What Shade Are You?

Welcome to my stop on the RJR What Shade Are You? blog hop!  My answer is ALL the shades!  Not in one project of course, but there really isn’t a color I don’t like.  Follow along on the What Shade Are You Facebook page!

I hadn’t really had a chance to work with RJR Cotton Supreme Solids until earlier this year when Brenda of Pink Castle Fabrics was putting together her Color Inspirations Club (10 gorgeous RJR solids colors picked by Brenda herself every month) and we matched two of her months with two of my patterns and I joined the blog hop line-up.

Secondary

As my house is still in major need of new pillows, that seemed an obvious win for a new project.  I played around with a few design ideas and settled on the traditional Orange Peel block.  This one has been on my mental to-do list for quite a while.  It fits right in with my love of simple shapes, secondary patterns and circles.  When it came time to select the colors, it was hard – there are so many beauties!  I decided to go with a mostly secondary color scheme – purple, green, orange with some yellow/gold added in.  Specifically the colors I used are:

Sunny Delight – 326
Sunnyside Up – 132
Saffron – 221
Golden Topaz – 285
Oriole – 314
Mandarin – 159
Pumpkin – 130
Tangerine Dream – 276
Grape – 121
Amethyst – 215
Jacaranda – 317
Purple Haze – 279
Bowood Green – 267
Martini Olive – 343
Bayou – 344
Army Green – 350
Linen White – 32
French Vanilla – 111
Canvas – 150
Cream – 227

Four of each of the colors for the blocks and four background colors.  Each color is only used once in the pillow, but I think having so many adds a wonderful richness to the palette.  I named the pillow Secondary for the color scheme and the secondary circle pattern the blocks make.

For the pillow front construction, I debated between piecing and applique.  You know I love applique, but I also would like to strengthen my curved piecing skills.  A fast internet search didn’t turn up a pieced block in the size I needed, so applique won.  I used a new-to-me technique that I have been meaning to try for ages.  The term I’ve heard most often is window applique.  You trace your shape onto fusible as usual, but then also cut out the center of the shape at least 1/4″ inside the cutting line.  In this case, I was left with a “peel” shape about 1/2″ wide all around.  I fused it to the fabric and cut on the line, so the end result is only a 1/4″ outline of fusible left on your project.  This works particularly well when fusing larger shapes to reduce any stiffness the fusible might cause.  I had been concerned that cutting out the center might cause the shape to go wonky, but I didn’t have any trouble with that at all and the lovely silkiness of the fabric was retained.

RJR has generously offered to give a fat quarter bundle of the colors I used to one of my US or Canadian readers.  So, leave me a comment and tell me what you’d make with your bundle – PLEASE be sure to include your email address so I can reach you.  I’ll pick a winner at random at the end of the day on Tuesday, June 3.  I can’t wait to hear all your wonderful ideas!

43 Comments
  • Abigail Dolinger
    Posted at 17:45h, 02 June Reply

    I would make a toddler quilt, cutting the solid fabrics into rectangle, triangle and square shapes along with an arched bridge or two. I would pretend the shapes are vintage wooden building blocks and build a fantastic building block city of fabric.

  • delaineelliott
    Posted at 16:06h, 02 June Reply

    Beautiful pillow! I love to work with solids. I would make a table runner or two. Thanks!

  • Kathy
    Posted at 11:05h, 02 June Reply

    I'm using the Color Inspiration Club to build up my stash of solids…you never know what you'll need when inspiration strikes!

  • Shar
    Posted at 02:17h, 02 June Reply

    I love to have solid in my fabrics. My daughter asked why I have them and I said they can stand alone so well. Or they help they other fabric pop. I would love to make a wall hanging of rose that I have had in mind and try some free motion work. My email is listed but I will list it here for you sharshawns2(at)gmail(dot)com

  • Julie
    Posted at 05:12h, 01 June Reply

    I would add these FQs to an 'in progress' Halloween quilt 🙂

  • dolores
    Posted at 00:55h, 01 June Reply

    The pillow is beautiful….I have an orange peel project in my future but it involves real 30s-40s fabrics a friend shared with me!

    I think these solids would go to a charm quilt I want to make with a huge stack of solid 5" squares I have already cut and a few prints thrown in…cause I have them!:)

  • Aunt TC
    Posted at 19:54h, 31 May Reply

    I'd cut them into small squares and sew them to a simple loose jacket. Remainder would go to my 3" scrappy block project. I'm really liking solids now.

  • Allison C
    Posted at 18:04h, 31 May Reply

    I need an extra large tote bag so I can carry quilts, rulers, etc. Alibear167 at gmail

  • GranChris
    Posted at 16:49h, 31 May Reply

    I probably would make a rummer or a lap quilt. Love these fabrics.

  • Sharon Eshlaman
    Posted at 16:16h, 31 May Reply

    I think I would make a table runner if I were lucky enough to win. Thanks for a chance. BTW-great presentation and show of quilts at the Across the Square Quilters meeting in Charlotte last Thursday. It was nice for me to meet the person behind the blog! skeshlaman@comcast.net

  • SIMPLESEW
    Posted at 15:20h, 31 May Reply

    I love the pillow Idea alot but this would work with my project right now is in the need for a neutral toddler bed quilt. Being grandparents we still need to decorate the beds.

  • Chris Simon
    Posted at 04:53h, 31 May Reply

    I think you're on the right track making a pillow with these colors – so cheerful! I think I'd do the same. You can reach me at chrissimon at verizon dot net.

  • PT in SC
    Posted at 02:49h, 31 May Reply

    Applique wins out again! I can see fall leaves on a tablerunner, appliqued, of course!

