Isn't this a "sea" of yumminess? The fabric line is Neptune by Tula Pink. Love these indigo, aqua, algae green and coral colors. And the prints are so whimsical, with their Under the Deep Blue Sea theme. There are submarines, life savers, swimming turtles, scales, tortoise shells, swirly waves and little anchors. So darn cute--but subtle at the same time. I have to remake a couple of those blocks with the fish scale print, now that I see them in the photograph (I have directional print issues), but otherwise I love every one of the blocks I have made so far.
I had an entire day free of any sort of employment or social obligation this weekend. A lovely Sunday all to myself, to finish up my last border of the Prairie Paisley project. Before I could settle in to work, however, one of my multiple personalities spoke up and suggested that I start something new. Poor Prairie Paisley. Is it ever going to get done?
Lisa over at Stashmaster has been working on a fabulous new pattern by Miss Rosie's Quilt Company called Sweet Escape. The fabric she is using is Eva by Basic Grey--so new it isn't even available for sale yet. Do go over and have a look at her quilt top. It has been on my mind ever since Lisa first started posting about it.
The block is super easy--two four patches and two half square triangles. The block pattern, a very old fashioned one, is called "Jewel Box". The blocks go together in a jiffy, and it is lots of fun to combine the fabrics. Have you ever noticed that when you deliberately try to be completely random in the way you combine fabrics in your blocks, INEVITABLY you keep putting the same two combos together (because they look so nice) and end up with identical blocks, in spite of your intention to have them all different? (Is that a run-on sentence?) Anyway, I do that *all the time*.
I think I may need some additional lights for this quilt top, but so far, so good! What a lovely peaceful day I had at my Bernina. Windows wide open, curtains fluttering in the breeze, a Diet Coke by my side, and dozing puppies at my feet. Life is good.
Oh! I have BIG PLANS for the upcoming weekend! I am going up to my sister Andrea's for a sewing retreat on Friday! My sister Kate is coming as well, and maybe my daughter Sara, if her schedule permits. (That girl works harder than I do!) We will drive up on Friday and set up our sewing machines in Andrea's beautiful kitchen and turn on the air conditioner--but don't tell her husband Rick. Maybe if we are super lucky, Andrea will make her famous Watermelon Margaritas. This is gonna be FUN.
I like how you did this Jewel Box. I Googled to see the block in other fabrics and it's just not something I would ever have paid any attention to done traditionally, but I love it with your fabric choices.
Posted by: Maria Stahl | July 14, 2009 at 05:02 AM
you know i love neptune!!! why do you tease me ;-)
Posted by: jaybird | July 14, 2009 at 05:04 AM
Can I come to your retreat? :)
I love your new quilt. That's a very pretty fabric line and, as always, you've done a super job putting it all together.
Posted by: Magnolia Bay Quilts | July 14, 2009 at 05:11 AM
Hi, Nicole, Did I tell you we have the same taste? I love this neptune line! And I did a pattern from Anka's Treasures with it on retreat last Spring. You can see a picture on my March 21 post "Retreat Pictures". Love, love, love what you've done with it. Have fun on retreat!!
Posted by: Cindy | July 14, 2009 at 05:33 AM
Love your new quilt...can a come by for some watermelon margaritas please? LOL! Sounds like you had a perfect sewing day!
Posted by: Carol | July 14, 2009 at 05:33 AM
Lovely fabrics! Enjoy your quilting retreat - it's so nice to be able to take a whole day (or more) away and just focus on sewing and gabbing. My mom and I started quilting at the same time, and we've since converted several family members and friends. We get together at our house every month for a family sewing day, have show and tell, get our new block of the month pattern (my job), and talk and sew and talk (and talk!)...
Posted by: Sandi | July 14, 2009 at 05:53 AM
Your Sunday Sew In sounded perfect. I'm happy those puppies cooperated. You accomplished so much in one day, your Bernina must have been smoke'n.
Posted by: Thelma | July 14, 2009 at 05:53 AM
That's beautiful with the Neptune fabrics! JEWEL BOX - that's the block! Why have I been calling it Jacob's Ladder?
Posted by: Lisa D. | July 14, 2009 at 05:57 AM
That is a beautiful fabric line!
Posted by: Vicki W | July 14, 2009 at 06:12 AM
I had to laugh at the comment about one of your multiple personalities taking over. I must have one too as I can change easily in mid-stream on a quilt project. Must be the Diet Coke.
I visited Stashmaster. Am going to follow the blog.
Posted by: Karen Beigh | July 14, 2009 at 06:50 AM
Love your new Neptune quilt! The weekend sounds divine. Have a wonderful time.
Posted by: MichelleB | July 14, 2009 at 07:02 AM
What a beautiful quilt. I have the same problem with trying to randomly put things together. Have a wonderful time on your retreat.
Posted by: Michelle | July 14, 2009 at 07:30 AM
Ohh pretty! Have fun with your girls, there is going to be some cooling at the end of the week, here anyway.
Posted by: pam | July 14, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Watermelon margarita's! woohoo... sounds perfect. How fun to have your sisters and you all together. I love the Neptune/Sweet Escape project. Looks like it was fun. Have fun on your sweet escape with the sisters:)
Posted by: Sinta | July 14, 2009 at 02:45 PM
Neptune is my new favorite fabric line, I just love it. Your quilt blocks are beautiful! Have fun on your Sunday Sew-in, that'll be awesome, to me, that is the perfect day.
Posted by: Heather | July 14, 2009 at 04:16 PM
Nicole you are so quick making these quilts I donk know how you do it it takes me all day to make a star block whitch I have just learned to do.
Hugs Mary.
Posted by: Nanna mary | July 14, 2009 at 04:51 PM
Nicole, I love this new pattern you and Lisa are doing. I really like how the blocks are all in the same direction. And what a fun way to showcase bright fabrics. You are a whiz at popping out these quilts!
Have fun at the retreat this weekend. I think I join many others in saying that I am green with envy.
Posted by: Allyson in Alaska | July 14, 2009 at 06:42 PM
I forgot to ask in my earlier comment....is that a navy or a charcoal grey in that Neptune line? I really like the print with medium leaves in the block just left of center in your photo.
Posted by: Allyson in Alaska | July 14, 2009 at 08:10 PM
I saw the Neptune fabrics featured in my AP&Q mag recently---so fun with the hidden shapes, but haven't seen it in person. Your blocks look great, what a snazzy snappy colorway. Have a great weekend! I get to play with my sister and fellow quilters the following weekend.
Posted by: AnnieO | July 14, 2009 at 10:10 PM
I really like these colors. They are soothing for the soul. Nancy in WI
Posted by: Nancy | July 15, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Nicole,
I have some blocks like this in my Orphan block pile from another pattern. They're 8.5 unfinished. I was thinking of ordering this pattern if that's the right size block. Do you happen to recall?
Posted by: *karendianne. | September 12, 2009 at 02:48 PM
Nicole, I love your Neptune quilt and bought the fabric to make one too. What fabric are you using for the sides? Have you decided yet?
Posted by: Wendy | September 26, 2009 at 06:28 PM