Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Island Batik Ultimate Home Decor Blog Hop



Welcome to Santa Fe!  This collection is so pretty, with aqua, teal, mauve and eggplant, and shades of brown, tan, and a touch of grey.  The tjaps include feathers, Navajo inspired graphic designs, and gingham, as well as wheels and suns, plus the moon and stars fabric.  This fabric should be in stores soon.  Island Batik provided a very generous 1/2 yard bundle and 2 yards each of the light and dark used.  Accuquilt provided the GO! cutter and 8" cube.  All other items were purchased by me. 

What is Home Decor?  I think it's anything that makes your space more comfortable for you.  It's your favorite chair, the photo on the wall, the touches that make you comfortable.  I know many Interior Designers have their own look, but for me, Home Decor is what I add to that, to tell my story, and make it say HOME.  
This is the Surprise bundle I got in the January Ambassador box. 

I recently went on a trip to Arizona and Utah, and saw many Navajo style blankets and designs. I knew I had this collection to work with, and that I wanted to do something that was inspired by the weaving I saw.  I googled Navajo and Southwest design quilts, as well as looked for blocks on EQ8.  
This was from Ruby's Inn, a shop near Bryce Canyon, Utah. 
My first idea was to do a wall hanging.  But I ended up going bigger.   

I found the center block, Santa Fe, on EQ8.  I also saw lots of use of Bear's Claw blocks, and one of the fabrics had bear and animal hoof prints.  Yes, I did the obvious, and used the Bear's Paw block to highlight the teal Bear's Paw fabric, lol.  I loved the check in the mix of colors, and used that for the center.  I cut the 2 blocks with the Accuquilt GO! BOB die, Bear's Paw.  Those blocks are 14", and the best way to use the Santa Fe block was to make it 24", so I added to the top and sides of the Bear's Paw to make them work for the center section.  I used the 8" cube die #4 for the triangle patches in the Santa Fe block.  The Seminole style blocks for the 2nd and 4th rows are made with die 55002, the 4 7/8" triangle, and the Hovering Hawks blocks (top and bottom, on point) used the 55009, 3" HST.  
Here's the EQ8 version, without the added pieces.  
This was just the blueprint.  In making a "strip" style quilt, I was limited to the size of the block available.  I knew I was only hoping to design up to 60" wide, and the center block, at 24", would make the 2 side blocks narrower.  I didn't want to do extra math, and had the BOB die, so I knew I would have to measure for the frame pieces.  The Hovering Hawk blocks were planned at 12" finished, but on point is 17".  That doesn't equal 60" either, so I needed to add to the sides of the strip.  I used the aqua check fabric.  I didn't want to do 2 sashings to separate the blocks. Once I picked the fabrics for the frames on the Bear's Claw blocks, I changed the direction for the Seminole style rows.  I wanted to break up the browns.  

Here's my finished version.  It measures 74 by 84", and is large enough for a topper on a queen bed, or perfect for a throw on my patio chairs.  I think it adds a sweet reminder of my vacation, and a touch of Southwest style to my outdoor space.  


I purchased the vase at the Cameron Trading Post, Cameron, Arizona.

I used Warm & Natural cotton batting, and the Navajo panto from Urban Elements.  Aurifil 40-3 thread in 2312, Ermine, was the perfect accent.  It blends with the background, and adds a touch of color to the borders.  Quilted on Vanna, my Handi-Quilter Amara with Prostitcher.   Backing is a beige wide back from Hancock's. 






I do wish I had made it before the trip, and would have loved getting photos of it on location.  
Here would have been perfect. 
This is Lake Powell, the boat dock to the hike for The Rainbow Bridge.   Too bad I don't know enough about photography to make the 2 photos merge, lol.  

Island Batik is sponsoring a give-away, 2 prizes, of River Valley.  
Enter at the Rafflecopter widget.  


a Rafflecopter giveaway

For my give-away, I'll be sending a few FQs and some 5" squares of Santa Fe to someone who leaves a comment.  Have you ever visited Arizona and Utah?  I'll ship free to US, but if you don't mind paying the difference for shipping to your country, please enter.  I'll use Random.org to choose a winner May 28th.  

