Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Island Batik Four Seasons Blog Hop City Culture



Hi, and welcome back to my second day on this hop.
Today's Summer feature is City Culture 2.  I received a bundle of Fat Quarters and 2 2-yard pieces of this to create something for this hop, in my Island Batik Ambassador box.   

This was one of "those" bundles.  I looked at it.  I set it out.  I waited for inspiration.  I looked to see if I had other pieces in the box that would work with this, and even thought about some of my older Island Batik Ambassador boxes, or Island Batik I've purchased.  I petted it a few times, and pulled out certain designs.  There were colors that didn't make my heart flutter, but the purples, burgundies and wines caught my attention.  I wasn't sure what to do with them, though.  


I had been working on a new design project, and set this aside.  Then I realized that the request to use as many of the fabrics as possible in our project reminded me that my Zen Basket pattern needed to be done in other colors, and that I could cut strips from the Fat Quarters.  So, that is what I decided to do.  I used the yardage pieces for the Stakes (the uprights in a basket) and made this top.  


Pieced with Aurifil 50wt, 2324, the large cone I received as an @AurifilArtisan. 


The designs in this collection are interesting.  There are some simple sketched stripes, the grid-like design that almost mimics a giraffe (but more geometric), some round stone look designs, and the grass-look and leaf-look prints. 

This is one of my favorites, but it's purple and gray, so that's obvious, right?  


As much as I had hoped I could get borders added, and have this quilted for today, that didn't happen.  Although my brother and sister-in-law were here for 10 days, and left early Monday, and I did get more sewing time than usual (because they could visit with Mom so I had more free time) it didn't quite get me to where I hoped to be.  I should be able to get borders on and get it quilted, soon, though.  I even have a great place to do some photos planned.  Since I live near a city with lots of culture, lol

In the meantime, while you wait for me to finish it (because you all need to see more, right?lol) please visit the other Island Batik Ambassadors that are sharing more about City Culture today and tomorrow.  


My give-away today is a copy of my Zen Baskets pattern, and some 5" squares of City Culture 2.  Just leave a comment below.  What's your favorite thing to do in your nearest city?  I love going to the Empire State Building, and to Broadway shows, but that doesn't happen often.  I think it's been over 5 years since I went for a show, but I've been to Quilters Take Manhattan more recently. 

Original Zen Basket quilt.  It works in other colors, too. 
And please check the Island Batik Blog for links that you may have missed, as well as Fall, coming next week.  Remember to enter their give-away, too!  

51 comments:

Darlene S said...

Very pretty quilt. I love your design and fabrics. Total #CreativeGoodness

Darlene

Pamela said...

I really like your pattern in these colors as well - I think it shows how versatile it is! Looking forward to seeing it finished!

Anita said...

The colors of your Zen Basket quilt are great!
I like to wander around in the old part of town and look at the tiny, old houses that are so pretty!

Sewgirl said...

I live near San Francisco so I like to go into the city and see a ballet, the symphony, or just eat at some great restaurant. Thanks for sharing!!

Robin (RsIslandCrafts) said...

Beautiful design. I find the sound of running water very relaxing so my favorite spot is a beautiful park along our river.

rosemaryschild said...

I love to go to the Audubon Zoo & Aquarium - haven't been lately now that the grandbabies are grown! Thank you, Susan

Annmarie said...

I live in a very small community so my favorite place when I go into town is the coffee shop! Very cool quilt. Hope I win the pattern.

works4me said...

Amazing how different the quilt looks in these colours from those on the pattern. It looks great in both. Good luck getting it finished.

We like to go for drives. We can head East or West and have a beautiful scenic drive with great choices for a restaurant for brunch.

Thanks fir the chance to win.

Brenda @ Songbird Designs said...

Love your Zen Basket pattern with these colors! Thanks for the opportunity to win. While it's not the nearest city to me, I love to go to Tuscaloosa and have a meal at a rustic restaurant overlooking the river. It's a fun spot and the food is great!

Allison said...

I love your Zen Basket! My favorite spot is actually on my second floor deck. We live in the woods so sitting on the deck is like being in a tree house. So beautiful and peaceful.

mumbird3 said...

Wow that grass look batik is really interesting - lovely quilt! My fav thing to do in Atlanta is go to IKEA - yup an IKEA junkie - love trolling through the aisles!!! mumbird3(at)gmail(dot)com

Cecilia said...

Your quilt is beautiful! I love the colors in this collection, too. Thanks for sharing your quilt and the giveaway.

Dale said...

We have a wonderful zoo in the city nearest to us. We love going to the zoo! I also love Island Batiks fabrics in this blog! All of them are so pretty!
warner.dale@gmail.com

VA said...

Such a pretty quilt, and what a great pattern! I like to go downtown and watch the ships sail into the harbor.

Barb said...

What wonderful fabrics, love your quilt

@lutzcats said...

