Monday, August 26, 2019

Beat the Heat Blog Hop and Giveaway!




NOTE:  Giveaway closed.  Random.org picked comment #4, and Allison will be getting her prize soon.  Thanks!


Hi, and welcome to my day on the Island Batik Ambassador Beat the Heat blog hop!  I'm featuring Steam Engine, by Deb Tucker of Studio 180 Designs. So I found a steam engine that could help display this gorgeous collection.  

Here's the flatlay of the collection.  A few of the collections this year featured gears, fans and chains, but this one has the gorgeous plum and teal, along with grey and blue.
I do happen to have some 10" stack packs for sale in my Etsy shop
So, let me tell you the story about this collection and my design for it.  This was wrapped in gift paper in the January Ambassador box.  Once I opened it, (off camera) I put it in an Artbin box, the 12" square totes that is sold for scrapbooking supplies, but works just as well for fabric collections (watch for them on clearance at Sam's Club after Back to School).  I put it on a special shelf so that I would not be tempted to use it before now, except to make the rep sample.  But the ideas and colors were on my mind for months.  I knew it had some darker colors, and I wanted to add black, and use the Hobb's black 80/20 batting that was included in the same box.  In the beginning of August, I put the box on my cutting table, and really looked again.  Then I went to EQ8 and did some searching for blocks.  I was wondering if there was one that had gears, then thought of the wind turbines I saw so often on my trip to Colorado 2 years ago.  I searched for windmill blocks, and found a double windmill.  It looked a little challenging, especially with the partial seam needed for the center, but when I put in in the grid I LOVED what happened with the secondary design.  I uploaded the fabric samples into the program and played with placement of the colors.  

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I also looked at foundation piecing and rotary cutting directions, and the size of the pieces.  I kept playing with the block size until I didn't have too many pieces to cut on 1/16 inch lines.   Yup, it's a tricky block to cut.  I ended up making the blocks 17" finished.  That also meant that the fabrics would really shine in the blocks.  I was given 2 yards each of the dark teal bolt design (used in the border) and a light fabric.  Since I wanted to try the black batting, I decided to use the solid Grey and Black from Island Batik, instead of too many of the light designs.  So, I cut out a block and tested it, and figured it would be okay to just piece it.  If you look around the purple center, the unit that makes the fan blades is a pieced triangle square, which measures 6 1/2".  Once that's done, you add either a a wedge shape or a 1/2 goose block, do the partial seam around the center plum fan square, then the setting triangles of grey.  I opted to make 20 blocks, to make sure that all of the darker fabrics were included, and some of the lighter ones.  In a 4 by 5 setting, with borders, the top measures about 88 by 106".  I know, I'm going HUGE but with Vanna, my Handiquilter Amara, I figured I would really test it out, and see how long it takes to quilt.  I also purchased a wide backing fabric in a black/grey design.  The batting is queen size. 
The original plan (EQ8 photo here) was to use a lighter inner border, but I was worried about show-through from the batting. I opted for the black instead.  

 So, about the photos!  I had most of the blocks done, but the top was not together last Tuesday.  My QBFF (quilting best friend forever), Christine, was over and we were doing some counted cross stitching, and chatting, and I asked her for suggestions for photo locations, for steam engines or gears.  She suggested a junk yard, which may have worked.  I thought about trains, and we do have a very active rail road system, but not steam engines.  It's commuter, not often carrying freight cars.  I said Steamtown National Historic Site is in Scranton, PA, and they have tons of steam engines, but I can't bring just blocks.  She said "But you're going to Scranton tomorrow!  Get some blocks together and use that.  So I said "Duh, it's a block away from my eye doctor's appointment at Northeastern Eye Institute."  I have not found a Long Island eye doctor that's as great as Dr. Shovlin and his team, for my special lenses for Keratoconus, so my son was coming down from PA to stay with Mom so I could get to my appointment in PA.   So, after Christine left, I ran upstairs, grabbed 9 of the completed blocks, and quickly stitched them together.  Right after my appointment, I drove over to the park.
 I asked someone walking past to hold this for me.  Thanks, kind sir! And when I saw the spinning designs in this photo, I was really excited.  So much going on!
 I loved how the grey paint on the wheels matched the grey fabric for the design, and that the gears and bolts were similar.



So, over the past few days, I finished making the blocks, got them added to the original 9, and added the borders.  I was hoping to get it quilted, but that will be soon.  I'm searching for quilting designs, maybe one that has gears or fans, or maybe a design like the center plum square.  I think I'll do an edge to edge, but that may change, lol  Vanna may want to do custom stuff for the blocks.  I did get a dark grey Aurifil Forty3 thread, and ordered the dark teal for border, but that's not in yet.  





As for Beating the Heat, I really enjoyed my day in Scranton.  I love the cooler air and driving through the mountains and seeing the woods.  I love to travel to beat the heat, but on Long Island, I'm always using fans or AC which is another reason this quilt design works!  

All fabric for the top is from Island Batik as part of the Ambassador program.  Aurifil 50wt thread was used for piecing, and Hobb's batting will be used, and both are provided for Ambassadors, as well.  

