I know, you think you have seen this picture before. But you haven't. This is a picture of 29 completed Belle Meade blocks! Woo hoo! My plan is to finish the last 12 tomorrow and start laying out the blocks. Thelma is ahead of me, but is patiently waiting for me to catch up.
I have not yet decided what fabric to use for the setting triangles. I have the tan, I have the red, and just in case, I have the blue! No worries, I will come up with just the right thing, with all those choices.
But look....This came in the mail today, from Kim Brackett, the author herself!!! Scrap Basket Sensations.
If you have not yet ordered this book, you must do so. And if you don't have her first book Scrap Basket Surprises, you definitely need that as well. Have a drawer or shelf full of jelly rolls? Don't have a clue what to do with them? Well, Kim's two books are the answer you have been waiting for. Tons of ideas for using those 2 1/2 inch strips. Kim has a great blog called Magnolia Bay Quilts, and you will enjoy reading her recent posts. In addition, some bloggers you may be acquainted with made some of the projects in her new book! Check it out.
I recently picked up a gorgeous Bali Pop (40 coordinated batiks) in a color called Grasshopper, that I think would be amazing done up in one of Kim's quilt patterns.
Dreamy, dreamy colors, with just a hint of purple things interesting.
Here are a couple of the patterns in Kim's new book that I think would be fantastic.
Over and Under. Or...........
Island Chain. Actually, I may do Island Chain in a collection of burgundy and pink batiks called Zinfandel. Wow, it has been a long time since I worked with batiks, and I hear them calling my name!
If you are wondering why Kim sent me a copy of her amazing book, Scrap Basket Sensations, it is because she is planning a blogging event to promote it, and asked me to participate. I don't have the details yet, but stay tuned for more information. I will also be doing a give away of the copy of the book that I bought before Kim sent me one (Grin), so if you are interested in getting one, leave a comment to this post and on Friday I will announce the winner!
Oooh, I do have Scrap Basket Surprises and would love to have its baby sister! The sneak peek of the patterns is very appetizing!
Posted by: Lesly | January 27, 2011 at 04:18 AM
Scrap Basket Sensation looks intriguing and would love to make some more of her quilts. I have her first book and have enjoyed making several of them. Love your bali pops.
Posted by: donna | January 27, 2011 at 04:22 AM
The Over and Under quilt that you pictured is calling my name....
Posted by: ranette | January 27, 2011 at 04:24 AM
What a wonderful new book. I'm working on 3 batik quilts now and love those bali pops! Thanks for the chance!
Posted by: Susan | January 27, 2011 at 04:29 AM
Your blocks are beautiful!
I thought I could resist Kim's new book,but
Island Chain is too beautiful to pass up.
Love the Grasshopper Bali Pop!
Posted by: Christina D | January 27, 2011 at 04:29 AM
Thanks for giving away the "spare" book. I will have to look for the first book and create some 2 1/2 strips from scraps.
Posted by: rebecca | January 27, 2011 at 04:34 AM
The book looks great! I love seeing your progress on belle Meade.
Posted by: Amber | January 27, 2011 at 04:40 AM
Hi Nicole, your blocks are looking great and so is the batik fabric you bought. Wish I had bought some Batiks when I was in Bali years ago but I was not yet "into" quilting at the time. I'd love to win the book as the Over and Under quilt looks intriguing.
Posted by: CarlaHR | January 27, 2011 at 04:43 AM
Hi Nicole,
I'm finally learning how to comment on a blog. Your blocks are beautiful and I just love the Rural Jardin fabric line. I would love a copy of the book because I'm always wondering what to do with the Jelly Rolls I have. I read your blog every morning and I really enjoy it. How's the baby quilt coming?
Posted by: Gloria | January 27, 2011 at 04:48 AM
Thanks for the giveaway, Nicole! I have Kim's first book and just love it....this new one looks great! And batiks...dontcha just love 'em?!!
Posted by: DonnaCME | January 27, 2011 at 04:50 AM
Awesome! Thanks for a chance to win.
Posted by: Anna McD | January 27, 2011 at 04:53 AM
Wow, the first book was great, and this one looks even better! I'd love to win it.
Posted by: Diana | January 27, 2011 at 04:55 AM
How nice that you would have a giveaway for your spare book...I hope you pick me! I LOVE the way your Belle Meade is turning out, and LOVE reading your blog! Thanks so much!
Posted by: Vicki | January 27, 2011 at 04:56 AM
I just received my copy of Scrap Basket Surprises and I love it, I'd really love to have her newest book too.
Posted by: Wendy | January 27, 2011 at 04:57 AM
I'd love to do a quilt from the book in blues...
Posted by: Amy | January 27, 2011 at 04:57 AM
I love your Belle Meade blocks. I have a Jelly Roll of that line and haven't decided what to do with it. Maybe I'll just keep it to gaze at from time to time!
Thanks so much for your kind words about the book. I really hope you enjoy it. The Grasshopper Bali Pop looks yummy. I haven't seen that one before. Can't wait to see what you do with it!
Posted by: Kim | January 27, 2011 at 05:05 AM
Hi,
I don't have either book, but would love it. I have some scraps are anxious to be used. Please, Please, Please pick me.
Thank you
Mary
p.s. Love reading your blog
Posted by: Mary | January 27, 2011 at 05:11 AM
I bought Scrap Basket Surprises on a road trip with my quilty friends. We all looked at it on the way home (to Washington DC area) and my friends all bought a copy for themselves when we got home. I would LOVE to win a copy of Kim's new book, and will watch for the blog event. Thanks for the opportunity!
Posted by: Amy | January 27, 2011 at 05:14 AM
I loved her first book so I'm sure I will feel the same about this one. I think Bali Pops are so pretty!! I really like the Grasshoper with just a touch of purple. Perfect. I was just admiring Zinfandel when I was at the shop Tuesday. Also would be gorgeous in that pattern.
Posted by: Linda | January 27, 2011 at 05:16 AM
I have Kim's first book and it is a beauty. I haven't decided how to use my jelly rolls of Pure and Allspice Tapestry.Your Belle Meade is coming along quickly. Don't you tire of doing the same block over and over? Sometimes one just needs a break to dream and plan something else.
Posted by: Betty | January 27, 2011 at 05:25 AM
I'd love to have a copy of this book. I don't have her first book that everyone refers to. Your Belle Meade is looking great!
Posted by: Kim Juilfs | January 27, 2011 at 05:29 AM
I have Kim's first book and would love to have the second. Thanks for the opportunity to win. Belle Meade is looking awesome! Can't wait to see what color border you choose.
Posted by: Mary Kastner | January 27, 2011 at 05:29 AM
Hi, Nicole - I love the Bali pops and they would be great in any one of those quilts! I admire your eye for fabrics!
Karen L.
Posted by: Karen L. | January 27, 2011 at 05:30 AM
The first book was wonderful, but I do still have a drawer almost full of jelly rolls. I would love to win the new book. I'm looking forward to the blogging event.
Posted by: Cathy | January 27, 2011 at 05:38 AM
One just can't have too many quilt books, so thank you, Nicole, for the drawing!! I've succumbed to the Bali Pops a few times, with no clear plan on using them, so this will be inspiration! I, too, love reading your blog.
Happy Quilting!!!
Jayne
Posted by: Jayne Honnold | January 27, 2011 at 05:44 AM