  • Gayle Fahrion
    Posted at 02:19h, 31 May Reply

    Love your choice of solids. Cute pillow. Thanks. Gfahrion at comcast.net

  • itsjustjuwah
    Posted at 00:28h, 31 May Reply

    itsjustjuwah@yahoo.com (Juwah) Cool Blog… sweet ideas

  • Susanne Stair
    Posted at 00:25h, 31 May Reply

    I just Love the Lavender & French Vanilla plus Manderin Orange! I find it difficult to settle on just a few colors, just because I Love them all!!! The possibilities are endless! =) I just Love making pillows and quilts! =) Thank you for being a inspiration!! 😉 Sue

    • Susanne Stair
      Posted at 00:28h, 31 May Reply

      You can reach me at Lavender Angel Sue at Gmail dot com. Sue =)

  • Quilting Jeannie
    Posted at 21:25h, 30 May Reply

    zhausbj@yahoo.com (Quilting Jeannie): I love your quilts. They are so colorful and so easy on the eyes. Keep quilting, you are a great inspiration. And I'd love to win 🙂

  • anna brown
    Posted at 19:56h, 30 May Reply

    happyness04431@yahoo.com…..I think a tote or two would be cool summer fun…

  • Vicki in MN
    Posted at 19:37h, 30 May Reply

    Now that would be a really sweet birthday present-june 3rd, LOL I think I might just do a pillow or two-I am redoing the family room 🙂 Love your pillow!

  • Ginny
    Posted at 19:35h, 30 May Reply

    Pillows or a table runner. Love the supreme solids!

  • cakegirl
    Posted at 19:32h, 30 May Reply

    I want to make a mini quilt using the Joseph's Coat pattern and the colors would be fabulous

  • Cecilia
    Posted at 18:36h, 30 May Reply

    I think I would make pillows as well. My oldest daughter just bought a new house and pillows would make a great house warming gift for her. I really like the orange peel block you chose and I may do the same. Thanks for the chance to win.

    ceciliayoung at gmx dot com

  • Amy Verne
    Posted at 18:19h, 30 May Reply

    I love the colors you chose and I would like to make two pillows fory new sofa! raverne at comcast.net

  • Kat Scott
    Posted at 17:55h, 30 May Reply

    I am thinking new table runner and place mats to brighten up the dining room!

  • Bec
    Posted at 17:14h, 30 May Reply

    Does anyone know if you have to leave your email address if you have a google account? I didn't and I see that others didn't, but I don't want to miss out on the give-away.

    Just in case, here it is becbanet@gmail.com
    In my earlier comment I said that I would make pillows for my daughter or a quilt or both!

    • ehq@sbcglobal.net
      Posted at 17:39h, 30 May Reply

      Thanks for leaving your email, Bec! You, and many others, are showing up as "no-reply blogger". This means, if you win, I can't contact you and I have to pick someone else. If people aren't sure how their preferences are set, just leave the email address to be sure. Thanks!

    • Bec
      Posted at 20:31h, 30 May Reply

      Thanks for letting me know that. No wonder I never win anything! LOL I think I've changed my profile so that it shows now…I hope. 🙂

  • JANET
    Posted at 17:11h, 30 May Reply

    I would usually say a quilt, but I really like your pillow. Might make one of those!

  • Cynthia H
    Posted at 16:28h, 30 May Reply

    I'd put some into quilts in the works and the rest into stash! Such fun pillows. Perfect for the season!
    clherms@frontier.com

  • Bec
    Posted at 16:22h, 30 May Reply

    Your pillows are exquisite! Love how you quilted them.

    Maybe I'll make some colorful pillows for my daughter. Although I have found several beautiful quilt patterns using solids. hmmm…maybe I'll just make a quilt AND pillows!

  • Adele
    Posted at 15:18h, 30 May Reply

    They would definitely end up in a quilt-I love using solids!

  • Julie V
    Posted at 15:06h, 30 May Reply

    I'd probably make some placemats with these lovely colors; they would go great in my friend's kitchen. Thanks for the opportunity!

  • PK Sews
    Posted at 15:01h, 30 May Reply

    What a beautiful color combination! I love the pillow. I'd try to find a print that coordinates with these beautiful colors and I would make a large tote bag. Thanks for the chance to win!

  • JoyceLM
    Posted at 14:37h, 30 May Reply

    Love your pillow. If I'm lucky enough to win, I'd make an HSTeria quilt. Thanks.

  • Casie Williams
    Posted at 14:24h, 30 May Reply

    Love the colors and the quilting really sets it off. Did you use traditional piecing or one of the circle attachments for our machine?

  • Leanne
    Posted at 14:21h, 30 May Reply

    I love your pillow. I am not sure what I would make, something fun, probably a small quilt.

  • Diane McLauchlan
    Posted at 13:40h, 30 May Reply

    I would divide the colors into two stacks and make throws for my 15 and 14 year old granddaughters.
    diane.mclauchlan53@yahoo.com

  • Joanne
    Posted at 13:39h, 30 May Reply

    I love the nice fresh colors. I would make a table runner-orange peel pattern

  • Ann
    Posted at 13:32h, 30 May Reply

    I so need to make some pillows! love the orange peel and you always have great color selection.

  • Margaret
    Posted at 13:29h, 30 May Reply

    I love the colors you used and the design on that pillow. I would love to make one for my sewing room

  • Donna K. from N. Texas
    Posted at 13:27h, 30 May Reply

    Your pillow is good inspiration. I could make something like it.

  • Brenda
    Posted at 13:06h, 30 May Reply

    I love your Orange Peel pillow and I've been wanting to make something in that design for a long time, so that's what I would make. Thanks for the chance.

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