It's Done

I've been busily sewing away here on my Batik Challenge started by Nicole.

I dutifully went through my stash choosing, what I thought, were just the right batiks. If you remember I chose "Murky Pond In The Berkshires" from the book Batiks and Beyond. The author really walks you through the block- making making everything so easy with simple and straightforward directions. And the batiks were a real pleasure to work with. There is just something about the way they turn out when pressed. I think 'crisp' says it all.

I finished putting the borders on this morning, and I hate it.

Oh, I like the fact that those outer borders are 7 inches wide and I used several fat quarters that I've had in my stash for years.

I really can't put my finger on what I don't like about it which I find rather annoying. Maybe it's the limited number of fabrics I had to use. Or those really dark pinks, a bit much?

Regardless it's done. It finished at 55 by 47 inches. I have made the binding and backing but plan on putting it aside for a bit.

I caught this view with the light coming from the rear, reminds me of a stained glass window.

Batik Challenge Progress

Finished this homespun quilt I was working on.

When I started cutting the fabric for the sashing, I thought it looked way too dark.

But I like it now that it's done. It finished at 70 inches square, the individual blocks and sashing at 3 1/2 inches.

I've been working on the Batik Challenge that I am doing with Nicole, Lisa, and Kristin. Dug out my basket of Batiks (had more than I remembered, I do think they multiplied!).

I thought color sorting things might be called for. I wasted quite a bit of time oohhhing and aahhhing all the pretty ones.

After reviewing my inventory, I've decided to do this pattern. Mine will be using bright fabrics though.

These are the ones I chosen. I just love that fabric I am going to use for the border, the one with all the colors in it. They are all beach-themed and just so summery and cheery. I guess I will have to come up with a new name, Bright Pond in Florida?
Thanks for stopping by.

New Challenge

Nicole issued a challenge to make a quilt by April 24 using batiks and a pattern from either the Batiks and Beyond or Batik Beauties books by Laurie Shifrin. I've decided to play along! I have quite a number of batik fat quarters in my stash and about a year ago decided to make a quilt using them. I say about a year ago because my quilt is finished but I neglected to put a label on it. {sigh} I liked working with the batiks. They have a different feel, crisp, smooth and tightly woven. And the colors are just so wonderful.

I am going to use the Batiks and Beyond book and am leaning toward either this pattern. Don't you love the name? Suits me, I think!

Or the cover quilt.

A few people asked about the pattern for the sewing wallet. It is in this magazine that was on the newsstand around Thanksgiving, Fall 2008 issue. The pattern was designed by Penny Sturges and it finishes at 5 1/2" by 9".