What Shade Are You?

Can you imagine how awesome I felt when I was accepted to be a RJR "What Shade Are You" quilter?  Well, I was giddy.  Then as the process began, I became terrified!  Was I good enough?  Was I talented? Should I self-design or use someone's pattern?  I perused Pinterest and Instagram for ideas.  Then I thought, "Stop it! Do what you love.  Do YOU!" 

I am an avid open water swimmer.  I swim at my local beaches here along the Florida Gulf Coast.  I ADORE the sea, salty lips and hair, sand between my toes, dolphins, manatees, fish, and even jelly fish (though their sting sure is frustrating).  My absolute favorite time to swim is at sunrise.  There are very few people who get in the water or even go to the beach at 7 o'clock in the morning.  I have a hard time expressing what my white powdery sand looks like against my "Blue" (the lifeguard stand I meet my swim mates).  When the sun rises it jumps over the buildings creating a reflection on the tall building's windows north of the beach.  Bright orange.  The water, which is clear, turquoise, and blue have a brilliant pink and orange reflection. Of course, my sun, our sun is brilliant yellow.

 So, "What Shade Am I"?

I chose the following:

Quilt top:

Bougainvillea 333  

Pink Sapphire 218

Turk & Caicos 292  

Carrot 131      

Sunnyside of the Street 379

Lake 427  

Redwork 222  

Binding: 

Black 34  

Backing:

Cotton and Steel Macrame Lawn Pattern Midnight by Rashida Coleman-Hale 

I snapped this sneak peek and posted on Instagram the minute my fabric arrived from RJR Fabrics you can see it at http://instagram.com/saphre1964

Then the planning began...

I adore paper piecing.  The perfection that ensues makes me feel like I can accomplish anything.  Perfect points are easy peasy.

I found a wonky log cabin block and decided to "recreate" it on paper.  I'm old fashioned even though I've only been quilting 3 years.  Sewing since I was 8, but didn't take my love of art, color, and expression to fabric until a group of ladies asked me to sew 11 blocks for a donated quilt for the Wounded Warriors Project.  That's another story.  Back to 'What Share Are You". >>>>> proof that I am 'ol fashioned.

RJR fabrics are delicious in saturation.  The weave of the fabric is tight and there is very little fray. I'd really love for someone to start a RJR monthly fat quarter club.  I'd surely participate.

Each block measures 8.5" square before piecing.  With 8 rows across and 9 rows down it measures in at 64" x 72".  Perfect for a beach quilt.  I chose to quilt her with my favorite thread from King Tut called Pyramids.  It's gold to a cream variegated thread that works beautifully with many things I quilt.  So, I put her on my "Dorcas the Longarm" and had panic attack number two.  So many of you are amazing long arm quilters.  Me?  I am, once again, super simple.  I can meander, do awesome swirls and waves, and of course can straight line quilt.  But, I only free motion.  No rulers.  What to do?  I decided to follow the wonky of the log cabin and chose a very simple (just like me) wonky (just like me) square.  Here's a close up.  ^^^^^^^

The backing just had to be one of my favorite Cotton and Steel designers and I love the Macarame Lawn, so soft and silky. Fortunately, the wind blew just right for my quilt holder while taking a photo, so, we could get a glimpse of the backing.  Trust me, with the black binding, it all works wonderfully.

The entire experience has been one of growth and learning.  Is "Sunrise at Blue" perfect? Of course not.  Yet, she's as perfect as this imperfect, simple quilter is, and as beautiful as a sunrise open water swim.  I have a saying, I even had it tattooed on my right inner wrist.....

i.am;blessed...