A Piece Of… Blog Hop: All About Angles in Mermaid Cove + Giveaway

• • 143 Comments

The products featured in this post were given to me by Island Batik.

Today is my stop on the Island Batik A Piece Of... Blog Hop. I'm sharing my Mermaid Cove lap quilt.

 

I took this opportunity to make an All About Angles quilt with wider starting units. I enjoy teaching this class and every time I teach it I have more ideas for variations. A giant thank you to my students for inspiring me!

The quilt is approximately 65" x 75" and it was quilting by Tami Levin of The Quilted Lemon with Hobbs 80/20 batting. I chose the Modern Pebbles pantograph because I liked the wavy pattern and the pebbles reminded me of bubbles.

My backing features the remnant of the peach spotted fabric with some Batter from the Batik Foundation Neutrals.

The binding is a combination of a 12-foot binding remnant from this quilt and the dark multi-color mermaid fabric. You can read all the details of my machine binding technique in Machine Mind Your Quilts Like a Pro.

 

 

SARAH GOER QUILTS GIVEAWAY (US Residents Only)  For your chance to win a Mystery Bundle of Island Batik fabric (including some Mermaid Cove!), enter with Rafflecopter below by leaving a comment on this blog post and tell me your favorite part of making a quilt and/or 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 to claim their prize or I will select a new winner. The Mystery Fabric Bundle will be mailed to the winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Thank you for visiting! Be sure to hop on over to this week's blog post by Island Batik to enter their giveaway for precuts of the beautiful Sand Bar collection. And visit the other Island Batik Ambassadors to see what they've made this month.

 

I've linked up to the Giveaway Party.

Related posts:

A Brilliant Cut Mini Quilt Project QUILTING 10.1: Hope Springs Eternal Modern Batik Challenge: Scrappy Squares A Patriotic Pillow

143 thoughts on “A Piece Of… Blog Hop: All About Angles in Mermaid Cove + Giveaway”

    1. sarah

       Post author

      Thanks for visiting, Allison. I find it challenging to decide on a quilt motif, but what I love about free motion is that I can see improvement from the beginning of a project to the end of a project when I use a new-to-me motif.

      Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      Basting and binding *are* just work. ;-) I know some people really enjoy the relaxation of hand binding, but that's not how it feels for me. Thanks for visiting, Gene.

      Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      Thank you for visiting, Sharon. I love the design phase. Applique not so much. What is your favorite appliqué technique?

      Reply ↓

  5. Joyce Carter

    This is my favorite collection and your quilt looks so pretty done in these fabrics. Thank you for the chance to win your giveaway.
    The part I love most when making a quilt is making the blocks.I love seeing all the pieces put together to make something so pretty. That is why I have ended up with so many UFO's. LOL

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      I think that's a common favorite part. I love pulling new fabric palettes... this also results in a lot of projects. ;-) Thanks for visiting, Joyce.

      Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      The fabric curation step is one of my favorite parts, too. I typically have piles of fabrics/colors just hanging around on shelves in my studio, waiting to become a UFO... I mean, a quilt. ;-) Thanks for visiting, Melody!

      Reply ↓

  8. Nancy D

    I like the whole process, but if something comes up and I have to put it away for a while, sometimes it is hard to get the enthusiasm back. And you know, something will always comes up. Hence, UFO!

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      I get easily distracted by new, shiny things... and set aside those WIPs. It's a struggle. Thanks for visiting, Nancy.

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    1. sarah

       Post author

      I love seeing all the little pieces come together into bigger designs when piecing. Thanks for visiting, Willow.

      Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      Thank you, Diantha. What is your favorite technique for appliqué. I find that task mysterious and frustrating. ;-)

      Reply ↓

      1. Diantha Howard

        I like to do machine applique using fusible web. I get frustrated doing "needle turn" and can't make points well.

        Reply ↓

        1. sarah

           Post author

          I've done a bit of that. I struggle a little with knowing the best way to stitch down the fused pieces. Maybe I need to do some more practicing. Thanks, Diantha.

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  12. Hi Sarah! Wow, this is really a pretty quilt. The fabrics alone are gorgeous but you put them in an unexpected pattern that just looks so fun. I love that secondary pattern that is formed - sort of a zig zag that just draws you in. I love all parts of making a quilt, from the beginning spark of interest, picking out the fabrics, cutting and sewing, and finally quilting. I have the most stress of deciding on a quilting pattern - I just love the close up shots of the design you chose. ~smile~ Roseanne

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      Thank you, Roseanne. I really appreciate that you notice the zig zag. :-) There are so many great resource books for free motion motifs. Do you have any go to books or websites for helping you decide on a quilting plan?

      Reply ↓

  13. Hello Sarah! I found the comments. Thanks for your help. I love your quilt and the Mermaid Cove collection. That quilting design is the perfect complement. My favorite part of making a quilt is when the blocks start coming together and I can really see how the fabrics are working together. All that color blows me away. Have a fabulous day!

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      My mom is in the camp of not understanding why people cut up perfectly good fabric just to sew it back together. I, however, agree with you that watching it all come together is delightful! Thank you for visiting, Jennifer.

