I'm so pleased to be participating in the blog hop for Fandangle, Christa Watson's newest fabric line for Benartex. Fandangle is full of bright prints in fun, modern patterns. I was drawn to the cool color way of her designs.
After last month's Island Batik version of my Planned Improv: Scrappy Squares, I am excited to show a new variation on my technique. In my Planned Improv projects I have a general set of rules for creating the piece, and additional rules can give a twist to the design or provide continuity among different sections. Some of the rules I ended up following on this project include: the largest square is 12" finished, same general shape for each row, seven square along the top edge of each row (12" square in the middle), and rows off-centered from each other. I find that making a few adjustments to the design as I work can help add to the cohesive look of the overall piece.
My quilt top finished at about 41" x 54" So many of these fabrics are great blenders that would be a lovely addition to any stash.
GIVEAWAY (US addresses only)
For your chance to win a fat quarter bundle with a selection of 8 Fandangle fabrics, enter with Rafflecopter below by leaving a comment on my blog. Get a second entry by being a newsletter subscriber. Not a newsletter subscriber yet? Subscribe here, click to confirm your subscription in the email that comes to you. At the end of the giveaway I will email the randomly selected winner and they will have 48 hours to reply with their (US) shipping address or I will select a new winner.
Thanks for visiting! Now you can view the finish.
Be sure to check out the other stops on the hop!
Tuesday
Heather from Quilta-chusetts; IG: @quiltachusetts
Sarah from Sarah Goer Quilts; IG: @sarahmgoer
Nancy from Masterpiece Quilting; IG: @masterpiecequilting
Wednesday
Sue from Sue O'Very Designs; IG: @sueoverydesigns
Sylvia from Flying Parrot Quilts; IG: @flyingparrotquilts
Thursday
Annie from By Annie; IG: @PatternsByAnnie
Brenda from Spool and Bobbin Quilting
Friday
Tina: @sashikostyle
Paige from Quilted Blooms; IG: @quiltedblooms
For more Fandangle fun:
Click here to see the entire Fandangle collection.
Click here to visit Christa's website. Find her on IG here.
Click here to read the interview with Christa.
Lisa Marie
Very cool! I love the colors and prints you chose.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Lisa Marie!
Anita L Jackson
The cool colors in Christa's fabrics are beautiful! Great job on quilt!
sarah
Post authorAren't they fabulous!? Thanks for visiting, Anita!
Christi
This would be a great charity quilt.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Christi. They go together really quickly, so I agree!
Paige @ Quilted Blooms
I struggle with improv, but if all planned out, now, I could do that! Your design is perfect for large and small scale prints! Nice job, Sarah!
sarah
Post authorMaybe you'll get to take one of my Planned Improv workshops someday! It would be so fun to have you in class. Thank you, Paige!
Rosalind Gutierrez
Lovely cool colors in your modern take on Christa's new fabric line. Love the grey background to feature the designs.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Rosalind. I really loved playing with the fabrics. I think they would also be set off really nicely by a navy solid.
Brenda
Nice pattern! I love your planned improv! I love the cool colors as well.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Brenda. I had fun with it!
Vicki H
I like the improv quilts. I love this colorway of the Fandangle collection.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Vicki.
Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl
I really like how your scrappy squares method reads so differently in this quilt top. It's a great way to showcase Christa's new line.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Yvonne. I'm enjoying working in a series to add different twists to the design.
Louise Hornor
Very neat piece! It looks so great in the cool colorway :)
sarah
Post authorThank you, Louise!
Tu-Na Quilts
Thanks for sharing your great quilt! Those fandangle prints are awesome.
sarah
Post authorAren't they!? Thank you for visiting.
Cynthia Knapp
Cute quilt pattern! I love larger blocks that show the prints of the fabric. Good job!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Cynthia. I have a giant size scrappy square project cut out. I look forward to getting that one together. I picked some of my favorite purple fabrics for really big squares. :-)
Christa Watson
This turned out so fab!! Now I can't wait to see how you quilt it :-) Thanks for being part of the hop!!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Christa! I'm still thinking about how I'll quilt it.
