My friend Preeti of Sew Preeti Quilts recently wrote a fabulous quick pattern that is featured in the newest Island Batik catalog. She asked me if I'd be willing to make a version and I jumped at the chance! The Masala Box pattern gives instructions for three sizes: baby, lap, & queen. I knew October was a busy month for my family so I made the baby size, which measures 36" square (or 40" if you add an optional border, which I did not).
Masala Box is written for strips, though you could use scraps as well. It would also work well with partial jelly roll strips. When I am done with a project and have leftover yardage, I cut one or two 2 1/2" strips that I keep in a bin, perfect for projects written for jelly rolls. When Preeti contacted me, I went through my bin to try to pick a color palette. I had some Kona Medium Pink that I thought would make a nice background, so I picked out purple and blue strips from my bin. I intentionally alternated the purple and blue thinking it would be a nice look.
Masala Box sews up so quickly! I did it in about three nights of sewing, but if you aren't limited to an hour after a child's bedtime of sewing time, you could probably sew it in an afternoon or maybe a weekend for the larger sizes.
I quilted it using what I think of as Preeti-style quilting: wavy lines in a grid. I love how it looks! I wanted a variety in my prints so I used half-strips instead of full strips. I used the other half to make a scrappy binding. The back is a pink fleece; you can really see the wavy grid on the back!
Want to make your own Masala Box? Preeti has the pattern for sale in her etsy shop. She is also very generously giving away one copy of the pattern to one lucky reader! Leave me a comment by the end of the day Saturday, November 6th and I will randomly choose a winner. You can comment about anything but if you need a prompt, tell me your favorite Halloween memory or treat.
For more Masala Box inspiration, check out Preeti's post and the versions made by Bernie, Wendy, and Mari.
I love your baby quilt version, Emily! The soft pink background works so well with the purples and blues! Nice finish!
ReplyDeleteA great pattern to use up scraps and we all have a lot of them I am sure! And a great size for a quick baby quilt. I would love to win the pattern and make that size for donation quilts! Reeses are my favorite candy no matter when, LOL
ReplyDeleteThat is a great scrap buster pattern! I'm always looking for quick quilts and this fits the bill. Love the wavy grid quilty, too. Will try it sometime!
ReplyDeleteSandy A
Preeti has some of the greatest ideas for quilting, doesn't she? We are expecting a new niece or nephew in the spring, so using this pattern would be a perfect choice! I'd nibble on my favorite candy (any time of the year) which is Peanut M&Ms.
ReplyDeleteLove the pinks and purples together...and the wavy line quilting is perfect!
ReplyDeleteI love Preeti's pattern and hope to make it myself! Yours is so pretty in the pinks and purples!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking baby quilt! I’ve read Pretti’s posts about the pattern. It’s perfect for a quick quilt. The wavy lines on a grid is nice and easy to do. I forget about that quilting option. My favorite Halloween memory is making ghost pie with my kids-chocolate pudding pie topped with a large dollop of cool whip that I spread into a ghost shape with eyes and add two M&Ms or chocolate chips for eyes. kthurn@bektel.com
ReplyDeleteSuch a great version - love the pink and purples! My favorite halloween memory is making a costume of the cowardly lion that was worn by our son (and many cousins). This was before he went out trick or treating on his own, which is also another great memory. He had food allergies and I always worried about him, but our neighbors and the neighborhood was safe and he loved trading the "bad" candy with the neighbor hood kids!
ReplyDeleteWhat an easy quilt to make for a baby!!! Would look so cute in yellow's and green's, even though everybody finds out if it's a boy or girl before hand.
ReplyDeleteI made this pattern too! I love it. Last night I got it basted and I plan to quilt it today. It is such a fun pattern to play around with. Yours is adorable Emily!
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