sewtakeahike: The Giveaway Story

I often wonder when I do a giveaway here on sewtakeahike what actually happens to the things that were given. Does it get used right away? Or sit on a shelf for a rainy day? Or get regifted to a friend that is over the moon about it?

When Diane, the winner of the Fat Quarter Style book giveaway (thanks to the Fat Quarter Shop!) contacted me to show me what she had made, my heart was so happy!

("Native Soleil" by Diane Beavers. Photo by Diane Beavers.)

When Diane received the Fat Quarter Style book, she got to work right away making her Native Soleil quilt, utilizing the Mosaic pattern from the book.

Here's what Diane has to say, giving us some insight into her inspiration and her journey making "Native Soleil".

I love desert decorum, rock art , petroglyphs, cactus, and warm weather. One of my first inspirations in quilting with south west fabrics came along in the Spring of 2014 during the April Rhodes Blog Tour for her Arizona Collection. Instantly I was infatuated with the arrowheads, triangle tokens and desert blanket. Managed to find those three prints on a road trip to a quilt shop and made myself a blouse. There will be a quilt adorning my home one day w/the Arizona collection.

As I followed the reveal each day on the blog, one in particular was just mesmerizing! It's called "Arizona Sunshine: by Penny Layman of Sewtakeahike, in Colorado.

Since that time I've been a regular follower of Sewtakeahike. Have I tried paper piecing yet? Well it scares me so I'll stick to piecing quilt tops, pillows for now.

Mosaic WIP Fat Quarter Style with Kona Aloe sashing and border

("Native Soleil" by Diane Beavers. Photo by Diane Beavers.)

While reading some blog posts, I came across "Bear Creek Quilting Co" and discovered a beautiful Moda collection called "Native Sun". Immediately I was hooked and ordered the 20 Fat Quarter bundle. Truly, my most favorite prints:), cactus blossoms, sundials, Navajo stripe. I wasn't crazy about the black prints within and I'm a novice quilter, but I needed a not so bright color to balance the bright orange, turquoise, golden yellow and purple. Bright colors are definitely me and I'm still learning about balance.

("Native Soleil" by Diane Beavers. Photo by Diane Beavers.)

In August I began following the Fat Quarter Shop Blog about the release of the Fat Quarter Style It's Sew Emma Pattern book. Now I love fat quarters, that's my pre-cut:)

This pattern book was right up my alley. Wouldn't you know it, I commented on the giveaway hosted by Sewtakeahike, and I won the book!!!

Ecstatic? Yes!! Penny mailed it immediately and I got right to work cutting the Mosaic pattern using the Moda "Native Sun" bundle.

Initially I planned to sash and border it w/Kona Cotton in Snow but decided that was too pale. I live on the Atlantic side of Virginia where seaglass is abound, washing up on the beaches, where I can walk and collect it. Kona Cotton has an "Aqua" that reminded me of sea glass and I had a little in my stash but couldn't find it locally so I ordered online from JAQS Fabrics in California.

The back is very scrappy, literally, using my leftover FQ pre-cuts, 3 Kona Cotton solids in Breakers (440), Tangerine (1370) and Sunflower (353). Again I couldn't find any bright Kona Cottons to suit here locally, so I searched another blog that I follow. Pile O' Fabric, in Arizona. Alyssa is absolutely great in putting together fabric bundles that inspire me to pair fabrics and hues I never would have otherwise.

One last acknowledgement of inspiration is Amanda Jean of "CrazyMomQuilts". She has been a great inspiration to me in saving my scraps and incorporating (them) into other projects.

Native Soleil scrappy back on the Chesapeake Bay 002

("Native Soleil" by Diane Beavers. Photo by Diane Beavers.)

The label was embroidered on a picture of petroglyphs that a friend discovered while scouring an Arizona desert.

Native Soleil label Started Sept 3 2014 Petroglyph found in AZ

("Native Soleil" by Diane Beavers. Photo by Diane Beavers.)

The long arming was done in my area by Leora Norstrom, Chesapeake, Virginia of Longarmbyleora@gmail.com.

Native Soleil quilt back quilted w sun motif

("Native Soleil" by Diane Beavers. Photo by Diane Beavers.)

Notice that all my inspiration comes from all of you whom live where? In the South West or West. I love it and can't thank you enough for sharing your talents with me, your bloopers in quilting and sewing and your love of textiles. Ya'll are awesome:)