Inspirations for quilts often come from other art forms. A couple of years ago, my husband whisked me away to Santa Fe. A wonderful art show was going on that same week. I love art shows! Enjoying all the beautiful colors and designs in the native American art was the most thrilling part of the week for me. A few simple designs have been in the back of my mind ever since.
As I was contemplating a design for our 100 Blocks issue, I thought about what I could make with 2 1/2″ strips. Thinking back on the Santa Fe art inspirations, I realized that 2 1/2″ strips would work perfectly in one of the designs. My block, Navajo Nights, was born. I’m partial to batiks and I found Timeless Treasure’s Tonga Batiks Ice collection had just the cool blues and purples I was looking for.
I played with a couple of layouts in Electric Quilt 6 to see what multiple blocks would look like. In a straight set, the background fabric mimics the gray and purple design in the original block.
76" x 76"
Using an on point setting (blending the same background fabric into the setting blocks and setting triangles), the block is tilted and looks less busy. Maybe it needs a more interesting pieced border.
70" x 70"
Help me decide between these settings. Leave me a comment about which setting appeals to you more and why. After 10 a.m. MST on Wednesday, November 11th, I’ll randomly pick a winner from the comments to win a 100 Blocks issue.
Wow! I still can’t decide which setting to use. You are all pretty equally divided about which you like better. Thanks for all your feedback. Perhaps I’ll play a little more in EQ to create some interesting borders for the on-point setting. Then I’ll gather all my 2 1/2″ strips and make both.
In the meantime, #38 Beth Patrick was randomly picked as the winner of another 100 Blocks issue. Congratulations Beth!
I love the second one, I love the purple fabric and it shows it off the best.
i like the first one. I like the diamonds that are a row unto themselves as well as a secondary design in the royal blue.
I love how it looks on point!
I love the first one. I love the way it tesselates.
I like the straight set with the secondary patterns that emerge where the blocks meet.
I like the first block as I love the way your eyes are drawn accross the quilt
I love the first one because I love tessellation quilts. The second is pretty too…make them both!
I love the second one, it is very eyecatching.
I love the 2nd on point design – I think it would make an interesting connecting block
They are both nice, but I like the look of the first setting the best!
I really like the straight set. Lots for the eye to look at. You could do one straight set and one on-point set in different colors, and no one would know you used the same block.
I like the second one – but what if you were to add a diamond shape in the voids between the nine blocks for a total of 4 diamonds? I like how the blocks form such a diamond in layout 1 but I like the openness of the on-point setting – maybe a combination of the two would work?
I love the first one. the colours are beautiful and the quilts looks Japanese
I like the first one better – I think it lives up to its name better. It is GORGEOUS!
That’s a very cool block! I love the first setting.
I love the on point one…..I love on point for many quilts….they don’t have the boring regular square quilt look.
My favorite are the one on the point. This is a very lovely block.
I like the straight set. It evens the amount of light and amount of dark. it looks more balanced. the on point setting seems too dark to me.
They both are beautiful, but I’d vote for the one on point.
I really love the block and think it has lots of possibillities. I would vote for the on-point setting and a pieced border-maybe a sawtooth? Something that echoes the triangles in the block.
Diane
The on point setting is the most attractive to me. Great to see a block utilizing 2 1/2 ” strips! I think a border with more print would be a lovely final touch also.
I like the mesmerizing effect of the straight set. It’s lovely the way it is. Any more on the border would take away from the effect.
i like the first one best – busy is good!
I prefer setting #1 because it seems more reminiscent of a Navajo style.
The second setting is more unique, though the first is very pretty.
The point settting is the best because the gives the eye a much more pleasant affect. The other one is way too busy.
I like the straight set, #1, because it recalls the Navajo style and I like the secondary patterns created by all the blocks set straight.
I love batiks and think that you can’t go wrong with either setting
The second setting is definitely more restful. I see many opportunities in this one to let a focus fabric (print, batik, or favourite colour) to shine. It’s a better size for a wallhanging too, at least, for my walls!:) Thanks for the chance!
I like the first one and the way a secondary block emerges.
Less is more. I vote #2.
I love the first layout. It adds to the look with the secondary pattern that it creates.
Both layouts have appeal. The second’s openness gives the block a jewel-like quality, but I do prefer the first layout. The first expresses the traditional Navajo style much better.
I prefer the 2nd one (70). There is more space inbetween the blocks which makes it easier to view and appreciate the colors and design element of the block itself.
I like the second setting better. It has more interest. It also has a Native American look to it which goes with the fabric design.
I like the first one – straight set- best. I like the way the purple makes twinkly little diamonds.
I’m from Aus so probably not allowed in this comp. However just wanted to say I love Batik’s, I love the colours you have chosen and I love this block too. Well done! Actually love the second design better, less blocks to make and I can get to the hand quilting faster.
I like the uniqueness of the second quilt – the blocks remind of spinning tops, just before they quit spinning. You are right about the border,, while the placement of fabrics/colors is good, it is just too plain for this quilt. If you could exted just some of the spinning tops out to the borders it would give a nice interest to the quilt.
I think the on-point setting was much more dramatic!
A pieced border would definitely add more drama!
Sheila
shecarita(at)yahoo(dot)com
They’re both lovely, but I think I like the bottom one better. It’s less busy and the blocks stand out more.
Love the block and I like the first setting, I’d love to see it in traditional Indian Blanket colors, how cool!
Linda P in IL
I like the on point setting. Also, a pieced border would be a good option. Take care and God bless, Cory
I think the on point looks better – it’s not so busy and allows the blocks to ‘shine’ and it also seems to create movement through the quilt rather than looking staid and still.
I love the 2nd one the best and really love love the colors and look of the block. Those are my colors!
Laura T
Eileen, my husband would say the the second one “creates tension”. I agree, the first one is easier to enjoy. I do love those colors, they’re perfect!
I like the second setting on point because it gives movement to the quilt…
I like the second one because it’s less busy. Both are very pretty!
When I was young, I lived several years in Gallup NM–the Indian Capital of the World. The first one captures the traditional Navajo style–I like that one best! And so good you have turquise in it!! I really like your block!
I like the top setting. It looks more like a navajo rug.
I love both it’s hard to choose, but I’ll go with the first one!
The 76 X 76, well just in case, lol
I prefer the tilted one, it’s a calmer feeling. Love the pattern….and of course batiks are always a favorite. Good job!
Love the tilted/diagonal one!
My favorite is the one that is on point. Lots of ways to use this block. Congrats on being chosen for this special issue~!
Can’t wait to see what you come up with on this quilt! Thanks for selecting me to receive a book — can’t wait!
Beth in Dallas