Meet "Not Vanilla Latte"! She was supposed to be made out of an entirely different pattern which was called Vanilla Latte, but I didn't care for that pattern so much, even though the name is cool. I chose another pattern called Citrus Punch from the same book, and used my layer cake of At Water's Edge by Blackbird Designs for Moda. The book is called The Sweet Life and is one of the Anka's Treasures offerings. All the patterns in the book can be made with layer cakes, so it may be a good investment for you if you are into those yummy packs of 10 inch squares.
Now, all you beginning quilters out there, listen up. This would be a great pattern for you! It shows off all the pretty fabrics, without chopping them up into teensy pieces. The piecing is all straight forward and simple. You will learn strip piecing for the little four patch block centers and get practice making large half square triangles for the setting border. Give it a try, you won't be sorry!
This pattern will work with absolutely any collection of fabric. Just use your imagination when you see a pattern that may be made out of fabrics outside your comfort zone. Look how totally different mine looks from the one in the book:
For more advanced quilters, you could easily make this larger and add mitered corners. I would have done miters, but didn't have enough fabric.
When this fabric line, At Water's Edge, came out, I was on an austerity program, and not buying everything I saw. I thought I could live without this group just fine. However, as the months went by, I kept seeing quilts made out of it by more forward thinking quilters than myself. Oh, how I regretted not buying this fabric when I had the chance! Now it is too late, with most stores sold out of parts of the line. Well, guess what? The layer cake concept was the answer to my problem! A jelly roll would have done the trick as well.
If it happens that you miss out on a fabric line you end up loving, don't despair. Many shops who are out of big cuts of the yardage, may still have jelly rolls, layer cakes or even charm packs on hand. You can still get your fix of a favorite group, even if it is late in the season! Check online sources such as http://quiltshops.com/. You can do a search for your fabric of choice and be amazed at how many shops around the country still have what you want.
You are the most prolific quilter! This quilt is beautiful. I might have to invest in that book...and some layer cakes to go with it. Off to visit The fat Quarter Shop!
Posted by: Susie | June 20, 2008 at 06:31 AM
That is so pretty -- and so different than the one in the book. I love the border fabric!
Posted by: Cathi | June 20, 2008 at 07:23 AM
I love it! Your quilts and vision is so great. Now don't be talking to me about not buying up whole lines fabrics - I'm not nearly as prolific as you, and I just don't think I need to get more fabric! lol Although we all know it's not really about need.
Posted by: MichelleB | June 20, 2008 at 07:34 AM
Very, very pretty Nicole...isn't fabric wonderful...the same pattern and a totally different quilt with a different fabric choice. LOVE IT!
Posted by: Carol | June 20, 2008 at 08:09 AM
I was trying to hold off on this line of fabric too, but, now you have tempted me. I love the border! I have already made a visit to the Fat Quarter shop and the book in on its way. When it gets here I will probably be purchasing the Water's Edge too, or maybe the Maypole layer cake, oh wait, I have been drooling over the Dandelion Girl line too. Oh what the heck, I'll probably end up with all of them! lol
Posted by: Julia | June 20, 2008 at 09:08 AM
The top quilt looks like a Mint Vanilla Latte! Its very beautiful!
Posted by: Madeline | June 20, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Okay, okay. You twisted the arm of this beginner quilter to give it a shot! I just have to decide if I want to try this with one of the Christmas fabrics I like or something else.
Posted by: Jen | June 20, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Oh, I forgot to ask... how many layer cakes in that particular pattern are used? If I'm going to put in an order, I want to order everything at once... saves on shipping.
Posted by: Jen | June 20, 2008 at 09:38 AM
That quilt is beautiful! Now this beginning quilter is gonna get busy and make one. How hard can it be with a layer cake?
Posted by: Amy | June 20, 2008 at 10:53 AM
You ROCK with your Friday Finishes!!! Another great source for 'older' lines of fabric is eBay. Several times I have found fabrics that I decided I needed there. And not just small pieces, yardage also. Love the quilts you are showing
Posted by: Audrey | June 20, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Love the quilt. Especially the border. I will not buy Water's Edge, I will not buy Water's Edge.
Posted by: Donna | June 20, 2008 at 01:14 PM
This quilt is great. I watched you piecing the blocks and almost switched what I was doing. I love them. They seem fun and flexible and great options for fabric display as you mention.
I've noticed over the months how you have a real talent for border fabrics by the way.
I take you with me when I'm shopping. YOU'RE NO HELP!!! Well, you're good at pointing out things but where the heck are you at the register, ha?
Mmmmm Love, *karendianne.
Posted by: Karen Lee | June 20, 2008 at 01:34 PM
I too love the "At Water's Edge" line . . . & just so you're ready for when it comes out - Blackbird Designs' next line - called "Harvest Home" is very similar (but with a little richer colors)! You can see a little preview of it on the Moda website (but it's down for the weekend). . . or also on the Fat Quarter Shop website under "coming soon'. So pretty!)
I love your layer cake quilt! . . WIsh I could get my projects done as fast as you do! xo, Bren
Posted by: Bren | June 20, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Looks fab and it's a great setting. I could see this working for a number of different blocks.
Posted by: Jane Weston | June 20, 2008 at 02:52 PM
so very very pretty!
Posted by: Rhonda | June 20, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Love it a LATTE!
Posted by: Dandelion Quilts | June 20, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Wow! How many hours a day do you quilt? I haven't been able to sew for quite a while, not since I did the quilt for my grandson's teacher. Before that was even longer. I did clean my sewing room, though. Maybe if I just set aside half an hour a day I can get my motor running!
Posted by: Miss Jean | June 20, 2008 at 04:54 PM
Great quilt Nicole!!!! I love the one in the book too.
Posted by: sharon | June 20, 2008 at 07:18 PM
Beautiful!!!! as ever.
Posted by: Ailsa | June 21, 2008 at 02:27 PM
I think maybe I could even try that one Since I am only a learner.
Hugs Mary.
Posted by: Mary Wood | June 21, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Oh my goodness - I just read through some of your past posts and those weather related ones made me feel so fortunate to be in SC. We are in the midst of a drought, but not battling tornados and floods and I feel very blessed. Love your quilt, I think the pattern is perfect for your fabrics.
Posted by: Teresa in South Carolina | June 22, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Wow - the quilt looks absolutely gorgeous in that fabric! And the border fabric is just pure inspired.
Posted by: Shelina | June 22, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Hi,
I have been surfing and found your blog. Wow you do excellent work! I was wondering which package you bought on typepad for your blog, as I love the layout.
Please let me know. Thanks!
Can you recommend some good quilt patterns for beginners?
Karen in Indiana, USA
Posted by: Karen | June 22, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Stunning Nicole..
Posted by: Peg Coen | June 22, 2008 at 11:36 PM
Another beautiful quilt from Nicole! I have been eyeballing that pattern book, too. I'll have to buy it now for sure.....
Posted by: Nan | July 01, 2008 at 07:48 AM