Although I made this top years ago, I still haven’t decided on a quilting pattern. The idea for this quilt started with a group of vintage triangle swatches purchased on ebay. I was thinking about patterns that had lots of triangles and finally settled on Ocean Waves. Of course, I didn’t bother counting all my triangles and, of course, I didn’t have nearly enough. I ended up using just about every scrap I could find so it’s a real mix of prints ranging in age from 1940 to 2000.
Because most of my triangles were medium tones, I couldn’t work out a classic Ocean Waves block with contrasting colors — I couldn’t even do blocks with just two different prints since all of my triangles were different. I finally decided to incorporate the yellow from the setting squares into the pieced blocks, which certainly gives the Ocean Waves pattern a different, somewhat lighter, look.
The pale yellow fabric is a Kona cotton and, although I like the color, I don’t like the fact that it is heavier than the vintage percales I normally use — it just doesn’t feel right to me. Honestly, I wonder if I’m ever going to get around to quilting this cute top.
It’s BEAUTIFUL Martha! I love the Ocean Waves pattern. This is definitely an upbeat version with the yellow. It looks GREAT! I hope you do quilt it someday.
What a gorgeous quilt. I love the yellow… Did you use a pattern? from where?
It is very light and airy! I love the scrappiness of it! I understand the feeling of not wanting to work on something that doesn’t really ‘speak’ to you, though! Especially since you have so many other interesting projects going on! Maybe it is just not it’s time….
I don’t know this pattern, so I don’t have any expectations of how it “should” look. It sure is pretty, and I hope you finish it. Maybe quilting it will “even out” the differences in the fabric weights.
I started an Ocean’s Wave quilt several years ago. It developed a problem and I have long forgotten what it was. I ended up giving away the parts. I often think of starting fresh with different cutting instructions. I enjoyed seeing yours.
It is very pretty. I think it is cool that you used what you had and look how it turned out. I want to make one. I hope you do get it finished so that you can enjoy it. I agree with you about Kona. I do not use it.
It looks fantastic! I know what you mean about now being completely satisfied yourself because of a fabric choice or weight.
Oh Martha…it’s spectacular! Ocean Waves is one of my favorite patterns. Yours is a sea of beautiful fabrics. I love the Flying Geese border too.
Thread up your needle and quilt this beauty. How about “in the ditch” on the triangles, something pretty in the squares, and a cable in that outer border? Once quilted you know it will look even better. 😉
I think you’re the first person that I’ve known that says the Kona is a bit heavy? That’s been my opinion too.
This is too pretty not to quilt, Martha – I heartily agree with Anne’s quilting choices.
I’ve not worked with Kona, but I’ll keep in mind what you said.
Hi! I just found your blog because of the online quilt festival. Wow, I think I´m in quilter´s heaven, you have so beautiful quilts! Absolutely gorgeous! I, too, love hand piecing and quilting, and I am a fan of the 1930s reproduction fabrics. Love the originals too, but here in Germany they are hard to find (only online from the US). So I try to make quilts that look “1930s” as good as I can.
I´ll come back to your blog often! 🙂
Steffi
I love this quilt, I have wanted to make an ocean wave quilt for a long time
maybe it should be my summer project , making a million hst!
I have a lot of Kona butter and oh yes I have 30’s fabrics..what size are your hst?
beautiful quilt and great border!
Kathie
Martha, I love this quilt and the border just completes it! I think you should finish it==it’s wonderful!!!
All those tiny triangles are just fabulous! The flying geese border compliments the ocean waves so perfectly! Wonderful quilt!!
Hi Martha, fabulous! Just wondering if you can let me know the size of your half square triangles please. Much thanks.