Please also visit the other Island Batik Ambassadors, especially Gail Sheppard, who is also featuring Santa Fe today.  


Thanks so much for visiting.  I hope you are inspired to make your home more comfortable, decorated by you!  

41 comments:

Pamela said...

I've driven through Utah several times, and it has some gorgeous scenery (as well as some really barren places). Not been to Arizona yet, but DH and I are planning an epic road trip in a couple years and will see it then! I love your quilt, and you had the perfect inspiration to make it. Perfect for the fabrics, and just beautiful!

Sally said...

I have visited this area and your design nails the feel of the history and geography! All the stars aligned on this one...your recent trip, the Island Batik fabrics and your design. This quilt is lovely!

Jan said...

You did a beautiful job exhibiting this fabric in your Southwest design. I love it!

Elizabeth said...

Lovely pattern . Perfect for the fabrics.

Gene Black said...

I have never been to Utah, but I did ride a Greyhound bus through Arizona once. If we stopped, I don't remember it.
I love your quilt. That collection is so pretty.

Emily said...

I love how you used these beautiful fabrics to document your trip! One of my life goals is to visit all 50 states and most of the 12 I have left are in the west. I have not been to Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, or many others in that area. I really want to go to New Mexico and Sante Fe, namesake of your collection!

Vicki in MN said...

I have been lucky to spend time in both Utah and Arizona. Beautiful country in both states. This year I was lucky to see cactus bloom in AZ.

CyndyL said...

Your quilt is beautiful. I have nevr traveled west of MO., all of my travels have been to the east, but have planns to go west someday.

Paula said...

Thanks for sharing you project. I live in Tucson and love to explore the state. We've recently begun exploring southern Utah. They have such wonderful national parks.

Kathleen said...

I love this quilt and have always been drawn to the SW colors! I have never been to either...on my bucket list!

Sue D said...

Beautiful quilt designs. I have not visited Arizona or Utah.
slrdowney at hotmail dot com

QuiltShopGal said...

Really stunning Navajo style design and it looks so beautiful in these batik fabrics. A wonderful way to remember your amazing trip.

cghundley said...

How gorgeous your
quilts are! I've
been to Colorado
many times and I
line in Utah and
have visited quite
a lot of it.
Carla from Utah

Sharon Aurora said...

I have never been to Arizona nor to Utah. I love the collection, but then I like all the collections. I know my one daughter would love a quilt like the one you made.

Sewgirl said...

Your quilt turned out beautifully! Yes, would have been nice to photo on location, but just think, that much less to have had to carry around while traveling! I have been both to AZ and Utah...they are two very scenic states. Thanks for sharing!

Quilting Tangent said...

I visited both Arizona and Utah. 24Tangent@gmail.com

Lori Smanski said...

oh but your quilt is gorgeous. what a lovely reminder of your vacation. i love these fabrics. they speak so much. i grew up part of my life in the Mojave dessert on a ranch. Often my parents would pack all seven of us up and we would take off to AZ for a few days. Then when my husbands parents moved to AZ in retirement, we would go and visit them there for a week at a time. i love the place. Utah I have only driven through.
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

Bonnie58 said...

I have never been to Utah But have been to Phoenix once. Thanks

@lutzcats said...

I've been to both, for business and pleasure...both memorable. Great layout to show off those yummy batiks.

Nancy said...

Never visited any state out west, except California.

Jollygirl said...

I haven't visited Arizona or Utah. I would love to go at some point. I love your quilt. It is so pretty. Thank you for sharing!

Diantha said...

I've been to Arizona the last 2 falls. I actually bought the same (or similar) vase at Cameron Trading post!
Love your quilt; you've captured the look!

Kathy E. said...

I can definitely understand how visiting Arizona and Utah can influence your projects! I have been to both states at least 4 times each and look forward to going back again. I think my favorite is southern Utah where the geography and landscape are so unique! The colors, the shapes, the environment is very memorable!
duchick at gmail dot com

GranChris said...