So, thanks for stopping by, and for reading this far.  I know I can write a novella for a blog post, but I really wanted to share the fun of creating this quilt and getting the photos.  So, since you've come this far, leave me a comment either about the fabric, or something you enjoy to cool off, and I'll enter you for a drawing of some Fat Quarters from my left-overs, and maybe some surprises.  I'll cover shipping for US winners, and if you're international, if you don't mind paying the difference for the shipping cost, you can enter as well.  Entries open through September 3, when I'll pick a winner.  Please make sure I can contact you.

Also, remember to visit the Rafflecopter link below to enter to win fabric from Island Batik.  And follow the other Ambassadors sharing their collections.  Many have ongoing give-aways, as well, and there are some gorgeous quilts to inspire you.  

Thanks!  

Monday August 5
Leanne Parsons - The Devoted Quilter
Sherry Shish - Powered by Quilting

Tuesday August 6
Bill Locke - Studio BIll Locke

Wednesday August 7
Sandra Walker - Mmm! Quilts
Terri Vanden Bosch - Lizard Creek Quilts

Thursday August 8
Pamela Boatright - Pamela Quilts
Kathleen McCormick - Kathleen McMusing

Monday August 12
Karen Neary - Sew Karen-ly Created
Carol Moellers - Carol Moellers Designs

Tuesday August 13
Michelle Roberts - Creative Blonde
Laticia "Tish" Stemple - Tish's Adventures in Wonderland

Wednesday August 14
(Debora) Anne Wiens - Sweetgrass Creative Designs
Gene Black - Gene Black

Thursday August 15
Tina D Dillard - Quilting Affection Designs
Bea Lee - Bea Quilter

Monday August 19
Joanne Hart - Unicornharts
Carla Henton - Creatin’ in the Sticks

Tuesday August 20
Connie Kauffman - Kauffman Designs
Vasudha Govindan - Storied Quilts

Wednesday August 21
Vicki Schlimmer - Vicki's Crafts and Quilting
Mania (Magdalini) Hatziioannidi - Mania for Quilts

Thursday August 22
Gail Sheppard - Quilting Gail

Monday August 26
Maryellen McAuliffe - Mary Mack's Blog
Jennifer Strauser - Dizzy Quilter

Tuesday August 27
Connie K Campbell - Freemotion by the River
Joan Kawano - Moosestash Quilting

63 comments:

Chris Smith said...

Gorgeous quilt and love the photos

Gene Black said...

I love these fabrics. The gears and other fun prints really make your quilt pop. Those are some big blocks. My current work in progress has 16" finished blocks. The good part is that it seems to go together faster.

Christine said...

Great picture! Enjoyed see the quilt altogether. Now on to Vanna.

Allison said...

Beautiful fabric colors!

Michele T said...

This collection is unique with the fun prints of gears etc and I love the colours! Your quilt pattern is gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

You picked the perfect pattern for those great fabrics.

Elizabeth said...

Love the fabric and pattern you chose.

scottylover said...

Love the colors in this line. I had not thought of putting purple and blue together!
Sandy A

Jane, Mulberry Patch Quilts said...

Always love the way you put your colors together...and the photos are amazing.

rosemaryschild said...

Oh my goodness! How well these fabric colors came together for your wonderful quilt design! Thank you for sharing & the giveaway! Amazed in Mississippi, Susan

Linda Williamson said...

Beautiful quilt. I love the colors. Your photos are fabulous. I love to see the old steam trains come through and would like to book a fall trip out of Manassas, Virginia one year. It amazing, but it's 60 degrees today, so I'll be enjoying the weather today. grinnie1961 at gmail dot com

Cecilia said...

I love how the plum fabric pops in your block! Great pictures! I’m making a quilt for my daughter and son-in-law in greys and blacks and this plum would be perfect with it.
cecilialyoung at gmail dot com

Vasudha said...

Really cool quilt - I love the block and just perfect for that fabric. I love your photo location too.
Vasudha

Joyce Carter said...

Your quilt is really gorgeous! I love the way the blocks spin. The photos are great too.
All of these fabrics are beautiful. Thank you for the chance to win some.

Kathryn said...

I'm from PA, so I'm glad you were able to visit our Steamtown to take great photos.

tac73 said...

Love the colors of these fabrics and your spinning blocks.

@lutzcats said...

Being 95 today...I'll be swimming at 5:30pm!!! Love the collection and the quilt!

Barb said...

Turned out wonderfully!!!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Beautiful quilt!

Nancy D said...

Love the colors in this collection, and your quilt is beautiful.

For the love of geese said...

Gorgeous finish and I love the trains.

Bec said...

Those colors/prints play so well together. I love your quilt pic with the train.

Pamela said...

Gorgeous quilt, and what a fun block! I have a stack of 10 inch squares and can't wait to make something fun out of them...

Linda C said...

Beautiful! Can't beat purple and teal! I will be on the lookout for those fabrics!

Sewgirl said...

Those are some great"beauty" shots of your lovely quilt. It turned out great! It's a beautiful collection of fabrics. Thanks for sharing.

Lori Smanski said...

Oh but these fabrics are wonderful. You found the perfect back drop for your lovely quilt. Thank you for sharing and inspiring today.
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

Nancy J said...

