Today is my day to share on the Island Batik Beat the Heat blog hop! Summer is in full swing in New Jersey. Days are sweltering, the sun is shining, and the mosquitos are threatening to carry me away.
Once again, I’m working with a sea life theme. I don’t know what to say, guys, but I’m super into aquatic life this summer. Sewing it and eating it – NOT swimming with it. Check out my quilt! I’ve been waiting so long to have time to make this one!
I’m so happy to finally put this gorgeous fabric bundle to good use. I made my quilt using Steam Engine, a new fabric collection by Deb Tucker for Island Batik that should be hitting shop shelves in September. Seriously – do these people know me, or what? This collection is all in rich shades of blues and purples, with some greys and whites in there to calm it down. I just can’t get enough of this saturated color.
All of the materials I used in this project, with the exception of my bobbin thread, were given to me by Island Batik as part of the Ambassador program. Thank you, Island Batik, Hobbs, and Aurifil for supporting my creativity.
I used the Preppy Pod pattern by my favorite pattern designer, Elizabeth Hartman. I tried to count how many of her patterns I have, by looking at her website, but I had to stop because I realized I’m missing a few, and I NEED them. (I may have ordered a copy of Patchwork City to celebrate surviving this month.)
So, of all of the Elizabeth Hartman patterns I have done (Foxes, Kittens, Fancy Forest, Awesome Ocean, Bjorn Bear, Dogs in Sweaters, Florence Flamingo), this one has been the easiest to understand. Now, I don’t know if it is because I have a bit of experience under my belt now, or if it is just fewer pieces and colors, but I was able to assemble this top fairly quickly and with a minor amount of unpicking.
My favorite part is the huge whale block at the bottom. I did him first, and boy oh boy, did I have a feeling of accomplishment right off the bat. Plus, I used almost every little scrap of that glorious purple print. I love it.
I used a wonderful Hobbs Tuscany Cotton Wool Blend batting, and I love the weight and drape of the finished quilt. I will be ordering a case of this batting to have on hand – I love it that much.
Aurifil Wisteria (#2566) was perfect to blend with the top quilting. I used Superior So Fine in a darker purple in the bobbin, so the quilting pattern would really show up well on the back.
Speaking of the back, I went that extra mile on this project and actually pieced my back. I’m not usually a fan of pieced backs – I don’t like extra work, ’cause I’m lazy, but this quilt deserved it. (My reluctance to piece backs and my reluctance to spend money on wide backs cause me no end of internal conflict.)
For binding, I used one of the larger pieces of Steam Engine – I received yardage of the white I used on the back, and a coordinate. I whipped it out in no time, using my AccuQuilt Go 2 1/2″ strip cutter. Every time I use this toy tool I appreciate it more.
Now that I’m an Elizabeth Hartman pattern expert (is that a title I can claim?) I have some tips for success with her quilts.
- Read through the cutting instructions, and use them. She goes to the effort of showing you how to get the most out of your fabric.
- Label the pieces as you cut them, and check them off. You don’t want to mix up the 3 1/2″ x 3 3/4″ square with the 4 1/4″ x 4″ square.
- If the words are confusing, look at the diagrams. I admit – I rarely read the words, as her diagrams are fantastic.
- Do 1 test block completely before cutting out everything, to make sure you are doing it right.
- Press, press, press! Accuracy is improved with good pressing.
Quilt Specs
Dimensions – 45″ x 49″
Fabric – Steam Engine by Island Batik
Pattern – Preppy Pod by Elizabeth Hartman
Thread – Aurifil 2566
Batting – Tuscany Cotton Wool Blend by Hobbs
Quilting Design – Gears by Anne Bright Designs
What would you make with the Steam Engine collection? Want some?
Giveaways!
I am giving away a bundle of 5 fat quarters from the Steam Engine Collection and a spool of coordinating Aurifil thread to blog readers.
Island Batik is having a giveaway, too, for a full bundle of Steam Engine fat quarters! Go to their blog and check it out.
Finally, check out all of my fellow ambassadors who have made projects for this blog hop. All of them are so inspiring (and some of them are hosting giveaways of their own).
Monday August 5
Leanne Parsons – The Devoted Quilter
Sherry Shish – Powered by Quilting
Tuesday August 6
Bill Locke – Studio BIll Locke
Lisa Nielsen – Lisa Lisa and the Quilt Jam
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 <—- That’s me!
Tuesday August 27
Connie K Campbell – Freemotion by the River
Joan Kawano – Moosestash Quilting
I love seeing all the projects and tutorials. Thank you.
