“Made of colors” or “many colors” – That’s exactly the thoughts I had while designing and making this quilt from my beautiful Island Batik fabric stash – oh the colors!
De Colores is a traditional Spanish/Mexican folklore song that has many translations: some humorous, as in “the rooster sings with a cock-a-doodle doo,” complete with sound effects along with many references to farm life; some verses are devout, as in “spreading the light (of Christ) that illuminates the divine grace.”
I first heard the song on my Walk to Emmaus, a three-day Christian retreat that I participated in sometime in the 1990’s while living in Tennessee. All I remember of the lively little song is “oh the colors, oh the colors” and shouting “cock-a-doodle-do” at the appropriate time (seems it was sung in Spanish and I don’t speak Spanish). It was very joyful, as I think this quilt represents!
In early spring, Deb Tucker of Studio 180 Design, announced a “coming soon” of her newest tool, the Star 60®, which would be used to make diamonds inside equilateral 60-degree triangles, hexagons, half hexagons and more. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this tool!
While I waited, I dreamed up all sorts of things that I would try with the tool. I really don’t know what made me think of putting a four patch inside a 60-degree triangle…but I did.
I love the way there is a kaleidoscope effect, don’t you? Every time I look at it, I see something different!
I made my quilt with fat quarters because I truly love scrappy quilts. The more color the better! De Colores! While the four-patch units can be cut from yardage I used Island Batik’s 2 ½” strip packs in both the Inkwell and Simply White. Why cut strips when someone else has already done that for you! It didn’t take a full package, but I didn’t mind as the extras just have a way of joining my stash for future inspiration.
What if you’re looking for a more “controlled” feel to your quilt? Never fear! The pattern gives yardage to simplify with just four fabrics (in addition to the four patches). I think this version showcases the secondary designs well, don’t you? Look closely, see the blue stars, the pink stars, and the lime green stars surrounding the four patches?
My pattern tester, Lisa Williams (from the infamous dynamic duo “quilting outlaws”) made a small version using Christmas prints.
Lisa is “on assignment” with another “secret sewing project” – this time she is remaking De Colores in my fall signature collection designed for me by Kathy Engle of Island Batik…you will just have to wait until fall for that quilt’s reveal, I will tell you that it’s going to be in the “controlled” scrappy version and it will be stunning!
No matter your fabric choices, either scrappy or controlled, you are sure to enjoy making this quilt using Deb Tucker’s Studio 180 Design tools, the Star 60® and the Four Patch Square Up®. The 20 page full color De Colores pattern has clear directions, lots of illustrations, including a bonus coloring page for you to audition your own fabric choices – all this combined makes even a confident beginner successful in learning a new tool. I think you are going to love it!
Good news! The print version has arrived and ready for immediate shipping – or if you prefer you may download a digital PDF. Tools are available also in my etsy shop.
This is Karen Overton, The Quilt Rambler, eager to see your beautiful colors!
Tomorrow I’ll share a bit more about the second pattern in the Summer Series Fab Four – Wheels On The Bus Table Runner & Placemats! Let’s Talk Quilts!