Gene Black
I love the teal fabric with the squiggly lines.
sarah
Post authorMe too. I love a good tone on tone print. Thank you for visiting, Gene.
Tamara Gassen
Love the colors & love the way you designed the quilt
sarah
Post authorThank you, Tamara. I think I'll be making some small projects in these beautiful fabrics.
Carla Hundley
Fabulous design on your
quilt. I love that middle
center fabric on the
second row. I would
like to use this to make
some bags.
Carla from Utah
sarah
Post authorThat would be a fabulous print for bags! Thanks for visiting, Carla!
Debra Miller
Love your quilt and color selection as blues are always my favorite color choice. My first thought on your "Scrappy Squares" design was outstretched kimono sleeves for a quilt hug!
sarah
Post authorOh that's great. They kind of remind me of wings. :-) Thanks for visiting, Debra.
Diane Beavers
Paper cuts and Triangle Trinkets are my favorites. Usually i gravitate to the warm prints, this time I'm loving the turquoise blues and greens as well.
Thank you for sharing your quilt.
sarah
Post authorThe Triangle Trinkets is such a fun print with great movement. Thank you for visiting, Diane.
Shirley
Love the cool bundle. What a beautiful blue quilt this would make.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Shirley. It was fun to work with.
Carol Nelms
Very pretty thanks for the great giveaway and for sharing
sarah
Post authorThanks for visiting, Carol!
Rochelle
I find your quilt to be intriguing. It is amazing how changing the fabric can change the pattern. All of Christa's prints are gorgeous but I like the large scale one that looks like jacks. Thank you for sharing with us.
sarah
Post authorPart of the advantage of working in a series is seeing the variations. The large scale print is a fun one! Thank you for visiting, Rochelle.
Lorinda Davis
Awesome design, Sarah. Like you, I am totally drawn to the Fandangle cool colorway. So fun!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Lorinda.
Lisa Marie
I especially like TRIANGLE TRINKETS LIME/TEAL.
sarah
Post authorGreat pick! I just love teal and lime together. Thanks for visiting, Lisa Marie!
Sharon Aurora
I like your method of designing this quilt. The design really brings out the variety of fabric. I love cool colors. The gray background is perfect for this.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Sharon. It's great when a line has a variety of values. The light grey worked so nicely to contrast the medium/dark prints.
Suzy K
Paper cuts in the yellow with orange/red is my favorite in this collection.
sarah
Post authorThat is a bright, happy print! Thanks for visiting, Suzy.
Patty
Love the blue with the straight line meander-like design. how fun!
sarah
Post authorThat's Paper Cuts in Turquoise. Love it! Thanks for visiting, Patty.
Nancy
I think Fandango would be great to liven up the kitchen with placemats and potholders.
sarah
Post authorThat is a great idea! I may just have to make some turquoise placemats. Thanks, Nancy!
Nancy A
I love the bright colors. I think the fabric would encourage me to try making a modern quilt.
sarah
Post authorThat's great! Thanks for visiting, Nancy.
Jan
Love your cool quilt. Almost has a maps feel about it. Thanks for sharing.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Jan.
Janet T
I like the two large blue prints used in the second and last rows of your quilt. One looks like fireworks, and the other kind of like opened paper fans. Great designs in her collection!
sarah
Post authorThat large one in the bottom row is Triangle Trinkets. It's fabulous! Thanks for visiting, Janet.
Michele T
Your improv pattern is so cool and the colours and prints are awesome!!!
sarah
Post authorThan you, Michele.
ali
Lovely quilt - would be great for a teenager - nice and bright!
sarah
Post authorI agree. Bright and a little funky. Fun! Thanks for the idea, Ali!
barbara woods
love all of those prints
sarah
Post authorAren't they great!? Thanks for visiting, Barbara.
Shirley Clark
Beautiful colors! You always know what looks good together!
sarah
Post authorWell, thank you Shirley... though Christa and Benartex did all the work on making these look great together. :-) It's a great line.
Nicole Sender
My favorite print of Fandangle is TRIANGLE TRINKETS TEAL Item #: 0769280B SKU: 7692-80. Love your scrappy square quilt top!
sarah
Post authorThat's a great one. I have a WIP that I may try to sneak some of that one into. ;-) Thanks for visiting, Nicole.
usairdoll
Great pattern to show off beautiful fabrics. I’m loving the center fabric of the middle row.