I love your quilt! So much fun! As far as newsletter features, I just started mine, so I’ll say I enjoy adding giveaways from the Giveaway Party!
love it and thank you
My favorite small newsletter features are the helpful suggestions that help me avoid mistakes, and believe me I need all the help I can get!
The giant purple whale is fantastic in the gear print. I love that so much. I may have to give in and get one of Elizabeth Hartman’s patterns as I keep hearing such wonderful things about them.
I think I would make one like yours. I love her patterns and the fabric does suit this one.
Totally awesome, I love it!
Love the quilt! As for newsletter I would say tips or helpful suggestions.
I love seeing projects in progress and finishes!
Super sweet quilt… it really highlights the fabrics! I enjoy seeing quilt projects for inspiration.
I have really enjoyed this blog hop! I love your pod of whales, and the fantastic fabric you used for it. Thanks for the giveaway!
Love your whale quilt, those fabrics are so perfect for showing the pod off! Newsletter photos following the making of quilt projects are fun, the links to how-to’s & of course blog hops & giveaways!
I like newsletters that update the reader on project progress.
Beautiful fabrics!
I like various tutorials and new fabric and book launches. It’s always fun to see tidbits from quilting news stories. grinnie1961 at gmail dot com
I like to see finished projects, and process pictures of works in progress. I also like links to articles the author likes, and they don’t have to be quilt-related. And if there’s an occasional tutorial, I’m in newsletter heaven.
P.S. Brilliant use of the Preppy pattern! Love the colors and the placement of the whales.
I like to see finished quilts and their stories, as well as works in progress. I also like links to other articles, and they don’t have to be quilt related. And if there’s an occasional tutorial, I’m in newsletter heaven.
Beautiful quilt and fabrics! I made Elizabeth’s unicorn quilt and it was beautiful. I enjoy the tips.
Your quilt is as cute as can be. I really love the whales.
As for newsletters, I love tips and pictures added. Thank you for the giveaway.
I like to know what’s new in the quilting world in newsletters. I also like to see completed projects.
Love that purple fabric. I am a fan of Elizabeth Hartman … Fun (tricky) patterns …I get so many ideas from newsletters and am “slightly” addicted. Thanks for sharing …
I like tutorials, especially photos!
Love your whale quilt…
I like looking at pictures of quilts, and reading the quilter’s ideas and tips. Love you whales. Very cute quilt.
Great quilt–I just like all the information in newsletters–makes it interesting!
bjkaup(at)(abbnebraska)(dot)(com)
Beautiful quilt. I love the bottom whale. I recently bought this pattern when Fat Quarter Shop had her patterns on sale. Kept saying to myself that I was being silly. Now I see I’m not! I love that you pieced the scraps into the back and totally understand your dilemma ..piecing the back or buying the 108″ wide. Congratulations on a great finish.
Perfect. I wouldn’t say you are lazy at all, judging by the quilting. I love it.
So funny you don’t like to piece backs. I like to think of it as a whole nuther quilt, just less detailed. Loved your backing on this one.
I did use a wide backing on one quilt and I LOVED it. Luckily, I had bought the material secondhand, I could only image the cost on that if I bought retail.
I love quiltalongs!
I enjoy the techniques and tutorials. No to mention all the Pretty Pictures!
Your quilt is so cute! It turned out great. I love Elizabeth Hartman designs. My favorite newsletter features are lots of photos and tutorials!
I think my favorite emails are those where I can learn something new and see that someone else has learned something new and wants to pass it on. These fabrics are lovely. Your quilt is so fun and wonderfully sweet. I love the back and the quilting. Gorgeous. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net
I enjoy hearing about what projects you are working on.
I enjoy reading about the projects you are working on.
My favorite newsletter features are a hint about a pattern or tutorial. I usually end up looking it up for future projects. Thank you.
love hearing about quilts
This is a super cute quilt. You made best use of the fabric. The back looks great as well.
Your quilt is Awesome!! Love blus & prpls too 🙂 As for newsletters..I love the tips & insprations…the things the person is doing, & getting to know them like great friends. Maybe this is more a Blog style comment? I do love tips & ideas..
This is so fun!!!! I especially like the gear quilting!!!! So awesome to use a motif that matches the fabric!
I admit, I don’t actually like newsletters. I’d rather read it in a blog post through my blog reader. But I think I’m in a minority in that, and I do understand why bloggers want to have their own mailing list of readers.
Project ideas, I like seeing pictures and being able to say, “that’d be a great gift!”
