SUNSPRITE Doubled

The SUNSPRITE pattern can easily be doubled.  Use either 1/2 yard cuts of all of the fabrics, or 2 identical 6 Fat Quarter packs.  Make 6 blocks each.  Lay it out 3x4.   The patchwork finishes 54"x 60", and would be nice bordered as well.

This first model is the Artisan Batiks from Kaufman.  I see many more in the future--in fact, another is on my machine as I write.  And the doubled size will probably be published as a new card.

EASY DOES IT with Gallery Fiori

Gallery Fiori--the fabulous new collection from P&B by Karen Tusinski.  Got fabric?--get out a RoseCard.  The prints are not too too big, so they look good in our 4x8 inch.  And there were several great choices for the spacer fabric.  We had originally picked the orange, but I switched to the brown.  I do like the subtle richness of the brown.

Asian GRANADA

For many years now we have been working with 3 1/2" strips of Asian fabrics, all with the gold highlights.  The pattern we have used most was called Madame Butterfly, later renamed by us as What Four, later published on a RoseCard as CHARITY.  I called it What Four because it is constructed using strip sets of four, made into a 4x4 sixteen patch--but you really can't see the 4 Patch in it.  This pattern uses 28 strips to make a throw size.

We've have always strip packs of 28  3 1/2" for the What Four.  And as luck would have it--GRANADA used 28  3 1/2" strips, too.  I was almost shocked how nifty the math worked.  For What Four or CHARITY we used all multi-colored prints--roughly divided 14 light-ish, 12 dark-ish.  For GRANADA, 6 strips are usually a single, tone on tone Asian print.  The remaining 22 are multicolored.  The solid strips are the centers, and it is always fun to pair them with the prints.

GRANADA gave new life to my Asian strips.  I was selling the packs before the quilt was bordered and before the pattern was published.

CATHEDRAL in Rivoli

A lovely new Roll-up from Robert Kaufman's Artisan Batik collection Rivoli is perfect for our CATHEDRAL pattern.  The design requires 2 each of 20 2 1/2" strips--Kaufman Roll-Ups are one of the packs that work.  Actually, this particular roll had 19 pairs, and 2 odd ones.  But, lucky for me--one block gets tossed in this pattern, so I was not forced to make and use a 2-color block. 

For the centers, I shopped through my Kaffe Collective yardage--I love the way their color works with some of the batiks.  I found this wonderful Variegated Leaves by Phillip Jacobs that had all of the colors.  It is big, with lots of variety cut up, but not overpowering.  I loved the look when I picked it out, and loved it when it was finished!

GRANADA Rivoli Nightfall

GRANADA always looks good in batiks.  This very cool Nightfall group from Lunn Studios for Robert Kaufman could just about be made in a night--it's that easy.

Got a New Group?...Get Out the RoseCards

I just got in the new Gallery Fiori by Karen Tusinski/Lilla Rogers Studio for P&B Textiles.  Fabulous painting-style prints in a great mix of colors.  At first glance there were 3 distinct colorways.  Once Grandma Pam and I started playing with them, though, we found that these fabrics cross color lines. 

So I picked a few RoseCard pattern candidates, and set color queen Pam to work picking groups.  Here is what we are thinking about making up into bundles and/or models....

I need to replace my popular model made from Laura Gunn's Poppy--this will do nicely.

A very popular kit, OPENING NIGHT always goes well.  The main print here will look fine sideways for the top and bottom borders.  This also makes a good sized throw at very reasonable price, since we use fabric so efficiently.

This lovely and subtle coloring will be nice in a more tailored design like our SUNSPRITE.  I think I would double up--use 2 6 Fat Quarter packs.  It makes 12 blocks, finishing 54"x60".  Great in a contemporary setting.

This group of 6 was just because it is colorful.  Isn't this fun to play with a new line this way.  Now to get to work.....