Endless Summer

I totally kept this one under the radar.  I finished it in the spring but really wanted to give it a proper beach photo shoot.  The opportunity finally presented itself when we dropped Dex off at college and stayed for an empty nester-moon in Mystic.  Note to self, photographing quilts on the beach takes way more patience than my family possess.  Between the bright light, ocean breezes and other beach goers it's definitely a challenge but I managed to get a few shots I liked.

I knew I was going to have to make something special the minute I saw Heather Ross' Malibu collection.  After playing with a couple of other ideas I totally copied Stephanie at S-Renee Designs.  She considers herself a fabric collector rather than a quilter but I beg to differ.  Her work is amazing and you should definitely check it out!!!  The original pattern is Joyful but it was Stephanie's idea to upgrade the center square.  I used this fabulous Economy Block Tutorial by Amy Smart at Diary of a Quilter.

While this pattern is very comprehensive and easy to follow after making a test block I was able to streamline the process with some shortcut techniques.  For the flying geese I used this 4 at a time flying geese tutorial by Modernly Morgan (and this one by Suzy Quilts here).  This also has the benefit of correctly orienting the directional prints.  

I also streamlined making the corner HST units using this 8 at a time technique by Suzy Quilts.  

This was another one I entrusted to my amazing friend Rebecca and asked her to do a traditional Baptist fan design to mimic ocean waves.  As always she totally delivered and it is exactly how I envisioned it.  

Also, that plaid backing!!!  

Quilt Stats:
Finished quilt is 70"x70"
Pattern: Joyful by Tasha Noel
Fabrics: Malibu by Heather Ross, Ruby + Bee Solids, MMCC Soft White
Batting: Quilters Dream Bamboo

Binding:  Ruby + Bee Solids Aquamarine

Quilting: Baptist Fan pantograph by Rebecca Loren