Monday, September 11, 2017

Fresh Pick'ins - Back to School Island Batik Blog Hop

Despite the REAL hurricanes going on, I hope everyone and their loved ones are safe. My in-laws are in the heat of it tonight so we're praying for their safety. Had my own bit of a hurricane just getting this project progressed, but here it is! I'll post a couple more photos later on Monday, so come back if you're interested.

My guess is that if you have school age children, they are back in school already! I saw several posts of friends with the moms all jumping for joy! HA!!

I don't have school age children, but remember my own school days well. Back in middle school --one of those years when you study the countries of South America-- I chose Peru to study. This photo is from even a few years before that (I'm on the right), but I had relatives who had served as Seventh-day Adventist missionaries there and we had received llama skin art work (hanging on the wall in the photo). I was also intrigued by the discovery of Machu Pichu while doing my research for my report. When making a food dish from the region, I made Peruvian Potatoes in Cheese. Why do I remember this so well? It called for olive oil and back in the 70's this is not something that was prevalent in our food palette for cooking so it was quite the search we went on at various grocery stores in order to obtain it. How times have changed!

This last spring my husband and I made a trip of a lifetime. We made a 4 week trip to the southern hemisphere. It all started when we were looking at 'cheap' cruises for a vacation --just us, no family, no special occasion, just vacation. We found a transitioning cruise was very affordable and there was one that was going from Santiago, Chile to San Francisco, California. It sounded fantastic!! The more we looked into it, the more excited we got about the opportunities it would create for us to see some very interesting things. One of the excursions that was organized by the cruise ship was a multi-day trip up to Machu Pichu! WHAT?  (NOT CHEAP!) YES!!!! That sounded exciting and 'safe' since the cruise ship organized it all to get us back at another port several days later. In order to use miles to fly to the ship, we had to go a few days early. Hmm, so what to do with our extra time? We could explore Santiago or we could fly to Easter Island! WHAT??? (NOT CHEAP) Yes, we did just that.

So much for a cheap vacation, but we decided to take advantage of some huge opportunities that would be much more costly if we weren't going to be in the southern hemisphere in the first place.

Upon arrival to Easter Island we were greeted with these 'leaf' leis.

It is still a fairly primitive island. We stayed at a small hostel type accommodation with no air conditioning. But the sea breezes were fantastic. This was the view across the road from where we stayed.



Look at the different blues in this shot. I was amazed at the reflection of the clouds on the water.




Easter Island -- at sunrise
 


After our visit to Easter Island we flew back to Santiago and missed the earthquake as it happened before we landed. I am sure I felt an aftershock though while in our hotel that night. The next morning is when we learned that there had even been an earthquake and several aftershocks the night before. Again--reminded me of growing up in California. Yes, I've been through several earthquakes.

After boarding our ship we proceeded north along the South American coast. Before leaving the coast of Chile, we flew on a chartered plane to Cusco, Peru. Our itinerary was to stay two nights in Cusco with the trip up to Machu Pichu happening on the day in between. Through the good parts of social media I learned that a friend of mine was starting to hike the Inca Trail and was in town as well. Although I didn't get to see him, and learned later there was another gal on the trip that I also knew from another part of my life...such a small world, but in some way we're all connected. 

Our trip to Machu Pichu included a van ride, then a train ride, then a bus up to the ruins. We got to hike around for about 2 1/2 hours with our guide. I'm very grateful we had a local Inca Trail guide with us. He used to hike the trail, but now was doing the organized group tours directly to M.P.

On the train, the table covers were woven with beautiful designs. My immediate thought--these could easily be adapted as a quilt design.




Hanging in the market were many more:






Even the frame around the mirror in our hotel inspired me!





 We finally made it to Machu Pichu!!


So, today I'm sharing a design that is taking me back to my middle school years, the 'bucket' list item of seeing Machu Pichu and using some of the inspiration I took from the experience.

I recently used bosal fusible foam to do a quilt as you go project. I also have tried the placemats that Poorhouse Quilt Designs put together called "Inside Out Mats'  (right using Wilmington Prints - Poppy Celebration available in my shop). The biggest pain point for me in making placemats in a traditional way with a binding, is that I may often make quite a few and then I have to bind EVERY ONE OF THEM! The 'Inside Out Mat' design keeps it simple and fairly quick.

The center fabric of the 'front' though could be made as a special block and then the 'bordering/binding' technique employed around it. So, using Bosal fusible foam (I have available by the yard if you're interested, so you can make whatever size or shape you'd like!) and all of this inspiration seen in Peru, here is what I came up with:

A set of 8 placemats that will always remind me of our trip to Machu Pichu! and since each is unique, I could easily add more as I need.