I have been to both. Tuscon is a favorite spot because of the Humming birds.

Anne said...

Glad your trip inspired your patterns and color choices. I like how you’ve woven together the story of your design ideas, your adjustments and your techniques to produce a beautiful quilt and great keepsake from your trip. These Island Batik fabrics are lovely. I haven’t been to Arizona or Utah yet, but of course my kids have!! Nice job.

Barb N said...

What a great design for this quilt - love it! And the fabrics are great. We've spent a couple of winters in Tucson and just love the different landscapes and vegetation of the area. Glad you got to visit the Southwest before the lock down kicked into place.

Anonymous said...

A couple years ago, in December, my DH and I took a private tour of Utah and hit all five National Parks. Mountain Based tours got us to all the right spots at the right times for an absolutely perfect experience of the mountains, the mesas, the sunrises, the sunsets. Your quilt is a lovely reminder of the colors and the shapes of the area! Congratulations! amartinasmithattnet

mumbird3 said...

Great design and super use of those fabrics!!! It looks awesome!!!
Arizona is on my bucket list of places to go~~~

cjmont said...

this collection has all my favorite colors, it is gorgeous! i've not been to arizona but as a child my family lived in las cruses, nm.

JANET said...

Great quilts! Been to Utah several times to ski, and visiting once in Arizona, when my son was in the Air Force. We drove around the area, as well as Sedona. Gorgeous country. I have also passed through Arizona many times on my way to other states.

Nancy A: SewingGranda@gmail.com said...

Yes, I have been to Arizona and Utah many times. In fact my husband and I have visited 47 of our states, and if able, we are planning to visit the last 3 states this coming August. Back to your question -- we lived in Illinois most of our lives and Alabama for the past 7 years. With family in CA, Washington state, and friends all over, we have driven west many many times.

Jocelyn said...

I have never been to Utah or Arizona. But was in Nevada once when I was a child. I remember how hot it was but no humidity. Thanks for the giveaway.

Cindy Shelley said...

I have been to both states... Utah many, many years ago. Arizona in March of 2019. Thanks for doing the blog hop. Your southwest quilt is beautiful.

Pamela said...

Your quilt - both the fabrics and the pattern - captures the southwest beautifully! I have not been to Arizona or Utah, but this quilt contains all the impressions of these places that live in my imagination. Thanks for sharing this, and thanks for your generous giveaway!

nicolesender said...

I have visited Arizona and loved the state's beauty. I drove through northern Utah and enjoyed the trip. Your quilt is gorgeous!
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

Beth said...

Your quilt is beautiful! I have lots of family in Utah. My niece lives in the St. George area, where your quilt would be appropriate, but I've spent most of my time in the the northern part, up by Logan. I used to have relatives in Arizona and would drive over there from California to visit. Too hot for me to live there, but your quilt represented an aesthetic they loved. I don't have anyone in Arizona anymore, and I don't live in California now, so I don't know when I'll be there again. But truly, when I saw your beautiful quilt it reminded me of an Albuquerque, NM evening.

Julie said...

I retired to Arizona about 2 years ago. Love the mountains and desert for hiking and 4WD adventures.

Barb said...

I was in Arizona on a car trip with my Grandparents and Parents when I was about five years old--we were on our way to visit a Great Uncle in California. I remember collecting a little bottle of sand from the Salt Lake Desert--this would have been in the late forties and the year I started school!
barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)

Carol Andrews said...

Your quilt is beautiful and those Island Batik fabrics are incredible. I have been to Arizona several times. I love the warmth and scenery. This past winter (just before Covid 19) we managed a trip to Utah. I have some breathtaking photos for the memories of a beautiful state. 😄 Carol

Dawn F said...

I have been to Arizona and really enjoy the landscape there. Have only seen Salt Lake via a layover at the airport, but would really love to do a trip there someday.

Cecilia said...

I went to Arizona last year with my oldest daughter and my two granddaughters. We stayed in Sedona and visited the Grand Canyon. It was beautiful! I’ve never been to Utah, but I would love to visit there one day.