This evening, I went to the monthly East Bay Modern Quilt Guild meeting. As I stepped into the shop (early), a couple of the members where cutting up some fabrics into fat quarters, so I helped out. At first, I thought we were just killing time and helping Sharona, the owner of the New Pieces Quilt Shop (i.e. free labor)… but, then I found out that this was fabric that was given to the group from FreeSpirit Fabrics. There was a condition for getting these for free. They asked if we can make something using these fabrics and any other solids (trying to keep away from any other non-solid fabric line), then take photos of it… to kinda promote the line.
The line of fabric that they gave us is called Habitat by Jay McCarroll, who I discovered is a fashion designer who won the first season of Project Runway. There are three distinct “colorways”: Jewel Tones, Brights, and Earth Tones; we got Earth Tones.
This first thing I thought when I saw the fabric was that it was kinda feminine, but funky (in a good hip way). I don’t think I would but it myself, but as I looked at it more, it grew on me. I especially like the Habitat Singing Forest Teal and Habitat City Planting Tan fabrics.
As I was brainstorming what I could make with these, two quilts came to mind, both by Marianne Haak. The first one is a modern style log cabin pattern called QAYG Log Cabin 2011. I really like this quilt and hope to make something inspired by it someday, but I think the Habitat fabrics may be too busy for it. The second is a quilt called Analeigh’s Quilt 2010, which I absolutely love. I think this may be a good pattern to use Habitat one.
So… here’s another quilt to start on. Quilt #4 for me… and I haven’t even completed any of my previous ones… but, I’m kinda excited and anxious to get started :)
More info:
– The Modern Quilt Guild: Jay McCarroll Habitat Challenge
– Spool: Preview: Habitat by Jay McCarroll
– Marmalade Fabrics: Habitat by Jay McCarroll (you can see the individual fabrics)
– Spool: Habitat Piano Keys Quilt (made using this line)