DJ

I recently picked up a quilt pattern that was done in batiks. It calls for 12 different fat quarters. I decided to pick out a multi-colored batik and then ask one of the store clerks in each quilt shop I visit to pick out a batik to go with it and I would buy a fat quarter of whatever they choose. No hints from me as to what my favorite color is or anything. I've been to 3 shops, and the employees seem to enjoy picking something out for me. When I find floral fabrics that I like, I also get an 8th of a yard of it for another quilt that uses strips of floral fabrics (I need 16). I think that pattern was a link someone posted on this forum.

It's great to have something to look for when I go into a new shop.

QuiltE

Great idea!! .... it will be interesting the reactions you get at each of the stores.
Plus, will give you a sense of how well these clerks can pick out colours!!
Curious what pattern you will be making with these fabrics.

Also, what is the pattern using the F8s?
Could you please share the link for it as well?
Thanks!

SuzzyQ

Now this sounds like fun! Please share the patterns.

luvstoquilt301

If I want to buy something I pick a color scheme for FQs, One year it was black/white----another grey/yellow. Then I struggle to come up with a pattern...lol.

DJ

The batik pattern is called Cool Water by Villa Rosa Designs. I just bought it on a postcard-sized card in a quilt shop. It's a simple pattern and could also be made with 35 10" squares. Here's a link to one:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/4892541...gaAlrbEALw_wcB

The other quilt isn't a F8, it calls for 2 1/2" WOF strips. I just figured I'd get 1/8 of a yard to be sure I can get a straight strip. Some quilt shops won't cut anything smaller, I've found. That quilt is called Scrap Dance Quickstep. I got the link from zennia in her thread "A fun way to use up Scraps". A fun way to use up Scraps

DJ

I tried that but it didn't seem to work for me. My fabrics looked too similar.

QuiltE

Thanks ... a couple of great patterns for a scrappy mix of fabrics.

Your Cool Water will be like a mystery quilt .... no preconceived notions as to what the mix of fabrics will be.
Look forward to seeing the results!

lots2do

I think that's a great idea! I did something similar today, I took a little hexagon of a chickadee into a shop to find a matching green. I found a nice gold instead. It was fun to have a direction instead of just browsing like I usually do. I might do this on our way back to Florida with a few hexies made up ahead of time.

Fabric Galore

I looked up the pattern on the internet and it is perfect for batik fabrics. Please keep us updated on your fabric collection and also the finished quilt. It sounds like a lot of fun. When I lived in S Fla there were a lot of fabric and quilt stores and our guild would take field trips to about 6 shops in 1 day. 3 in the morning (1 hour each) lunch and then 3 more after lunch. I always enjoyed seeing how different each store was in their selections. I would have to drive for miles to visit 6 stores here in central Florida.

QuiltnNan

i shared your idea with fellow quilters yesterday and they just love it!