When the early morning light kisses my sewing table and yesterday’s cutting beckons - - -

Ikat teapot block. Stitched in Color.jpg

My heart dances with the loveliness of it all and the always-astonishment that this is my work, my space and my moment to create. How lucky we are to feel the sunshine today, don’t you think?

This weekend I sewed a few Ikat blocks, including this half-block in rich, dreamy blue. I’ve long been a fan of the Blueberry Park prints by Karen Lewis. The not-flowery geometric is perfect for Aria’s quilt!

Ikat half block Blueberry Park. Stitched in Color.jpg

In fact, I finished an Ikat block quartet. This bottom corner of Aria’s twin-sized quilt is made up of two half blocks and a tiny quarter block. Well, I shouldn’t say tiny because it measures almost 12” square, haha. Ikat blocks are BIG, which is why quarter blocks can be necessary in the first place, depending upon the size quilt you wish to sew.

Ikat cut crystal patchwork. Stitched in Color.jpg

Ikat quarter block. Stitched in Color.jpg

Isn’t this arrow print cute? It’s another oldie but goodie from Bonnie Christine’s hit Hello Bear collection. I’m so glad Fat Quarter Shop continues to stock that, along with the Firefly Whisper print which makes everything look good, in my experience. The arrows are a nice, small scale with fun directionality. I decided to let them fly in two different directions!

Ikat outgrowing design wall. Stitched in Color.jpg

The Ikat quilt is a structured sew, calling for discipline and organization to tackle all those pieces. Still, that doesn’t mean you have to be always serious about it.

I keep the process relaxed and feeling entirely human with little personal allowances like that unregulated print directionality with the arrow fabric. Plus, did you spot my anomalies in the black sashing fabric? They’re a tradition of mine with Ikat. I’ve opted for sashing anomalies in every one of my Ikat quilts. Oh, and I even allowed a full-on fabric mistake to stand in one of my latest blocks. Go back to that first photo and see if you can spot it in block featuring teapot print fabric.

A few mistakes or a sprinkling of irregularity are like a fingerprint. I was here. This was made by hand. Made for love and pleasure, and to be celebrated, warts and all.

My Ikat is growing right off the design wall!

Happy sewing this week,

Rachel

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