This post is brought to you courtesy of the Island Batik Ambassador program and the products I used were provided by Island Batik and Sudio 180 designs, Aurifil thread, Schmetz Needles and Hobbs Quilt Batting.
I love tools, so really was looking forward to this challenge! I had a short time frame to complete this challenge, but between the beautiful fabric and this fun ruler, I had a blast and made a really gorgeous mini quilt - here it is with all the details!
Hello from the traveling quilter! I had to get my quilt done in advance for the Tool Talk blog hop since my husband and I left for an 8 week road trip on August 6. I have been looking for the perfect photo op for this quilt while my husband and I have been traveling around the country - I thought that this view at the Painted Desert was a great option. I had hopes for the Grand Canyon, but it was too wet and foggy there...but actually since this line is called Sunset Plains, I think this picture was the perfect choice!
I absolutely loved these beautiful fabrics! Sunset Plains was designed by Kathy Engle for Island Batik, and I was delighted to get to use these for the blog hop! The tool I received from Studio 180 Designs was the Corner Pop II. I had so many ideas for blocks using this tool, but I decided to keep it simple since I had a short time frame to get this done before we left on our trip.
I started out my spreading out the fabrics and arranging them in the order I wanted. I thought that I could make spinning stars by using this tool with solid black squares - since I was winging this I started out with 4 inch black squares and using the tool to "pop" an elongated triangle on to the corners. The ruler is easy to use, and there is a video that really helps if you are nervous about using this ruler - in face, Deb Tucker has a ton of helpful videos that you should check out!
Right away these fabrics had me thinking of canyons with these lovely designs!
Cactus and succulents, too! Beautiful colors, and it was hard to cut into these, but I persevered, knowing I was making a mini quilt and would have fabric left to make something else fun. (I'll show you that next week!)
I added the corners to each star one at a time because for most of the squares I needed to sew a different corner triangle on each side of the square - that was a lot to try to figure out!
Ok, I'm liking how this progressing! Now to add the next row!
It didn't take long to get the next row going, and from there it was just a matter of trimming and sewing the corner pops to make the stars!
I wasn't too sure if I was happy with it at this point because all I could see was the black squares, I was kind of hoping the star points would not overlap so much, but went ahead and sewed the squares together to see what it would look like, and I was pleased! I had ordered a spool of pretty variegated Aurifil Thread - Desert Dawn! It matched my project nicely - I love the contrast with the solid black Island Batik I used for the background!
I used Hobbs Black Heirloom cotton batting and solid black for the backing. I love the Hobbs black, it's got such a nice weight to it! It quilted up great - don't the swirls look great against the black? I added a black binding and my little quilt was ready to hit the road with me!
Just a few nice closeups to show off the lovely colors!
The back is nice, too!
I definitely enjoyed using the Corner Pop II tool for this project! The ruler was easy to use, I made the smallest unit for my quilt which finishes at 18 x 21 1/2 inches. I was impressed with the accuracy and easy use, and I can't wait to try out some of the more complicated designs I thought up before going with my more simple quilt!
Would you like to win this quilt? I am going to give it away - just enter on the Rafflecopter quilt - if you don't live in the US I would need you to pay the postage to ship it, however. The drawing will take place next week, so make sure you enter today!
Don't forget to look for these lovely fabrics in a quilt shop near you - as well as the fun Corner Pop II tool!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
20 comments:
This really is gorgeous. I, of course, want a bigger version. But the color distribution is so perfect. I guess making the blocks bigger, just to keep it the same. Anyways, lovely.
I love your quilt. It is so vibrant. My Husband and I love travelling throughout the US . Road trips are the best to see the beautiful views and terrain of the different areas we travel though.
My favorite vacation spot is Chincoteague, VA in the spring and fall.
This is a fantastic design and so interesting to look at! Those secondary patterns always get me. :) My favorite vacation spot is mostly anywhere with palm trees....the big island of Hawaii is at the top!
I love your mini quilt. The black really sets off all the pretty colors. I love to travel to Kentucky especially to see Cumberland Falls. The scenery is so beautiful and if you go at the right time of night with a full moon you might even see a Moonbow.
I would have to say my favorite vacation spot was Hawaii. Warm and relaxing!
Love all the color in your quilt, and the quilting is great. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your lovely quilt. Best holiday I had was in Austria
My favorite vacation spot is Bali!!! I want to go again and get more batiks!!! I love your quilt and the quilting.
Love the colors in this quilt. My favorite vacation spot is the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
What a lovely mini quilt! I love those bright colors! I love Sanibel Island FL for a great vacation spot!
This is so cute. I love that you took it for photos during your trip. I loved seeing the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon, but any vacation and sight seeing is great.
We have managed to travel across the whole US but honestly, I love being at the beach. Block Island was always a favorite for me. Quiet, peaceful, and I love the smell of salt water.
I love Island Batiks and the way the colors pop in your quilt!
We used to go as a family to the Destin, FL area every year, but my husband passed away last summer. He and I also liked to go to Branson, MO. Both are fun places!
I used to love going to the Jersey shore when I was a little girl. The boardwalk was my favorite!
Oh my! This is adorable! I didn't realize it was a mini until I clicked to read your blog post. I love the swirl quilting on this piece as well. So lovely. Have a fabulous day!
My favorite vacation trip was to New York City. I would go back to there again and again if I could.
Your quilt looks fantastic. I especially love the way you've set out the colours and your quilting.
This is so pretty, Pamela! I love this collection it is so bright and cheerful and really pops on the black background!
Your quilt is so pretty and the quilting sets it off beautifully.
My favorite vacation spot is Florida. It's where my brother and sister-in-law live, as well as my friend and my cousin. It also holds special memories of a vacation I took with my Mom, just the two of us.
What a gorgeous quilt!! My favorite vacation spot is Hot Springs, Arkansas - lots of history, beautiful lakes and hills
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