I love your whale quilt. I could have thought you’re from Norway, as whales have been of great importance here. I’ve just bought an Elizabeth Hartman pattern, and will start to sew as soon as possible. Love your tips for more secure sewing.
Love the cute whale quilt.
Your whales are fabulous! I love this line💚
I like to get tips and tricks, New techniques. Info on new tools.
quiltspiration ; what you’re making, and why… did a pattern inspire you? or was it a fabric line?
And I really enjoy info on quilt a longs/sew a longs, and blog hops.
thanks for asking, and thanks for the chance at a lovely giveaway.
I not sure what you mean but I do love to see what you all make and just how to do it…And new tricks and cool ideas in news letters. ..ps love the quilt and very fine fabric you got to play with… happyness04431@yahoo.com
As I am getting older, I have trouble reading small print, so it is helpful if the text in the newsletter is big enough to read. Most of the newsletters I get are just fine, but a few the text is so small that I don’t even bother trying to read it. The next most important thing is including a link to the blog.
Your quilt is so sweet and the fabric is great for the whales.
Love it, Jen!
I love getting email newsletters of tutorials. Also, I love seeing pictures of finished quilts.
Nice pod of whales.
Tips and tutorials.
I love tutorials and also lots of tips and tricks / techniques since I am a pretty new quilter!
Great fabric collection. I don’t have this pattern. You did a great job.
Love the whales. I’ve done a few of her patterns too but haven’t gotten to this one. Love how it came out!
That is just too cute! We love whales here too. Not that I am remotely close to any ocean, but swimming with all the shark attacks we’ve seen on the news this year…nope nope nope, the public pool is just fine by me! HAHAHAHAHA
Love these colors for the aquatic themed quilt!
I guess my favorite feature of email newsletters is seeing pictures of works in progress.
Great quilt, I love how you used the fabric. Best E-mail feature is a picture of something. It catches my attention immediately. Love to see what you are working on or not working on.
Ooooh, all those whales, what a beautiful quilt! The colors are perfect for it.
Tutorials with lots of pictures are my favorites in newsletters.
I like seeing new things, I like tips and shortcuts, I like pictures and tutorials
Your quilt is gorgeous!
Love the colors and the
Whale designs are just
fabulous. I like pictures
and ideas.
Carla from Utah
Favorite newsletter item is the new fabrics being shown, and even better if there is a quilt pictured using that new line. I love the inspiration!
Such a cute quilt. I love the whales. Great job.
updates are a nice quick way to keep informed without having to directly to the blog every time.
I’m not sure what I’d make with this fabric. Sometimes you just have to touch it and let it speak to you so send it to me please so I can decide, lol.
This is so gorgeous! I love her patterns and labeling is the most important thing!
purples and blues, perfect to make myself a bag for knitting, the whale pod is amazing , shapes, sizes and fabrics, and I need to hop over and see all those other patterns too.
Super cute an what a great quilt for a little guy!
The texture of these prints just takes your awesome quilt over the top. Someone will have a whale of a time with this quilt. For newsletters I like them to be succinct with links to follow up projects. Pictures are great. What I have found with some newsletters is there is too much reading, too many words with nothing visual to break that up like pictures, links.
I like the tutorials about quilts.
This fabric collection is perfect for your whale blocks…love those colors! I enjoy email newsletters that are trendy with links and photos that capture my attention. If they are trying to sell me something, I usually don’t pay attention and may unsubscribe.
duchick at gmail dot com
Love the pattern you used with this fabric. I have the pattern but haven’t made it yet. I think I know what fabric to use now! Thanks for sharing.
I love to see inspiring pictures and watch tutorials. I love this quilt! I’m working on Elizabeth Hartman’s Hazel the Hedgehog pattern right now. Very well written patterns, and so fun!
I love quilt alongs!
You work is so inspiring. I absolutely love this quilt. The fabric and pattern combines perfectly with the batting and quilting. Love the effect you got on the back to show the quilting! Well done.
Your quilt is delightful! My favorite part of a newsletter is photos of quilts. Thanks for the chance to win!
The big whale is my favorite, too. Now I have to go to her website and see about ordering a new pattern.
The whales are awesome! I like tutorials and lots of photos in newsletters.
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
Love this! I like reading about the various projects and getting inspiration for my own.
I like tutorials with lots of photos. My grandfather worked on a steam train, I will be looking for this fabric!
I love the pictures of quilts. I have a hard time deciding fabric for quilts so seeing different color combinations gives me lots of inspiration
I love links to ttutorials
I like the tutorials and the pictures.