      Reply ↓

  14. Nancy A

    My very favorite part is selecting the fabrics. I get a real high when doing it (who needs drugs when you can get high on color and pattern).

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      I'm right there with you, Nancy! I have little piles of inspiration in my studio just waiting to become WIPs. ;-)

      Reply ↓

  15. Dawn F.

    I enjoy all aspects of making a quilt for various reasons, but I definitely love piecing and seeing how all of the pieces come together to make a beautiful top. I also don't mind binding because it gives a quilt a nice finishing touch.

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      One of my favorite parts that nobody has mentioned is the trimming after quilting. Even though it still needs binding at that point, I really appreciate how trimming makes it all cleaned up and tidy. Thanks for visiting, Dawn.

      Reply ↓

  16. Nancy Sumner

    Your quilt turned out great! I love designing the quilt, and assembling the pieces into a quilt! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply ↓

        1. sarah

           Post author

          I have a love-hate relationship with pebbles. I don't find them enjoyable to stitch, but I do like how they look! I'm really intrigued by ruler work. I still think of it as a long arm technique, though I think more people are using rulers with a domestic machine.

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          1. Susan the Farm Quilter

            I have a longarm...I am horrible at trying to quilt with my sewing machine - I can sorta SID with my walking foot, but that is all. I was smart and bought my longarm 9 months after I pieced my first quilt!

          2. sarah

             Post author

            Wow! That's dedication! I have a three-year plan for a longarm. Hopefully by then I'll have sorted a space for it.

  19. Dixie McAdam

    Piecing then seeing the colorful shapes take form are my favorite parts of quilting. I also enjoy hand stitching the binding in place. Love your choice of quilting for All About Angles, reminds me of movement in water. Thank you for sharing your talents & creativity with us all.

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      Thank you so much, Dixie. The movement of water seemed like a good fit for a mermaid quilt. Oh, and I should have taken a close up picture of the sea turtles. I love sea turtles.

      Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      I love that step so much that I make piles that just wish to become projects. ;-) Thanks for visiting, Pam.

      Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      Thank you, Cecilia. It's nice to enjoy the whole process. There are a couple parts I could definitely do without.

      Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      Not sure what style of quilts you make, but have you ever used an AccuQuilt for cutting out fabric? I think one of the best benefits of the machine is the ease of cutting. I was given one that has a crank, but I know there's also an electric version. I just assume that one is like magic. Thanks for visiting, Christi.

      Reply ↓

  24. Paula

    I love everything about making a quilt. Okay, maybe not the cutting, but I love the piecing, quilting, and even the binding. I love the colors in this collection!

    Reply ↓

  25. Teri

    My favorite part of making quilts is choosing the fabrics. I love thinking about what fabrics are going to work for the person for whom that quilt is intended.

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      That's so thoughtful. Most of my gift quilts are started without a recipient in mind and then the project speaks to me as I work on it. That's also how I deal with the fact that it often takes me a while to finish a project... if there is a deadline or an intended recipient from the beginning I find that more stressful. Thanks for visiting, Teri.

      Reply ↓

  26. Kathy E.

    Mermaid Cove is such a beauty and the name just makes me smile, thinking about a mermaid swishing in and out of her hiding place with her shining scales sparkling!
    Piecing a quilt is my favorite part, when I can just sew and sew and watch the small pieces come together into a larger beautiful piece!

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      Thank you for the lovely visual, Kathy. It is a good name. And I love watching a pattern take shape during piecing, too.

      Reply ↓

  27. Anna brown

    I love to make the top but after that I get a little Ufoish...lol...love your quilt it's very good I just live the colors you got to play with...

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      It's so easy for that to happen. I've recently sent a few of mine to longarm quilters to move them along. If all they need is binding, I find that easier to be motivated to finish. Thanks for visiting, Anna.

      Reply ↓

  29. CyndyL

    my favorite part is picking out the colors and putting the pieces together. It's still fun to see a perfectly good piece of fabric get cut up and then sewn together to make something beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      Thank you, Jennifer. Tami did a great job with it. I gave her an idea that I wanted something ocean inspired. She narrowed down to a few choices and as soon as I saw this one I knew it was the one!

      Reply ↓

  32. ShirleyC

    You always do such a great job with it all! I love piecing the blocks especially when they are all different fabrics and patterns like one I've been working on. The only machine quilting I can do is stitch in the ditch because I have a bad shoulder, and if it's a big quilt, I have to pay someone to do it.

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      Thank you so much, Shirley. :-) Free motion is definitely hard on the shoulders. Longarm quilters are a blessing. Thanks for visiting.

      Reply ↓

  33. Beth T.

    My favorite part of making a quilt is coming up with the design/idea and then pulling the fabric. The rest of it--the piecing, the quilting, is just the execution of the idea. I enjoy that, I sometimes find it very fulfilling, but the thrill is having an idea and then choosing fabric to bring it into existence.