I read every word, a wonderful story over all those months. And the best setting for those photos, passers by are always handy to have as a quilt holder too. A super design, and fabulous fabrics.

barbara woods bewtjw@gmail.com said...

I love every fabric they make

OhioLori said...

These Beautiful fabrics worked perfectly with your Pattern!! Gorgeous quilt!! & the picture with the train are all Awesome!! Thank you for all the sharing...& for chance to win your Gove-a-way too! :)

Jayne said...

I really love this collection. Thank you for sharing your quilt with us

Katlyn said...

Beautiful fabrics! My favorite thing to do to beat the heat is ice cream! kfkoester@gmail.com

Katlyn said...

Beautiful fabrics! My favorite thing to do to beat the heat is ice cream! kfkoester@gmail.com

Turid said...

I love your quilt and all the fun pictures you took. There are some really beautiful fabrics in it.

Sharon Aurora said...

What a cool photo shoot! I love the colors and patterns of the fabric and the quilt design is beautiful.

Anna brown said...

Wow love this quilt great job...The fabric you got to play with is to die for tyty for sharing your talents with us... happyness04431@yahoo.com

Dawn F said...

What a cool story of how you chose the design. The colors are lovely, I love the teal and purple with the neutrals.

Quilting Tangent said...

Pretty quilt. Love that you found a real Steam Engine to show off the steam engine collection. 24Tangent@gmail.com

Lee said...

Your quilt is awesome! The fabrics are so unique!

Diantha said...

That is a really nice block! and looks great with these fabrics.
Too cool off I like to eat fudgesicles!

MissPat said...

Terrific design with lots of movement. I don't have a great way to cool off since we don't have air conditioning or a pool. So I have sew days at friends who do have air or sometimes just go to the library and read for a few hours.
Pat

GranChris said...

Your quilt is beautiful. I love the fabric colors. Blues are my favorites. Only way I know to stay cool is to stay inside.

Anita said...

Beautiful colors in the collection of batiks, and a gorgeous quilt design! Love your story and you did a marvelous job with the photo shoot!

Cindy Shelley said...

I love this fabric, I love your quilt. Cool off with some iced tea or lemonade.

cghundley said...

Love the windmill
pattern and the colors
ate beautiful!
Carla from Utah

Barb said...

Love the dark teal you chose for the border--beautiful quilt!!
barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)

Μοιρούλα said...

our quilt is really gorgeous! I love the way the blocks spin.
All of these fabrics are beautiful. Thank you for the chance to win some.

ShirleyC said...

I love, love the double windmill block! The quilt is beautiful, and I also loved all of the various pics!

Carol Andrews said...

I think Steam Engine is my favorite of the new collections! Your quilt is incredible and showcases these fabrics perfectly!
Carol Andrews
QuiltSchmilt@gmail.com

Havplenty said...

The print textures of these fabrics is so cool. The spinning stars on your quilt are awesome and the textured prints just takes it further.

BarefootThunder said...

I love this fabric line. I am going to have to find some. I stay inside in the AC and sew to keep cool, or I go to the beach and enjoy the heat.

Mrs. Sams said...

I love everything about this quilt. The movement in this pattern and the secondary pattern captured my attention immediately. Not to mention the gorgeous fabric is in my favorite colors.

Kathleen said...

I do love this and love the photos! I grew up in Reading PA - home of the Reading Line and my mother was from Pittston - not too far from Scranton. I haven't been to that museum; it is on the list now! I really think the stars are out of this world and look forward to part #2 on this quilt.

Kathy E. said...

What a perfect spot to photograph your quilt! My husband is a train lover, so he'd be all over this idea. The blocks really do appear to spin and that's so cool! Speaking of being cool, I keep a small fan near my sitting spots in the house to keep me from melting during my hot flashes...I even have one on the porch! duchick at gmail dot com

Seacoast Quilter said...

Thank you for sharing your design process on this project. Love to learn how others approach a design. And thank you for the reminder of Steamtown. I went there many times as a kid because my father was a huge steam engine buff. I know where every one is from Maine to Penn.

Darlene B said...

The fabrics are absolutely beautiful, as is your quilt. I like to have a bowl of ice cream at night to cool off. My husband loves ice cream, and a good wife never lets her husband eat alone!

Andree G. Faubert said...

Those are really amazing fabrics. Your quilt is really great!

Pamela said...

Your quilt is beautiful! I love the movement and colors. My granddaughter and I go swimming to beat the heat. Thanks for the chance to win!

SueG said...

Your pattern really does make me think of gears spinning. I’d have to say the teal and dark purple are my favorites.

nicolesender said...

I love your quilt! The colors are perfect and the windmill like blocks are great!

Patty said...

Fun quilt! Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and congrats on your finish.

Renea said...

The fabrics you used are gorgeous I love the colors. My grandsons would love the train!

Sally said...

Love the purples...it just must be your favorite color. Such a cool design photographed in the perfect setting!

Deonn said...

Don't you just love when an idea you have in your head comes out in the quilt just perfectly, maybe even better than you imagined it! Love all your photos with the trains. So fun.