Super giveaway! Fingers crossed!
sarah
Post authorThat one is Baubles and Bits in Teal. It's a great funky print and the red version is rad, too! Thanks for visiting!
psnowl
Beautiful fabrics and wonderful ideas.
sarah
Post authorThank you.
Mel Beach
All the fun prints and patterns from Christa's newest collection just shine in your planned improv design. I really like this newest layout variation too...very fun!! Happy quilting ahead!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Mel! I'm already thinking up variations of this variation. ;-)
lee
I do love how some of these are wonderful blender fabrics! Really love the grey background fabric!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Lee. I could own a whole bolt of that grey! There's also a dark grey version of Confetti Crosshatch.
Peggy Gibbs
Beautiful quilt. Love the colors.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Peggy.
Patti Albinger
I love your idea, makes me think of quilts on the clothes lines!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Patti. I wish my wardrobe was this colorful! Christa has some skirts from her Sparkling Squares prints. They are delightful!
Edna L
Beautiful work!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Edna.
Barb K.
I think I would make a throw quilt--I like the turquoise print also!!
sarah
Post authorIt would be such a happy throw! Thank you for visiting, Barb.
Linda S
I really like your quilt top, I can't wait to see how you quilt it. Triangle trinkets in teal is my favorite print, though I also love all of the confetti crosshatch prints.
sarah
Post authorGreat choices! The Confetti Crosshatch prints would be so versatile in any quilt! Thanks for visiting, Linda.
Deborah Rhodes
What a great design. Thanks.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Deborah.
Connie Cain
What an awesome quilt! It goes so well with this wonderful collection. :)
sarah
Post authorThank you, Connie!
Judy
My favorite print is the teal baubles and bits and I think your improv quilt is gorgeous.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Judy. The Baubles and Bits prints really remind me of ornaments. Someone else said she'd like to make bags with that print, which I think would be delightful.
Rita S
I would make a picnic quilt to leave in my car. The one I have now has fabrics from clothes that I and my mom wore.
sarah
Post authorYou picnic quilt sounds like a lovely memory quilt. I agree that these prints would make a delightful, happy picnic quilt. Thanks for visiting, Rita.
Sandy Myers
Hi Sarah! I do love the cool colors of Christa's Fandangle fabrics. They are so fun!
sarah
Post authorThey are full of great, saturated color. Thanks for visiting, Sandy.
Anita
A great scrappy improv quilt! I would use the fabrics in an ocean inspired quilt.
sarah
Post authorOh, that would be fabulous! Thanks for visiting, Anita.
Anja @ Anja Quilts
It's a great fabric collection. You did a great job.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Anja. :-)
Sarah J
I love the Triangle Trinkets in teal! But the Confetti prints are beautiful too, and would be so nice to have in my stash since I always lack blenders. I love hearing how you use Planned Improv-- so interesting!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Sarah. I am a blender gal. Years and years ago I realized I had stashed a BUNCH of fat quarters in wild multicolor prints... and none of them played nicely together. A couple years back I really took a look at what kinds of fabrics I was using most and most easily and curated my stash. The majority of what I purchase to stash are blender fabrics. Then a feature fabric or two always have a variety of possible "friends" to join them. ;-)
Nancy Myers
I like the colors you used. Thank you for explaining a little of how you design a quilt. Most times we never know why someone's pattern is designed as it is.
sarah
Post authorI enjoy sharing my process (sometimes along the way, sometimes in the "finish" post). Thanks for visiting, Nancy.
Jenny Zak
I'm quite loving the Baubles & Bits! Teal :-)
I also love the Red/Gray curtain, so versatile!!
sarah
Post authorBaubles and Bits is a great larger scale print. Someone else pointed out that it would be fun on bags, which I have to agree! Thanks for visiting, Jenny.
Cecilia
I’d like to use these fabrics in a log cabin quilt. Thanks for sharing your cute quilt.
sarah
Post authorOh, I'd love to hear more about how you'd build your cabins. My mind went immediately to cabins that were half cool and half warm prints when I read your comment. Thanks for visiting, Cecilia.
