A few weeks ago the kind folks at Fort Worth Fabric Studio sent me two charm packs: Moda Bella Solid White and a new Moda line by the Jungs called “Bumble Berries.” The collection, which releases in July, includes a refreshing array of prints with little strawberries, bees, vines and small scale geometric shapes. Each color in the line is presented in two tones, which caught my eye right away. There is a buttery yellow and a cooler yellow, a raspberry red and a pale pink, plus two shades each of green, blue and gray! Fort Worth Fabric Studio shop owner Jodie told me to play with these charm packs and have some fun, and that’s what I intended to do!
From the get-go, my plan was to make 84 half square triangles from the two charm packs and then lay them out to see how many different designs I could create. I drew a diagonal line on each of the solid white five-inch squares and then layered them right sides together with the colored five-inch squares. I sewed 1/4\” from both sides of this line and then trimmed down the middle to make my sets of half square triangles.
And this is where I hit a snag . . . well actually a color distraction. I began by organizing the half square triangles by print so that I could begin the layout design process.
However, I found myself being pulled by the shades and tones of the fabric, and I reorganized the half square triangles by color instead.
My eye was really drawn to the cool colors, and the yellow wasn\’t working for me. This was actually quite surprising, because I have been all about the yellow this spring. It has been my favorite color. On the other hand, it was fun to be led by a \”color mood\” and just go with it. So I omitted the yellow and kept playing.
At this point I tried to get back to my original plan of arranging the half square triangles into different patterns, but I really wasn\’t feeling it.
So I went back to letting the colors guide me and just laid them out in a placement that was pleasing to my eye.
For my quilting color mood, this was the winning layout. I only ended up using 49 half square triangles, which in the end created a nice square table topper at 29 1/4\”. If the full Bumble Berries line were out, I would have loved to add that pink floral as a border and make it a bit bigger.
I quilted this project myself using my Bernina, walking foot and Aurifil pale green thread (#2880). I rarely use colored thread when machine quilting, but apparently my color mood was still running high and I threw caution to the wind. I really like the effect of the pale green thread. Maybe I should let loose more often! I also used 80/20 batting rather than 100% cotton on this piece, and I like the loft it created. In this shot you see a nice closeup detail of the fabric. Isn\’t it pretty?
Here is my finished table topper. Although it\’s a very simple design with simple quilting, I think the fabric really shines.
Many thanks to Fort Worth Fabric Studio for gifting me their sample of this pretty line! Jodie and team have Bumble Berries available on preorder, so head on over to their website and check it out!
Finally, thanks to Fort Worth Fabric Studio, one lucky reader will win this same set of charm packs: Bumble Berries and Moda Bella Solid White! (The winner will receive the charm packs in July when the fabric arrives.) Leave a comment below with your email address and you\’ll be entered! Comments are open through 3:00 pm (CST) on Friday, June 3. At that time, I will do a random drawing and announce the winner. *Only one comment per person/per email address. Email me if you are having trouble leaving a comment and I will leave a comment on your behalf. (carriedawayquilting@gmail.com)
Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today and allowing me to share my quilting color mood with you! And don\’t you worry about my cast off yellow blocks. I will put them to good use in another project down the road! Yellow is still my sunny favorite!
~Taunja
This turned out so adorable. I want to make this for my mom and dads M-F morning caregiver. She is an angel.Your idea is perfect. I love Southern Fabric
What beautiful fabric, and project! I think I see one in my future!Patazzuri9@aol.com
Beautiful colors. I like the simple quilting you did. It showcases the fabric nicely.
Your table topper is gorgeous! I love this collection and think you did a wonderful job! Thanks for the chance to win!kogrady@cableone.net
Once again I love what you've done with your fabric! This is such a sweet line, I can't wait to get some!
So pretty. Yes sometimes we have to change things up a bit. Great job. I really enjoyed your though process.
Just love half square triangles done with modern colors and fabric
I decided I need to make a mini quilt for my mini ironimg board. These are nice fresh colors and a pretty cool quilt.
Thanks!
Thank you Barbara! I'm kind of a rule follower, so it doesn't come easy! FWFS is wonderful! Thanks for stopping by the blog!!
Thanks for your kind words Susan! Good luck!
What a nice idea!! Thanks for stopping by Rosemary!
Thanks Pat! Good luck!!
Thanks so much Tammy! Good luck!!
Oh thank you Kathleen! I love this collection too!
Thanks for your sweet words Patti!!
Thanks so much Pam! I appreciate you stopping by and reading!!
Me too. Sometimes simple is just so pretty. Thanks Dolores!
That sounds like a fun project! Thanks for stopping by Marsha! Good luck!
Love it Taunja…Not only do you amaze me with your quilts, but your photo talents are just as amazing. You always add the perfect touch to give the quilt even more charm!
Oh thanks so much for your nice words! I sure appreciate it!!
Just beautiful as always. You're right! The light green looks great on this project. You continue to inspire me.
Thanks much! It made me nervous, as it is not at \”invisible\” as white and I tend to drift off with my thoughts when I'm machine quilting. Ha!!
Would love to win that, thanks
I love this fabric and you project.quilt455@aol.com
I think it's time I mastered HSTs. I don't know why I'm such a chicken about them.
Simply beautiful! Thanks for sharing your design process with us.
What a lovely project! I will definitely look for this fabric when it becomes available.
Good luck Barbara!
Thanks! Good luck.
I think your students would say \”Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy\” teacher! Go for it Cathie!
Thanks so much! Good luck!
Thanks much Julie!! 🙂
Beautiful! I love the simple layout that lets the colors take center stage!
Thanks so much Cecilia!
I am interested in this line of fabric so had to enter your the give away! Anything with berries in suits me! It looks very pretty? I like the big floral print but pink and yellow is so pretty too. You did a good job letting your mood guide you with what to do! That is why you are a quilt designer I think!
Thanks Karen! Sometimes we just have to \”go with it!\” Good luck!
Very pretty! The simple pattern makes the printed colors stand out.
What a lovely set! 🙂 Would love it!mmyheartishere@gmail.com
Thanks so much Joann! Good luck!!
Thanks! It is very lovely fabric! Good luck!
Oh my! I ended up here via a pinterest pin of this quilt. It's my first visit to your blog, and I'm happily adding it to my feed. So much eye-candy!
Thank you so much Holly! That is so nice to hear! Happy to meet another quilter! 🙂
I know I'm too late for the giveaway – we've been away helping with new little twin grandsons born on Memorial Day! I just have to say how much I love the color play with your table topper. You did a beautiful job of it!
Oh congratulations on the twin grandsons! What a joy! Are you making them both quilts? Thanks so much for stopping by, especially when you are busy with your new little loves.
Yes, to the matching quilts. Two sets each so far :)! They are still so tiny – so sharing a crib at the moment.
What a joy that must be!! And quilting for two so precious people . . . an additional joy!