Saffron Craig - Designer block challenge

Here at FQ HQ, we set ourselves a fun challenge to see what we could each come up with by using Saffron Craig's new 'Forest Elementals' range to create a quilt block. Here are the results with a little explanation from each of us on how we went about creating our blocks.

Kate

When thinking about this challenge I wanted to keep the overall block very simple but I also wanted to feature a little bit of each print.The result is a strip pinwheel block that measures 12.5" square. This block is also a great way to use up some of those long, narrow pieces in the scrap basket.To make this block:1: Cut 2 x 7" squares from a solid.2: Piece 15 1.5" x 7" strips together, press.3: Then cut the strip piece into 2 x 7" squares.4: Construct two HST units (As per First Issue) which will give you 4 7" blocks and piece into a pinwheel.

Katy

I really love the refreshing colours of these fabrics - the purple and orange is such a change from what has been the norm lately.Although the darker fabrics have large scale designs I wanted to show that by cutting them up and using the colours rather than the designs you can still get a striking effect.

Aneela

One of the great things about this collection is the range of tones from white through to dark purple and black. This is the key characteristic that makes all the blocks here work so well.For my block I used the light tonal value prints to cut 9 squares, then added in a curved corner from the darker prints on the top left and bottom right corners of each of the nine patches before stitching them all together. I've seen this done before with a triangle in each corner but I wanted to have a little fun and play with curved corners for my block.


Tacha

I couldn't decide between making a traditional or a modern block. The colours in this fabric range are so bold and striking that they scream modern quilt. I love the deer and so he had to be framed! I used a strip of Heather Bailey Nicey Jane to balance the yellow/orange of the deer.But I couldn't get the idea of making a more traditional block out of my head. Rather than one large block I made 4 smaller Greek Squares and added in more of Heather Bailey's Nicey Jane and some black solid.


Brioni

As some of the fabrics had a larger print i wanted a pattern that would showcase the fabrics as much as possible. The high contrast between the light and dark fabrics shouted "whirly gigs" at me.

John

Saffron Craig's fabric designs are, for me, the definition of inspirational! Something about them just makes me want to create something. With this particular line, I was immediately struck by the vivid colors -- I mean, those pinks and purples are vibrant! As lovely as they are, my mind immediately called for CONTRAST. So I selected a few coordinating prints in shades of green as well as the teal dots from the new "Freebird" line by Moda to try to balance them out. Another great thing about Saffron's designs are that they are PERFECT for fussy cutting. So I drew up this quick & easy windowpane design to really show off some of the illustrations. I'm happy to share the block design on a future blog post in case you're looking for a good block to show off some prints.

We would love to see what kind of block you could come up with from using Saffron's fabrics. Show us by uploading your own version to our flickr group.

Don't forget our Saffron Craig giveaway ends this Saturday.

Please see this post for details.