Fall Fancy- Using the Fancy Pebbles pantograph from Sew Shabby Pantos

Last September I experienced the bliss of quilting with batiks for the first time. The bold colors and design contrast made for such visual texture.

I was fortunate to scoop up a Hoffman batik strip set from Jordan Fabrics in Matt's hand cut Forest Floor collection. I added batik borders- including Hoffman Alaska Salmon Run fabric ordered from Quilt Alaska in Skagway, AK.

For the backing, I scored this gorgeous cayenne color, vintage fishing tackle fabric at an end of bolt price! From Cathe Holden's Outdoorsy line by Moda, the buttery softness of this fabric was the perfect pairing with the batik top.

The picture above highlights the magic of the Fancy Pebbles pantograph designed by Melissa Kelley and purchased from Sew Shabby Pantos. I love this panto so much, I've used it on repeat! It's got just the right amount of feather and swirl to elevate the finished look of the quilt, and the round pebbles provide flow and balance to the angles in the block piecing.

Check out the color study in thread above. Notice how the same color thread shows so differently stitched on the black fabric on the left in comparison to the earthy tones in the middle the white and taupe strip on the right.

I thought the pebbles in the Fancy Pebbles design doubled quite nicely as bubbling brook for the salmon swimming in the border.

The Tea Time quilt pattern, a free pattern by Donna Jordan and available online from Jordan Fabrics, was a delight. Clear instructions in the download, and a video tutorial online made this one easy to follow and piece together. I followed the pattern's suggestion and used the Strip Tube Ruler from Cozy Quilt Designs- it was a worthwhile investment. The layout of this quilt is forgiving as the strip and center seams do not align...by design! The dial down on the "need" for precision makes this a rewarding pattern for quilters of all experience levels.

The bold, cayenne fabric provided the perfect reason to create a flange border. It added a pop of contrast along the border and allowed the vintage print to be introduced to the batiks. Again, I relished Donna Jordan's gentle and supportive online tutorial. May her legacy continue to educate and inspire.