I go to San Marino California to The Huntington Library, Museums and Botanical Gardens. Love the inspiration there (yes, there are some early American quilts, too!).

cjmont said...

my favorite place in houston is 19th street in the heights; shops, bars, and yummy places to eat.

MooseCarol said...

Great colors in your new quilt!

LJ said...

My favorite thing to do here in my city is to bike on the trails we have. Most are like being in the country - wooded with lots of birds. Great quilt choice for use with these wonderful batiks. I, too, have quilt tops done and they are waiting to be quilted. Reality, for sure. :)

JANET said...

Like your beautiful quilt! No "attractions" in my city, but I am within 50 miles of a beach or mountain. (Getting there, traffic wise, is another story!) The only other attraction is about 8-10 quilt stores within 26 miles.

Kathy E. said...

I am not a big city lover, but when we go near or through one, I always like to try a new restaurant and find a new fabric shop to spend some $$$!

Lori said...

wow your quilt is lovely. what a wonderful give a way. thanks for the chance. I would love to make one of these quilts

Quilting Tangent said...

Museums and parks are places to check out. 24Tangent@gmail.com

Jayne said...

Your quilt looks wonderful. In any UK cities I would suggest you venture away from the city centre and visit the canals

tac73 said...

I love your Zen Basket pattern and the colors of this collection are perfect in it. I don’t get to city often but I am usually visiting family when I do.

Jodi - usairdoll said...

Beautiful quilt! Those fabrics are yummy! I love going to the zoo or parks with my grandson.

usairdoll (at) gmail (dot) com

Angie said...

Thank you for sharing. Cool colors. I like to thrirt stores shopping. We live in the country. Have a great day!! angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom

Vicki H said...

I like visiting the botanical gardens.

OhioLori said...

We like to drive around the areas close to us, find cool lil shops, & thrift stores...and fun place to stop & eat! :) Thank you for chance to win your give-a-way too! :D

Diantha said...

I like the zen basket quilt - it came out nice with these fabrics.
My favorite thing to do in our nearest city is to go out to dinner.

Barb said...

Like the design you ended up with--all the Island Batik fabrics are so beautiful!
barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)

Anna brown said...

Secand hand shopping with my mom and to the fabric shop in east lansing....This may sound whimpy but I lived in maine for the past 35 years so time ith mom is the best.. happyness04431@yahoo.com

Farm Quilter said...

I love walking by the Truckee River that runs through Reno, Nevada. I love the pattern you decided to use with these beautiful fabrics. The fabrics in this collection are eclectic and you showcase them beautifully here!!

Kelly Dee said...

When we go to the "big city", Seattle, I like to get Hombows at the Vietnamese bakery, soooooo yummy!

GranChris said...

I am sandwiched between Asheville and Charlotte. I love the Quilt shows and outdoor Markets in the warm weather of course.

Julie said...

Our biggest city is Grand Rapids and LOVE going to the quilt show when it comes. Love your quilt also

Linda Williamson said...

We're only an hour west of DC and get into the city to wander the monuments and visit Georgetown for shopping and dining quite often. Thanks for sharing your quilt. This has been a great blog hop so far. grinnie1961 at gmail dot com

Dawn F said...

There are a couple of restaurants downtown that we like to go to for a treat and also a nice park to walk at.

Anita Jackson @ Domestic Felicity said...

I love going to the farmer's markets!

Beth said...

My nearest big city is Portland, OR and I love going to Powell's Books. It is an amazing place!

Anonymous said...

Your Zen Basket quilt of gorgeous! I love to go to the IMAX theater whenever I get the chance. Thanks!

Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

Deb B. said...

We live near Washington, D.C., and love to take the grandchildren to the National Air and Space Museum. Of course, we visit other museums, but this is the all time favorite of my children and grandchildren.

Nancy said...

I live outside of a town of 2500, so we go to the nearest bigger town (not City) to go shopping. LOL! we have a Walmart here in town but it's poorly stocked and smaller. 😁

Audrey said...

My nearest city, 45 kilometres away,is small with a population of 7,000 and over seven hours from a major city, but we have a wide variety of artists and cultural events that rival much larger centres. Our annual Cultural Days at the end of September is a favourite time to appreciate the talent that abounds. Your quilt is wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

Pamela said...

I love this pattern! It would work with so many colors of batiks. Thanks for your beautiful post. One of my favorite big city trips is going to Summerfest in Milwaukee.

Calicojoan said...

Love it!

Ellee said...

Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead are near me -- very nice in the summer, lots to see and do. -- soparkaveataoldotcom

Sabrina said...

I love to go to the Ikea store!!

Deb M said...

I really enjoy going to art shows and quilt shows held in the nearby towns.
deb(dot)rick(at)live(dot)com

Sewbig said...

LOve the Zen Baskets pattern and these fabrics.
I don't live near a big city, but I do live in an area that has wonderful quilt shops and quilt shows.

ikkinlala said...

I love to walk along the river.