I know every quilt I am currently working on is my favorite quilt ever. But this one really might be. There is something jewel like in the feel of this project. The pieces resemble facets of gem stones to my eye. Smokey quartz and sapphires.
The design is so deceptively simple. It looks so complex, until you break the design down into the two very easy blocks that make up the quilt top. The magic comes from not just the combination of two blocks, but the diagonal set. Brilliant.
The two easy blocks are 1) a Pinwheel block, and 2) a Square in a Square block. Tilt them on their sides, lay them out diagonally, you have an extremely interesting design that forms.
Doesn't it appear that the light squares are surrounded by two rounds of trickily pieced triangles?
And then there is the color combination. Dear me, aren't those blues and browns beautiful?
Ok, enough of me singing the praises of this design. You all just need to go buy the pattern, "Message in a Bottle" by Miss Rosie's Quilt Company, and make one of these for yourselves. Imagine it in pinks and browns, or purples and greens, or ....
Applause for your speed piecing once again, my dear!!
The pattern and fabrics are, indeed, wonderful. I had looked closely at this pattern and plan to make it but haven't decided on colors yet. The possibilities are endless, but blue and brown do look great!
We have snow that will melt today!
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | January 18, 2013 at 05:03 AM
A beautiful pattern. How did I miss this one? You sure got all those half square triangles done up fast.
Posted by: Chris | January 18, 2013 at 05:54 AM
I'm stunned - how in the world did you manage to do these blocks so quickly?
Gorgeous piecing and color choices as always!!
Posted by: CarlaHR | January 18, 2013 at 06:18 AM
You are so quick. It seems it was only a very few days ago that you decided on this project. It is lovely -- pattern, colours and piecing.
Posted by: Debbie R. | January 18, 2013 at 06:21 AM
very lovely. I love patterns that have pattern within the pattern! the colours are perfect.
Posted by: Lee | January 18, 2013 at 06:38 AM
Love that block! Looks so difficult, but simple!!
Posted by: LoriD | January 18, 2013 at 07:35 AM
Love it, love it, L.O.V.E. it!!
Posted by: sillysally | January 18, 2013 at 08:30 AM
Just Gorgeous! It must be easy because you are making very fast progress on this quilt ;-)
Posted by: Sue Babich | January 18, 2013 at 08:47 AM
I want those fabrics! Love how they all blend together, great pattern and fabric choice :)
Posted by: Anita | January 18, 2013 at 09:07 AM
WOW!! Gorgeous! Thanks for the info!
P
Posted by: Paulette Doyle | January 18, 2013 at 09:44 AM
Those "fool the eye" two block quilts are some of my favorite designs! It is looking terrific, Nicole.
Posted by: AnnieO | January 18, 2013 at 10:22 AM
love, love, love it! Beautiful!!
Posted by: Kathy R | January 18, 2013 at 11:12 AM
It just keeps getting better and better!!!
Posted by: Nancy Watkins | January 18, 2013 at 01:55 PM
You're right - this a very cool layout. And I love the fabric :).
Posted by: Karen | January 18, 2013 at 06:13 PM
Stunning - absolutely!
Posted by: sherry :o) | January 18, 2013 at 06:58 PM
Oh my - this is so pretty!
Posted by: Bari Jo | January 18, 2013 at 10:03 PM
You are inspirational!
Posted by: Liz S. | January 18, 2013 at 10:52 PM
Hi Nicole...how many cream backgrounds did you use?
Posted by: Nancy Watkins | January 19, 2013 at 11:03 AM
Very clever how she's designed two simple blocks to make a complex looking larger block. And I agree it does look gem like. The contrasting colours give an almost 3D effect too. The darker colours recede and lighter, brighter colours jump forwards.
Posted by: Sarah | January 20, 2013 at 06:03 AM
I love this!!! Huge fan of Carrie, would love to have her teach over here in Ireland. I think your colours really make it, will have to go buy the pattern! Have been promoting the blogger girl BoM here at the shop in Wexford, the gals are loving the rulers. Keep up all the great work Nicole, you're a treasure to read!!!! Anne Marie
Posted by: Anne Marie Hobbs | January 20, 2013 at 09:36 AM
I'm loving this pattern! Did you arrange the colors in any certain way? I'll have to remember this one.
Posted by: Jean | January 20, 2013 at 10:51 AM
The optic effect is amazing!!! And the beautifull fabrics too, congratulations for your quilt!
Posted by: hilary | January 20, 2013 at 02:27 PM
Love the colors. It looks beautiful.
Posted by: Teri | January 22, 2013 at 04:07 AM
Love the pattern with your fabric choices. And I like how you adapted the pattern to use a tool to make it perfect. I enjoy reading your blog.
Posted by: Kyle Redente | January 22, 2013 at 09:26 AM