Joyce Carter
I really love this fabric collection. I would use it in a scrappy quilt.
Your quilt is a great design to show off these fabrics. Great job!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Joyce. They are great prints that would play nice with a variety of fabrics. :-)
Kathleen McCormick
This is a great way to adjust e original pattern. It kind of looks like a line of clothing or sheets on a clothesline. I just think it’s great the way it works out.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Kathleen. The wonderful part about doing design work from a technique versus a pattern is the ease of moving into variations. I love that a couple of you have seen that clothesline image. Fun!
NancyB from Many LA
Thanks for sharing your quilt - love the colors!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Nancy. Glad you enjoyed it.
Judy Forkner
I really like all the Fandangle prints. They work so well together!
sarah
Post authorIndeed! Thank you for visiting, Judy.
Kaholly
Greetings from foggy Cape Breton! I don’t have a favorite print because I love it all! The bundle showcases my favorite color combinations.
sarah
Post authorWaving from across the continent! I'm glad you enjoyed checking out Fandangle. Thanks for visiting, Kaholly.
Carol W
Your quilt uses the fabrics nicely
sarah
Post authorThank you, Carol.
Cindy Shelley
I love your quilt design. It is hard to pick a favorite piece of this line, there are so many favorite/ great fabrics. From the circles/baubles to the triangles/confetti. I would love them all equally without picking favorites!!!!
sarah
Post authorI agree that there are so many great prints and blenders. Though Sparkling Squares in Teal is my favorite. It will be my backing (and binding, I think) for this quilt. Thanks for visiting, Cindy.
Julie
I'm loving this line! Your quilt shows off the patterns beautifully!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Julie.
Jayne P
I love the Baubles and Bits fabric in teal
sarah
Post authorI love the funky patterns in that one. Thanks for visiting, Jayne.
Lori Smanski
oh i love your quilt. it is so fun and pretty. i would love to make a quilt like yours with the cool color way. I would love to make a quilt for my great niece with the warm color ways.
sarah
Post authorIt would make a fun, happy quilt to give as a gift. Thanks for visiting, Lori.
Christine M
Beautiful fabric and a great pattern!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Christine.
Karen A
Love your pattern with these fabrics. It almost looks like clothes hanging on a line. My favorite print is the one with the darker background that looks like fireworks.
sarah
Post authorI love that you liken that print to fireworks. That one is called Baubles and Bits. There's a red version, too. Thanks for visiting, Karen.
Tami Von Zalez
I'm loving this fabric line!
sarah
Post authorMe too! Thank for you visiting, Tami.
Emily
Wow, I love these fabrics together! Looks great!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Emily. They are super fun to work with.
Kathy E.
I would use the Fandangle bundle to make a set of summer placemats for dining on our new deck this summer! The colors and prints are perfect for summer fun!
sarah
Post authorSounds like a great summer project! Thanks for visiting, Kathy.
Christine D
Love the quilt!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Christine.
EllenB
Your quilt looks like a fun, quick quilt to make for a little one or to take on a picnic. The cool colors are so pretty and soothing, great for a hot summer day!
sarah
Post authorI need a picnic quilt. Maybe I'll super-size this one. :-) Thanks for visiting, Ellen.
MaryAnne Sgriccia
Placemats, I think...I have a Fiesta brand tablecloth and those blues would look fabulous against it.
sarah
Post authorGreat idea! The other thing about placemats is that they are a quick project. :-) Thanks for visiting, MaryAnne.
Janie M
Beautiful work. Your quilt could pass as a Kimono quilt. I love her geometric designs.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Janie. It kind of reminds me of wings. ;-)
Samantha Linehan
I would love to use the Fandangle fabrics in a baby quilt for my friend who is having a little boy.????
sarah
Post authorThat would be such a fun quilt. Thanks for visiting, Samantha.
Linda Williamson
Love Christa's new fabric collections. Your quilt really showcases the pretty prints.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Linda.
Beth T.
