. Shannon Fraser Designs https://shannonfraserdesigns.com/products/shattered-star-quilt-pattern-pdf?epik=dj0yJnU9ZWZtaGREaGRHcWlmS3RneUZ6ZDNUT1AtNEEycDlZVDcmcD0wJm49OVVKWkJZTEVvZWlJeHQyZ2pZcTlMUSZ0PUFBQUFBR2ZEalZv
8. Erica Marshall https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1407443629219270/
9. Pie Lady Quilts https://pieladyquilts.blogspot.com/2022/01/rio-linda.html
10. Calhoun and Co https://www.etsy.com/listing/1300254293/gingham-knit-blanket-blueberry-pie-blue?epik=dj0yJnU9Zy1mVUhBTkdvNkhWWXJlZ0N3WDBOMnJHYzgxV1JndTYmcD0wJm49NWcwYVdGNEtCa0lFWkFadWRDT2gwQSZ0PUFBQUFBR2ZEalUw
11. StockCake.com https://stockcake.com/i/mountain-picnic-feast_975465_1136347