The vibrant colors of  #islandbatik's Fresh Pick'ins collection were perfect for this.  When I received the collection back in February and knew it was slated for September's project, I set it aside and said to myself, I want to be inspired by my southern hemisphere trip before I commit to any particular design direction with these fabrics. It just seemed perfect. Below you see lots of tone on tone in the background; in the middle are several multi-color pieces and in the foreground are several blenders that go great with the collection.

 Here are the beautiful spools of #Aurifil and #SuperiorThreads we received in our first box of 2017. I'll be using the Superior green for the top stitching in the ditch of the flange and a multi-color received previously for the back stitching.




The flange is the light green dots and the border is the dark green cherries.

I used these four as the backings.




















I also added some neutrals in the background of black (Charcoal - BE24-E2) and white (Milk Shake) to give me the contrasts needed.


Cutting per placemat:
Bosal fusible foam and backing - 14" x 20" --this is a generous sized placemat, but uses the fusible foam efficiently when cutting it from the bolt.
flanges  (2) 1" x 13" and (2) 1" x 19" --yes 1" shorter
borders (2) 3" x 13" and (2) 3" x 19" --yes 1" shorter
The flanges and borders could be cut a bit shorter, just make sure they get all the way to the bottom corner that you want them to hit (notice that the borders are interlocking). It is a partial seam to start and then finish it up when you come around to it again.

I mostly design with EQ7, so worked a bit backwards from the Poorhouse placemat design to get my block size and then drew the designs so the elements weren't individually too small relative to the size of the block.

In the end I wanted the blocks to finish about 8" x 14" for the 'special center block' so went for making sure it had sufficient background that made it about 10" x 16" so I didn't cover the design but the border/flange for sure caught the block edge.

I used this crochet hook to push the points out at the corners.

















I used Superior Threads Masterpiece (right spool) for the ditch work at the flange and Fantastico in the bobbin (middle spool) and Fantastico (left spool) for the top stitch at the outer edge, but kept the same (middle spool) bobbin.

These could easily be made into a runner or wall hanging, but I decided I would actually use the placemats most.

Hope you enjoyed this inspiration of Fresh Pick'ins fabric. Several online options are already offering the pre-cuts and yardage. Just google : Island Batik Fresh Pick.

G I V E A W A Y--did you say Giveaway? I've got the equivalent of  2.5" strips of the Fresh Pick'ins line to send to you.

If we get over 100 people entered, I'll put together another bundle of strips that will include most of the line, and select another random winner, so please share this and encourage others to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Comment entries include questions
  - would you like these blocks made into a pattern?
  - have you used grade school inspiration for anything?

There are several 'group' giveaways that Island Batik will also be awarding. Use this Rafflecopter to register.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for stopping by! #backtoschoolwithisland

I'm posting again on September 18. Don't miss the entire hop by checking out the complete schedule.


91 comments:

  1. What an amazing trip you had! I remember learning about Machu Pichu in school and wanting to go there to see it.

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  2. And yes please, I'd like to see these blocks as patterns!

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  3. what a wonderful trip you had
    I was inspired by my history teachers, and I became fascinated with history to learn about it. To this day I love learning about history. I guess so much so that our son loved history the same way and he got his bachelors and masters in history.
    quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

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  4. that would be fun to have them made into a pattern.
    quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

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  5. Sounds like the trip of a lifetime! My sister-in-law has traveled the world, and I remember when she went to Machu Pichu a few years ago. I don't remember much about grade school, but I loved to read and made crafty things (still do).

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  6. The placemats are wonderful! Patterns would be great!

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  7. Now that I think about my jr high trip to Washington, DC - all the wonderful structures & buildings indeed do inspire! Thank you,, Susan

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  8. What a wonderful trip for you-your pics do indeed inspire quilting blocks! Thank you for sharing, Susan

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  9. I was so inspired by all my schools that I actually became a teacher

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  10. I love your placemats and how Peru inspired you

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  11. It would be wonderful to have these as a pattern.

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  12. How awesome to go on a "bucket list" trip like yours. Yes, I always dreamed of visiting Japan as a child after studying it in elementary school. Finally made it when I was 27 years old. Wonderful! akronne17@gmail.com

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  13. Yes I would love to see the blocks as patterns. As a Spanish teacher, I would display them in my classroom

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  14. I would love to see these blocks as a pattern. I have never used my elementary school years as an inspiration for a quilt. Might be interesting.

