Working with the Samsara collection

I'm working with yardage from one of Blank Quilting's new fabric collections, Samsara. The word in Sanskrit means "the ever turning wheel of life." Here is the plum colorway that will be hitting YLQS (your local quilt shop) later this fall.

Samsara fabric collection by Blank Quilting.

The plum, aubergene, and eggplant hues are reminiscent of the wild asters and fall crysanthemums that are blooming this time of year. These colors contrast the goldenrod in the paisley print and energize the collection.

I chose the block from the Square Daze pattern by Robin Jones at Cottontail Quilts. It has a graphic feel and shows off the paisley print.

Blocks from Square Daze pattern by Cottontail Quilts.

The dilemma is whether to go for a rectangular or square layout. What do you think?

I plan to introduce a few other fabrics—both from the collection and from blender collections, Isadora and Desiree.

Samsura collection with blenders.
Botton, from left: Isadora (eggplant and lavender) and Desiree (dijon).

The Desiree (dijon) gives the palette a little brightness and snap! I've used Desiree for the setting triangles of Moon Garden. It's a versatile print.

But first, I need to settle on the layout. Thoughts?

My Fabric Rep Trek: Cottontail Quilts

In a quaint part of Kennesaw, Georgia, where century-old houses are being transformed into small businesses through a community revitalization effort, is Cottontail Quilts. The shop's owner, Robin Jones, knew that this 112-year-old house was a perfect home for a quilt shop, and when you step inside, you'll know she was right.

Front porch at Cottontail Quilts quilt shop, Kennesaw, Georgia.

As you approach the front door, you can peer through the three front windows (those long, southern plantation-type windows that almost go to the floor) to see the colorful quilts, fabrics, notions and assorted accoutrements—all beckoning you to step inside.

Fabrics: whites and light neutrals, yellows merging into reds.

There are several rooms inside this large farmhouse building which are filled with a large assortment of fabrics on bolts, pre-cut fat quarters, patterns, kits and plenty of quilts to inspire and delight. Most of the fabrics are arranged by color...

Fabrics: greens, browns, light and dark grays.

 or by theme, such as the reproductions...

Reproductions and traditions prints.

dots, stripes and brights...

Dots, brights, florals and fun prints.

 or by purpose, such as the 108" wide quilt backings.

A shelf of wide backings.

A wall of books—providing inspiration and instruction for any kind of project—is displayed above a wonderful selection of black/white fabrics.

Books and a selection of black/white fabrics.

Robin had been designing quilt patterns under the name, Cottontail Quilts, for a few years prior to opening her shop of the same name almost a year ago. The black/white/red quilt above the books is called Square Daze, a pattern from the Cottontail Quilts pattern collection.

A selection of Cottontail Quilts patterns among others.

The shop is well stocked with Robin's patterns as well as those from other favorite pattern designers.

Bags and patterns (left) and a mantle topper (right),
called Marvelous Mantel Scarf, a Cottontail Quilts pattern. 

A large, spacious and well-lit classroom extends from the side of the house. There is a separate entry to the classroom with a ramp for easy accessibility—and for rolling those sewing machines into the classroom. 

The large classroom at Cottontail Quilts.

Among the quilts on display in the classroom was a handsome traditional sampler with a light background and a reproduction feel...

Traditional sampler quilt.

... and a eye-catching Saturday Sampler quilt showcasing the vibrant colors of the Splash blender collection set off on a black background. (This one is even more stunning in person!)

Saturday Sampler using Splash blenders.

So, if you are driving between Chattanooga, TN and Atlanta, GA, consider a short hop over for a visit to Cottontail Quilts. The owner and staff are warm and welcoming and ready to help.

Cottontail Quilts, Kennesaw, GA.

You'll see the sign with the bunny on the front lawn. 

Cottontail Quilts.