tonga cabana contest at EQ7

I came across a very nice, down and dirty block contest at EQ7 to design a block at least 6 x 6 inches. (I am continuously designing quilts and blocks and had a few stock piled and ready to use.) This is really an awesome contest, because there is free fabric from Timeless Treasures on the line. The collection will be given away - a full set of Cabana by Daniela Stout - Tonga Treats in 10", 5", 2.5" strips, 6" strips, and FQs!!

I should have read the instructions several times; I thought I was supposed to design a quilt! After reading the instructions for a third time, I realized I was putting a little too much effort into it all. Also, the winner will be randomly picked, so the block doesn't have to be an original; it just has to be designed and colored with EQ7!

I am a little clueless as to what this block is originally called. I am calling it an altered log cabin point. It has become a very popularized block that is log cabin assembled on paper and then the side triangles are added last. I thought I would add a strip before adding the triangle. It makes a very stunning second design.

Here is my block for the contest:

This block measures to 6 x 6 inches. I find there is a very subtle but yet effective contrast in this fabric line. There are strong blues, dark greens, a little gray and even a very light white with bubbles. I added an off white solid to lighten everything up but not too much.

If you are interested in making this block, just download a template (you can find one here). Don't forget to bring in contrast fabrics in the corners.

Here is a mini version which finishes at 19 x 19 inches. There is no sashing on this one. It would be great for the Doll Quilt Monthly Swap. I sat out this summer trying to catch up on other projects, but I do miss it. I loved the monthly challenges; I was thinking a whole month in advance what I could whip up. Thinking about that, if I win the contest, I will make this mini and send it to my next swap partner. Now that is a promise!

Or if you want something a little more difficult, you could try this one. Both patterns will be available on Craftsy.

If you want to join the challenge, you still have time. On Thursday, July 31st, you can link up your design at the EQ7 blog. I wish everyone the best of luck!!


Thanks for dropping by!
Karen

quilting retreat

It has been a while since I really had the chance to sew for myself without interruptions. So, I signed myself up for a quilting weekend at the Quilt Oase to rejuvenate my vitals and relax with the girls.

What to work on? I have a stack of woven plaids that have been with me for about a good ten years. I started a project for my husband using half-square triangles - HST and a tan neutral color. I found the pattern in an Australian Country Patchwork magazine and thought it was really great (at that time). Needless to say, I never completed the project and the patches are still in a metal tin somewhere in the basement. I still want to finish up a quilt for my hubby incorporating plaids, especially since we will be celebrating our tenth anniversary this year. How to make a modern quilt for a man using plaids?

I have been asking myself this question for about a month or two now. I have been looking high and low for patterns. I want to do something with 60° triangles to get more experience but don't want a typical country quilt. This one caught my attention by Jaybird Quilts? I can't exactly see who made it, but saw it referenced once.

I thought this could be a down and dirty pattern to cleanse and go quickly. Should I do it, or should I try to come up with something else? It states that the triangles are sewn on paper log cabin style. Do I really need the paper? Can't I just sew strips onto a pre-cut center triangle? I need advice. Does anyone have any?

MODERN PLAID QUILT IDEAS ANYONE?