The challenge says: "Explore the world of 3D using your creative talents for this month's challenge. Bring your inner artist out by using optical illusions, textures, trapunto or whatever else will make your quilt pop into life."
I think I nailed it! I have always loved the Baby Blocks/Tumbling Blocks quilt pattern but the number of y-seams was just too daunting. So, for this challenge I played around in Electric Quilt 8 software to design a version that is simple to make.
My plan included using the Accuquilt Go! Cutter and the Triangle in a Square die to make the blocks. Each colored triangle was paired with one black and one gray side. When they are joined together they make a short Tumbling block design. (Short in that the blocks are not "cubes" but a shortened cube.)
It was surprisingly simple to sew. The challenge was in ironing all the seams neatly so that it would lay flat.
The quilting was fun. I chose to use a lovely Silk Blend batting by Hobbs Batting. It quilted beautifully. I did curved lines in the top of the 'cubes.' In the black and gray portions of the 'cubes' I did long u-shapes to press that section down a bit more.
In the colored sections of the borders, I quilted circles with a wavy line running through them.
In the solid sections of black and gray that are not in the design I pebble quilted because I love the texture. The exceptions are the narrow inner border, which got a simple wavy line. And the outer border which got a variation on "ribbon candy."
I am very happy with both the piecing and the quilting on this little quilt.
The quilt measures 34" wide by 36" long. The design is my version of a Tumbling Block quilt that has been simplified. I love the 3D effect of the blocks shifting as I look at it.
It is just right when I need just a little something over my lap. But it would also be a great baby quilt.
Now here is the closer look at the entire quilt that I promised earlier.
The Island Batik fabric, Hobbs batting, Aurifil thread, and the Accuquilt Go! cutter were given to me as an Island Batik Ambassador in consideration for promoting these brands while creating the challenge quilts. Thank you all so much. I hope I can work with you again in the future.
This will be my last post as an Island Batik Ambassador as I did not apply for the program for next year. The simple reason is that I am choosing to spend more time with my Mom and family. I had a wonderful time creating all of my Island Batik projects and I have purchased more Island Batik fabrics - so you will see more projects featuring these fabrics.
Until Next Time,
Stay Creative
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