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  15. Please...these would be great in pattern form. Thanks!

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  16. Thanks for sharing your vacation. Inspiration is everywhere if we are aware of our surroundings.

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  17. What an amazing trip you had. I really enjoyed all the photos you shared. Thank you so much!
    I was inspired in school by my history classes. Just seeing all the wonderful places and reading about them was awesome.

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  18. Your placemats are beautiful. I think a pattern would be wonderful. Thank you for the giveaway.

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  19. Yes I would love to see a pattern.

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  20. Love the placemats. Great post. Thanks for sharing Peru with us.

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  21. I learned to sew in grade school. I remember making blankets for my dolls from dish towels and using crayons to make them pretty. My first quilts???

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  22. Your blocks would make great patterns. Could be used for sew many quilty things.

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  23. We took several class trips to Yosemite after studying the science and ecology of it during the school year. It was a very inspiring trip each time, and I still think about those trips, forty + years later.

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  24. I love the gorgeous, graphic nature of your placemats and would definitely love something like that in our house. I'd probably use more primary colors--something more "Amish". Thanks for the inspiration!

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  25. Grade school was a long time ago but but sometimes it seems like yesterday. I recall begging my folks to take me to a "just starting" 4-H club. The rest is history as it gave me lots of ideas and skills that I used throughout my career and now in retirement. Just wish I still had the energy I had more than 50 years ago running and jumping on the playground.

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  26. What a fabulous trip and a great reminder you have created with these beautiful batiks. I have to again ask myself. Does Island Batik have spies???? Your fabrics seem to be a perfect match for your trip. I'm sharing a perfect match myself this week! Very Strange. LOL!!

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  27. I love your placemats. They are so colourful. I loved colouring with bright colours as a youngster in school

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  28. I would love to see these as a pattern. They are lovely

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  29. Your placemats are indeed a wonderful memory from your amazing trip. i love them all. I would be fun to have access to patterns for making my own table runner.

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  30. In grade 3 our teacher was super and awesome... he called us "people" not boys and girls, not children... that was revolutionary!!! We felt important, special, and that was amazing!!! I was always creative but it was that year when I created comic books and held contests, raffles and giveaways (for my older siblings friends!! Lol)

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  31. If I won this beautiful fabric, I'd make some placemats and matching table runner!!

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  32. Yes, I was inspired by a grade school experience. I remember learning about the fjords in Norway and have always wanted to go there. cknapp3626(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

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  33. Yes, I would like to see these blocks made into a pattern. Thanks for the inspiration. cknapp3626(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

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  34. Very pretty, thanks for sharing! I would like a pattern. I guess my love of reading started in grade school.
    cork@pa.rr.com

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  35. The most I have been inspired from grade school is the chalk fabric, made into placemats where you can write or doodle on them.

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  36. Love your photos from your travels. We also enjoyed MP, and we actually hiked the trail...won't do it again, but definitely worth doing once. Yes, a pattern would be great!

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  37. Nothing from grade school but definitely from college.

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  38. I would love a pattern. These colors are amazing.

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  39. Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! It's been so long since grade school. But I do remember a Hawaiian lady coming to the school and teaching us about Hawaii. I have some Plumaria plants and sometimes I think about her when I water them.

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  40. Your placemat ideas would make a great quilt pattern!

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  41. Great placemats! No, I haven't been inspired by any grade school experiences.

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  42. I like your idea of making them into placemats. Seems like the perfect way to display them to me.

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  43. The designs are great, and your market photos offer tons of inspiration. I'm not sure if I've been inspired by school to make a quilt yet. I think you should do a pattern for the placemats!

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  44. I loved it every time we did something crafty and I still love crafts today

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  45. Grade school - be creative. I still try to be. 24Tangent@gmail.com

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  46. Looks like a great trip. No. I don't need the blocks into a pattern. 24Tangent@gmail.com

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  47. I don't think I have been inspired by a grade school experience. I may have to do some more thinking on that. Nancy A: rangerer@sbcglobal.net

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  48. Love your placemats and think they would be great in a quilt. They remind me a little of work that the Seminole Indians do, and I have always wanted to make a quilt using their methods. Nancy A: rangerer@sbcglobal.net

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  49. I really enjoyed my time in high school in the marching band. I have fond memories.

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  50. What a wonderful trip! I was inspired by many of my teachers in grade school and beyond.

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  51. I would love to see these blocks in a pattern.