When I first saw your quilt, I thought it was a row of quilts, hanging, and thought each of them was quite pretty. :) I've been sick, and my fevered brain has given me an interesting POV on things. I should grab a sketch pad before I return to my usual, rigid way of seeing the world.
sarah
Post authorI hope you're feeling better soon. I'm glad you enjoyed my quilt. Thanks for visiting, Beth.
Betsy Muir
Love the combination of colors you chose...so rich and vibrant!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Betsy!
Sandy Allen
Great project! I would love to use this fabric for a baby quilt. I love the bright colors in it
sarah
Post authorThank you, Sandy. They would make a wonderful baby quilt!
Linda
Love the fabrics and the quilt
sarah
Post authorThank you, Linda.
Cathy Wilson
What a great way to highlight these beautiful fabrics!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Cathy.
sharon
i can't seem to get the hand of improv=== my attempts just look like my stash had a bellyache and lost it's lunch
sarah
Post authorMy biggest recommendation for scrappy improv is to pare down to a limited color palette. Sometimes scraps from one project are a good way to start, since they already go together. Thanks for visiting, Sharon.
Susan MacLeod
My favorite is the teal with the round designs, it makes me think of dandelion seeds
sarah
Post authorThat one is Baubles and Bits. It comes in red, too. Thanks for visiting, Susan.
Elizabeth Ray
Great design Sarah! And these colors are perfect for you.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Elizabeth. It is a very "me" palette.
Rosemary
I love batik fabrics, no matter what you do with them, they seem to look fabulous! I have used batiks in most of my recent quilts.
sarah
Post authorThank you for visiting, Rosemary.
Tambry G
I love the temperature of the colors! Thank you!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Tambry.
Mary
What a beautiful, quilt, Sarah, and of course, I absolutely love your color palette! Take care, Mary.
sarah
Post authorChrista and I have a similar passion for bright colors. Thanks for visiting, Mary!
psnowl
Amazing that what you call a "Scrappy Quilt" can be.
sarah
Post authorThank you.
Thunder
I am usually all about the greens, and the brighter the better, and there are some great greens here. But... I am totally in love with baubles and bits in red❗❗ reminds me of fireworks????
Just had our 43rd anniversary on 4th of July????????????????
sarah
Post authorThe fireworks are a great vision and what a fun wedding date! Happy Anniversary, Thunder!
Susan Spiers
How wonderful! The background fabric is perfect!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Susan.
Mary D
I love the cool colorway that you have put together. All I could think is that my niece would love these colors. There is so much movement in the patterns of the Fandangle prints.
sarah
Post authorChrista picked a great palette. Especially her cool colors! :-) Thanks for visiting, Mary.
Danice
I love Baubles and Bits in the teals/limes the best. I would love to make a bed runner.
sarah
Post authorI've never made a bed runner. I should keep that project in mind. Thanks for visiting, Danice.
Susan Shaw
I think I like the teal starbursts. I like your planned improv quilt. It is awesome and sure showcases the fabrics. Great job! Thanks for participating.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Susan!
Susan Shaw
I had to subscribe before I could post a comment and now I'm forgotten the name of the fabric. I'll call it the teal snowflake or starburst. I hope that descriptive enough. I think it's gorgeous. As a matter of fact, it's unusual and there is not a fabric that I absolutely dislike in the bundle. I like the fact that there are warm and cool colors in the collection - that should mean that there's something for everyone. Of course, I know you can't please everyone but this should come close. I like your planned improv quilt. I like that description - "planned improv." I think many people think improv is totally by the seat of the pants when actually there is lots of planning involved. Thanks for participating and sharing your quilt.
sarah
Post authorI think you might mean Baubles and Bits. I agree that all of the prints are so lovely. And as for "Planned Improv" when I describe what I teach I like to say "I like improv, but I also like rules." Planned Improv is an improv technique that works for me. I know there are other quilters who have less of a plan than I do and create wonderful quilts. It's so nice that there is so much variety in quilting that we can all find what speaks best to us. Thank you for your comments, Susan.
Amber Schnaider
I love all the different places you chose to take pictures. It's up. It's down. It's inside. It's outside. Works for all different spaces!
sarah
Post authorHa! I hadn't really thought about it that way. Thanks for the perspective, Amber!