I have my Awesome Ocean finish to show you today. I made this quilt as part of the sew along hosted by Kathleen McMusing. This was my first Elizabeth Hartman pattern, and I enjoyed it immensely.
The quilt went along on our road trip to Florida earlier this month. While we were there, we took the quilt on a photo shoot to visit the manatees at Crystal River Springs at Homosassa. Since I wrote a post on the manatee block, it seemed only fitting to do the photo shoot with them. They were gathered and waiting to greet us and see the quilt.
It was a beautiful day for walking through the park and viewing the manatee as they lounged in the beautiful blue water of the springs. Thankfully it wasn’t too busy, so all my quilt photography didn’t get too many curious stares.
The bright batiks loved the Florida sunshine and the beautiful location. Right above the quilt you can see a manatee in the water.
My daughter was happy to hold the quilt for me. I think the batiks work so well for this pattern. They are just made for the tropical waters!
All of the fabrics used for the quilt top were from my batik stash. I didn’t have a batik that worked well for the backing. While meeting up with Nancy (Grace and Peace Quilting) at a quilt shop, I found just the right one.
What could be better than ocean waves lapping on the back of the quilt? At least it looks like waves to me. I failed to save the information on this backing fabric, so I can’t tell you the designer and other details. For binding, I used a purple batik that I think may be Alison Glass.
Mr. Manatee himself was happy to hold the quilt for me. Isn’t he handsome, sporting that quilt?
I can’t help but show a close up of the nose debate. I think this clears things up, don’t you?
I’m so glad Kathleen McMusing put this sew along together. I thoroughly enjoyed making each of the blocks, and will definitely make this pattern again (or parts of it).
What about you? Do you have an Awesome Ocean finish to link up with Kathleen? If not, have you made an Elizabeth Hartman pattern? If so, which is your favorite?
Wendy
Well done! It is a delightful quilt
All those sea animals make for a gorgeous quilt! I love the photo shoot!
Gorgeous quilt and so lovely to see the manatees!
What a great quilt! And these photos are just the best. They sure made me smile this morning.
Wow, this is so perfect in every way! I love the quilt and photos. And to find a giant manatee to hold the quilt was pure fun. The batik fabrics really pop nicely. I made an EH pineapple farm pillow and all those tiny pieces were challenging, but the end result was so lovely. I have the dachshund pattern and might make just a pillow…I’ll see how one block goes.
What a lovely finish on this one–perfect in Florida..nice work ~ ~ ~ waving to you Julierose ;))
Wow, your quilt is beautiful — you’re right the batiks really do make the animals come alive! How fun to have a manatee hold your quilt for a picture :). I haven’t tried one of EH animal patterns — I did purchase a kit and pattern when she first launched a fabric line — I should look for it and make it 🙂 — I don’t remember if the pattern included animals — sad I know!!
Wonderful quilt Wendy. It is fun to look at. Happy exploring and sharing your experiences.
Oh, my! Mr. Manatee himself holding your quilt!?!? That’s about as awesome as an awesome ocean quilt can get!!! What amazing photos! For an amazing quilt finish! Love the backing, too! 😉
What an awesome place for a photo shoot…you knocked it out of the manatee reserves. I think you are right about the nose. I love your back and binding…just perfect. Congrats on a gorgeous finish!
I love your quilt!! Hugs,
The perfect location to showcase your awesome ocean, and awesome it is!
Pictures of your trip reminded me of when we visited these same places on our USA trip. Your quilt turned out so cute. Perfect backing fabric.
Oh, Wendy! That really is awesome! And what a perfect place to photograph it, too. I love the backing and binding. And seeing those manatees – priceless!
These colors absolutely sing!!!! So pretty! Fun to see the quilt with manatees–did they weigh in on the Great Animal Debate? The waves are perfect and I love that deep purple binding! Stunning all around! I have my top done and hope to layer and quilt this week.
Hi Wendy!
Mr Mantee looks great holding your quilt! And the quilt … absolutely wonderful! I love the bright batiks – they look perfect!
Happy Quilting! 🙂
Hi Wendy! Yes, the nose debate is over. Thanks for the photos – you did a great job. And the quilt turned out just gorgeous. I adore that backing fabric – it is just PERFECT. LOVE. ~smile~ Roseanne
finished already!!! Amazingly fast and great finish. How I love the views you shared… moss and green. It’s brown here, all brown with white snow now melting. I just love the word Homosassa too… ahhhhh
Hey Wendy. I absolutely love this finished quilt and your photos with manatees (both live and statue) are great. Regarding Elizabeth Hartman’s amazing patterns, I’ve made a modified Fancy Forest quilt as well as the lap size Dogs in Sweaters quilt, and they are two of my favorite quilts. Have a good day, Mary.
Oh, this is just THE cutest quilt, Wendy! It turned out fantastic in those bright, tropical colors. We love seeing manatees in the Florida waters. I’d love to see any of the critters on your quilt. So fun! Congratulations on a fun and fabulous finish and the ideal photo shoot for it. Will you be keeping this one?
This is great Wendy! Talk about the perfect place to photograph this quilt!! My favorite is the picture of the manatee ‘holding’ the quilt. So cute. Perfect choice for backing and binding too. I haven’t made a Hartman pattern. Loved watching this QAL come along tho. So fun.
Such fun! Sadly, in all the trips and months spent in Florida, we never have been up to Crystal Springs, though we’ve heard lots about it! Just never worked out. So glad you were able to photograph your beautiful quilt there!
Great quilt, wonderful spot. And thanks for showing us the manatees
Absolutely gorgeous colors and pattern! Perfect photo location, and LOL on the nose debate. 😀
This post is so much fun! The quilt is fabulous; those batiks certainly add life to the beasts in a way solids can’t, and real manatees!!! The finale is the best of all- the manatee holding the manatee. Now I want to see them myself, but not for a while, iguess.
This really is awesome! I loved all your sea creatures as they appeared one by one on your blog and the look wonderful together 🙂