    Reply ↓

  34. Anne

    My favorite part of quilt is seeing the fabric bring the pattern to life as I sew blocks together and put them on my design wall. Definitely keeps me motivated and inspired to finish the quilt!

    Reply ↓

  38. Carla Hundley

    Beautiful quilt, love
    the design and Mermaids!
    I like seeing your creations
    as I don't quilt, but do sew.
    Carla from Utah

    Reply ↓

  39. Mary D

    The color palette of your quilt is so deep and rich it just draws you in. I love it. I enjoy the creative part of quilt making the most. I have been sewing and crafting for most of my life, since childhood. I even tried free hand quilting way by then which is now known as fmq. Haha. Of course I enjoy the fabric buying part of quilt making. :)

    Reply ↓

  41. Rochelle Summers

    I love the cutting and sewing. The quilting is probably the hardest part. But I can only do small quilts myself...everything else goes to a LAQ. You have a beautiful quilt. Love the fabrics and design.

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      Thank you, Rochelle. I often get hung up on the quilting step, because it feels like such a long step to me. I think it's really a mental block... piecing is often long, but I don't get stuck there. ;-)

      Reply ↓

  42. Pam

    Your quilt is absolutely gorgeous! My favorite part of quilting is handsewing the binding. It's a chance to spend some quiet time with the finished product and enjoy the fabrics and textures of the quilting.

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      I've heard others express this sentiment, especially for quilts to be given away... a little bit of quality time with the quilt before it goes. Thanks for visiting, Pam.

      Reply ↓

  44. I particularly like the little bubbles in the quilting! Such great colors in this line. Your big peices show off the mermaid well.

    My favorite part is piecing the top! Well, that and planning the next thing to make!

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      I think the bubbles are what sold this motif for me. Planning the next thing is always fun! Happy quilting and thank you for visiting, Emily.

      Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      So many quilters get stuck at the last step or two. It must be so helpful to love the finishing for getting projects done in a timely manner. Leah Day talks about "starting energy" vs "finishing energy." I think I'm firmly in the starting camp... I get fired up to start new things and it takes more self-control and discipline to finish a thing. ;-) Thanks for visiting, Renee.

      Reply ↓

  46. Susan Spiers

    What wonderful fabrics! That's my favorite part, picking fabrics to make-up a quilt! Pondering, sleeping on it & pondering again, I love it!

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      Thank you, Susan. We live at a time with so so many inspiring fabric and color options. It's a fun time to be a quilter.

      Reply ↓

  49. Sandy Allen

    My favorite part of making a quilt is picking the fabrics. Go there is just something about putting fabrics together that thrill me.

    Reply ↓

  51. Karen A

    I enjoy every part, but I think the quilting is the most fun. Once I make the decks on the design/s to quilt I am off to the races and can't wait to get it done.

    Reply ↓

  53. Judy Buzby

    I really enjoy all parts of making a quilt but the piecing is really my fav....maybe that's why I have about 3 tops that need quilting! I do it on my Bernina with free motion ruler work.

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      Mine get stuck as quilt tops, too. There's something magical about the pattern coming alive as we piece it together. I haven't tried ruler work but I'd love to check that out. Thanks for visiting, Judy.

      Reply ↓

  55. Marlene Clausen

    Batiks, ocean colors, and ocean themes make me happy! I like all processes of quilt making. I love hand binding when I can snuggle under my quilt, watch a good movie or listen to music, and dream about my next quilt. For me, it is relaxing and soothing to do hand work.

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      I love the completion, but one of my favorite parts is trimming right after the quilting before binding goes on. That quick trim makes such a great transformation to make it look all tidy and almost done! Thanks for visiting, Carolyn.

      Reply ↓

  61. I love the depth of color in the teals of this quilt and those mermaids are wicked adorable! My favorite part of making a quilt is the planning and fabric choices. The Mermaid Cove is lovely. And the Pantograph does remind me of waves and bubbles. Well executed!

    Reply ↓

  62. Ginny Leber

    I love fabrics and making. I like to try to use what I have and make it work. Needless to say it does not always work, but I learn something instead. I like that too.

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      There is so much to learn in quilting. I love to see people's creativity come out in their projects. And the "make it work" attitude is important. :-) Thanks for visiting, Ginny.

      Reply ↓

  63. Kathy Hellesen

    I also love “fabric curation” — choosing the colors, especially. And getting that first block done, seeing the colors come together, is a real kick.

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      Yes! I have so many stacks of fabric that want to be quilts. I just play with the collection and put together fun combinations all the time. Thanks for visiting, Kathy!

      Reply ↓

  64. Debra Miller

    My favorite part of making a quilt is hand sewing the binding. Not only do I enjoy the peaceful process, I enjoy the constant clicking as I take off the clips and toss them back into the basket. It also means as soon as make it around, the quilt is finished!

    Reply ↓

    1. sarah

       Post author

      The victory lap! When you say hand sewing the binding, do you do the first pass by machine and the final lap by hand, or is the binding entirely attached by hand? I just read online that people consider "hand binding" to be completely done by hand which has never been my understanding of the phrase. Thanks for visiting, Debra!

      Reply ↓

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