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  52. Hi no I did not like sewing in school but I did love art class. it wasn't until later in life that I found my love in sewing dresses for my daughter. happyness04431@yahoo.com

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  53. I think it would be a cool idea...But like every thing you need to know if there is a big liking for this kind of cool art.... happyness04431@yahoo.com

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  54. I was inspired to be a reader by my great teachers. Something I still do for great enjoyment.

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  55. What beautiful colors! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  56. The only childhood experience I can think of that's inspired me is the desire to have a tree swing in our back yard. I actually made a mini wall quilt with this "dream" of mine and it turned out really sweet.

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  57. Yes, I do think your blocks should be made into a pattern! They are lovely!

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  58. I think making a pattern for these blocks is a great idea!

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  59. I can't say I have ever used a school experience, but I have used experiences from the summers between the years. Most involve camping and mountains.

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  60. I had a third grade teacher who told wonderful stories. I think it made me appreciate language and literature, and I credit my choice to be an English teacher to her. Thanks for awesome eye candy in your post! Your trip looks amazing. And so does your quilting!

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  61. These blocks in a pattern would be great! Very beautiful.

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  62. Just got back from New Mexico where I took lots of pictures of designs on everything from rugs to fences so your placements really caught my eye! I think they could be combined in a pattern successfully. pjrquilter (at) msn (dot) com.

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  63. I'm afraid I didn't get my inspiration from school although I did start sewing some of my own clothes by age 12 even thought my mother couldn't sew a lick. pjrquilter (at) msn (dot) com.

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  64. Would like to see your placemats in a pattern--very striking!
    barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)

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  65. I haven't made anything relating to my school years as yet--may have to think about that.
    barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)

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  66. My first grade teacher put me in the cloak room because she didn't know how to identify a bored child. I know that I don't want to try others as she treated me. Haven't used any school experiences per se for quilting.

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  67. I'd love to see the blocks made into patterns.

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  68. I can't think of any grade school experience that inspired me. I loved reading your story though. Sounds like a wonderful trip and the placemats are the perfect thing to remember it.

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  69. Making the blocks into a pattern is a great idea.

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  70. Really cool placemats!! My second grade teacher, Ms Briscoe was so cool. I still feel inspired when I think of her! She was just amazing! angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom

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  71. I think these blocks will be cool as a pattern! Very cool blocks! angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom

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  72. I was inspired by my band teacher in grade school. She was one of the most joyful people I knew!

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  73. I think those blocks would make a very unique and fun to make pattern.

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  74. I did learn to sew in grade school and that inspired a lifelong hobby.

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  75. Your placemats are a wonderful memento of your trip! They would make a great pattern.

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  76. I would love to see these designs in a pattern. :)

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  77. I DID enjoy this post! That's a place I'd love to see, and your pictures of everything are wonderful, thank you! The placemats are terrific, and I love that mirror frame, too. I learned to sew starting in 8th grade and made some of my high school clothing, but once I turned to quilting, all other sewing flew out the window.

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  78. A pattern of these blocks would no doubt sell well. They are attractive and look not TOO difficult. I really liked the way the poppy one turned out. I guess that was the prototype of the process? Thanks for the chances to win in the blog hop. That's beautiful fabric anyone would want.

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  79. fun blocks! I was wondering where you got the pattern from/inspiration- of course from your trip!!

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  80. Very fun! I had wondered when you were showing sneak peeks what this would be....love it!

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  81. I have been inspired by a school experience. One of my teachers told me once that I have beautiful handwriting, and ever since, I have always made sure to keep it that way. Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

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  82. I have not been inspired by a school experience, but give me time and I probably will. Beautiful blocks!

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  83. They would make a beautiful pattern.

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  84. I was inspired by a lovely teacher who was caring and supportive. She encouraged me and gave me the confidence to pursue my goals.
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

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  85. Yes, I would like to see these blocks in a pattern.
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

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  86. That must have been a trip of a lifetime. I've always wanted to see Easter Island. I would love to see a pattern for your blocks. I had a history teacher in high school that was amazing and I've loved history ever since. Thanks for the giveaway, grinnie1961 at gmail dot com

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  87. I would absolutely love a pattern!

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  88. We had a very strict grade school needlework teacher and I am thankful that I have such good sewing habits and high standards today because of Mrs. Osborne.
    Pauline
    perry94022 at hotmail dot com

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  89. I learned to type in school and it is still a skill I use today. I love your placemats and the story behind them. Thanks for sharing.

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