I'm thrilled to be an Island Batik Ambassador. Look at the gorgeous fabrics I get to see before they come to your quilt shop, or seen at Market. This is NEW and so different from your usual batiks.
Sea Salt Sandy is a gorgeous collection of blenders with a sandy fun visual texture, by Kathy Engle.
The design kind of reminds me of the speckled Boontonware Melmac bowls from the 1950's (My mom has a few, but this is a web photo).
I was given an assortment of colors, with 2 different textured designs. One is more dotted than the other, but the colors and dots coordinate.
Want to see my inspiration?
Do you have your passport ready for a Bucket List vacation stop? Somewhere sandy?? To see something geometric?
http://www.thinglink.com/scene/510514548650803201
http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/pyramids-of-giza-egy-giza-giza.htmLet's go see some pyramids! Photos of the Pyramids of Giza from the above web sources.
I've never been, but would love to see them in person.
I've also wanted to make a Pyramid quilt. I recently got a Quilt In A Day 60* Equilateral Triangle ruler. I played with it for one runner, but wanted to make something fun that would look 3-D if I planned the colors correctly. I have a new Great-Nephew, and was thinking of something like this for a baby quilt for him. I'm not sure if I'll use this for him, or make something similar to what I made for his bigger brother. But I digress...
I picked 7 colors, in both textures, for a total of 14 FQs. I cut 2 6 1/2" strips from each (by 18") and was able to get 6 triangles and extras for the ends. Although I played with a design on EQ7 first, I ended up changing a little after I sewed the triangles into strips. I may eventually write a pattern for this, but it was an interesting learning experience (lots to think about while sewing the strips and making the top). I made sure I had the flat top (tips cut off) part of the triangle either N or S on the strip, and alternated the 2 designs in the same color for each strip. I chain pieced, using 2 colors as leader-ender. When one strip was done, I started the next color.
My hint here: Make sure you know where the 1/4" seam line should be, as your tips need to hang out a bit. Adding the leftover ends from cutting the triangles out of the 6 1/2" strips allows for a straight edge. When sewing the rows together, I started by matching the triangle points, not the edge of the "starting" shape (the leftover, kind of like a trapezoid).
Close up of the top (on my ironing board, after I trimmed the top/bottom straight.)
You can see how the different designs in Sea Salt Sandy play against each other to give a 3-D effect.
The whole top, done! It measures about 44 by 48" (I left 1 1/4" beyond the last triangle to make it longer, and use most of the trapezoid shape. It's a little more than 1/2 a triangle.
An angle view, with a great look at the visual effect of the fabrics playing with their match.
Another up close shot. The photo of the fabrics spread on the table was taken outdoors, in natural light. These last 4 were taken in a room (it's been a long day, and I wanted to share this top!) So, the colors are not as beautiful in these last 4 photos. I'll share more after I decide how to quilt it. I do plan to use a scrappy binding, with all the colors in the top. I'm not adding borders.
Any suggestions on quilting? I don't have a long arm: I use my Viking Sapphire for all my quilting. I do plan to get Minkee for the backing, though. It's a great design for a baby. I know I have the perfect colors of Aurifil thread in my stash.
So, my pyramids from Sea Salt Sandy. I love it!
I also had some purple/lavender/magenta colors of Sea Salt Sandy. I'm planning a table runner with them. Maybe with a smaller triangle. You'll be among the first to know (if you follow my blog).
Stop by the other blogs for today! I'm sure you'll LOVE Sea Salt Sandy and find more inspiration, fun, and give-aways.
Friday, February 26 – Sea Salt Sandy
Tamarinis
KISSed Quilts
Moose Stash Quilting
Pamela Quilts
Bejeweled Quilts
And if you haven't already entered,
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks so much for visiting. I hope you've seen my last post about Coral Reef, and left a comment there. Enjoy your weekend, and remember there's more hopping on Monday. And check with your favorite fabric store to find Island Batik. Ask them to carry Sea Salt Sandy.
I hope you spend time quilting!
Maryellen