Monday, May 16, 2016

Playful Paper Piecing with Island Batik

May's Challenge for the Island Batik Ambassadors was Playful Paper Piecing.  We had lots of options here - you could use foundation paper piecing or English Paper Piecing.  I chose to do a foundation paper piecing project, though I might throw out something using the other technique at the end of the month just for fun.  I chose to do a miniature, because for me making a small quilt is always a fun way to play!

I found some Miniature Quilts Magazines on the giveaway table at quilt guild this month and snapped them up with the intention of finding a project in one of them and giving my readers a chance to win the magazine.  After looking through them, I decided on a quick and fun little project using two foundation pieced sail boats.
All the fabrics I've chosen for this project are from the Sea Shore collection from Island Batik which are available now!  I hated to cut into my yardage of these, but for just a miniature you don't have to use too much, and I have plenty left over for more projects.  I love this collection, so many beautiful colors from pastel to dark and some lovely brights as well!

I meant to take more in progress photos, but these blocks are so quick to make that I had them both finished before I knew it!

I love the way the dark fabric looks like a wave under my boat!  And the shading of the color on the boat fabric...so perfect!  I didn't plan that at all, it just happened, but you can see how your fabric can add so much interest to a simple block!  Next I made two pinwheel blocks to go with the sailboats, then I had to choose a sashing fabric.
I love the netting look of this one, but it I thought it was too light.
 This is a fun print, but too crazy for this calm little quilt.
.
This is the one I thought was just right - nice and dark to make the blocks pop with a subtle print (another colorway of that netting!).

After I added the sashing, I went through the same process to choose my border fabric and the binding.  I could have gone several ways, but these fabrics won out to finish my little sailboat quilt:



Quilting this was just too quick and easy.  a little outlining using stitch in the ditch and a swirl around the border, easy-peasy and fun as can be!  The binding was sewn on and before I knew it, this little quilt was complete!
It measures in at 14 inches square, and I used Warm and Natural Batting, a variety of Aurifil threads (for both the piecing and the quilting) and a random fat quarter from my stash for the backing.  And of course those beautiful Island Batik fabrics for the front!


Such a fun little quilt!  I think it's a lot prettier than the one in the magazine!

 I love the sunny yellow print in the pinwheel.

It's not much bigger than the magazine is!  You can see there are some lovely projects in this edition.  Wouldn't the tie quilt be fun for Father's Day?  I love the basket quilt as well.
 Since I have another copy of this magazine, I want to share this one with one of you!
If you've never made a miniature, this is a great way to start.  Or just drool over the the beautiful pictures!  I'll be giving this away at the end of the month, so go ahead and share with your friends!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Make sure you check out the other Ambassador blogs to see what kind of playful projects they are making this month!

I hope you get lots of ideas on how you can have fun and PLAY with some paper piecing!

23 comments:

Quilting Tangent said...

Never made amini. They sure are cute. Maybe something to use my scrapes on. Your quilt made me think of Summer, very cute. 24Tangent@gmail.com

@lutzcats said...

I have made mini's, quick and fun.

Jen Barnard said...

I have made a mini and it was easy, until I went crazy with the quilting!
jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

Mary said...

I like the bright colors of your mini. I have made a couple but forget how adorable they are and what great gifts they make. Thanks for sharing with us.

Lori Smanski said...

I have made one by accident. It did not turn out. But my daughter loved it and is using it as a candle mat.
Your mini is wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

Kathy E. said...

I have made several mini quilts and I really enjoy them. It's nice to try a few new techniques or block designs and make it into a mini. They also make great gifts!

GranChris said...

I have made mini quilts before but now I want a wall of minis going up my staircase. This will help inspire me.

teachpany said...

This is really cute, and I love the shadow on the boat and wave under. I've made a few minis, and this one is really simple and would make a cute wall hanging for a cabin or boy's room.

Miriam said...

Miniature quilts have always appealed to me, and I have made several. For years I subscribed to the MINIATURE QUILTS magazine. A house fire wiped out my entire collection. I try to purchase copies when I find them. Thank you for the opportunity to win! Your little boat quilt is really cute, and the batik fabrics enhance the pattern.

Charlene S said...

I have never done a miniature quilt but would love to start. Thank you for sharing the second magazine.

cjmont said...

i love making minis, this sailboat block is darling. blue and yellow is one of my favorite color combos.

Shelley E said...

I love making mini quilts and have them for every holiday and season. I enjoy projects that I can make up quickly and mini quilts fit the bill. Thanks for a nice giveaway. I love your sailboat quilt-it would be perfect to hang up as a "summer" quilt!

Donna W said...

Love those sail boats in your cute mini quilt. Minis are fantastic and love to make them.

Calicojoan said...

That is just adorable. Batiks make everything better! ;-)

beaquilter said...

Cute mini. What a fun magazine!

tac73 said...

I have not made a miniature quilt but this one does look easy enough for me to try.

Diane Beavers said...

Pamela it's nice to meet you via Blog.
Working on my 6th mini quilt now. Yes I could paper piece a mini like yours.
It makes HST so easy and I'm not a fan of traditional HST making. Thank you so much for sharing.

bluestarof2(at)yahoo)dot)com

sisylyn2 said...

I would love to learn paper piecing and minature quilts.
gandn74@ymail.com

Dody said...

I haven't made one but I want to make one for my sewing room. I love to paper piece!

Rebecca said...

Yes, I have made miniature quilts and loved this magazine. They are quick and don't take up much room on anyones wall. Thanks for the chance at a fun magazine

Arf2-D2 said...

I have never made a miniture quilt. I might make this one.

Tu-Na Quilts said...

I've never made a mini quilt. The boat block is cute! I could see it as a baby quilt. I've just started paper piecing and really enjoy it. I heard it's addicting; but then I find anything fabricy is for me. https://tunaquilts.wordpress.com/

Pam Geisel - For Quilts Sake said...

The blocks are adorable and I just love the fabric you chose for the water under the boat.