I had to run an errand on Friday afternoon, and when I got home I had planned to get some more quilting done on Signal Trace. The universe had different plans. Before sitting down at my sewing machine, I checked Instagram and noticed that Meaghan @so_gingerly had opened up registration for the #2023FoodQuilt; this year, the funds raised from the raffle quilt will go to support the Maui Food Bank.
Last year I was thrilled to get to participate and help raise money for food banks across the US (see: Tangerine Peels, #2022KonaFoodQuilt). I noticed in Meaghan’s stories that there were already only 7 signup spots remaining (eek), so I quickly opened the form and hoped that I was able to sign up in time.
#2023FoodQuilt Color Palette
Thankfully, I signed up on time. However in my haste, I totally put a typo into my email address (oops – so sorry about that Meaghan!!!). But I was so happy and eager to get started!! Above is the color palette for this year, and I was assigned water as the primary color for my block. We are supposed to pick at least one other color from the palette to use in a supporting role in our block (and we can choose as many supporting colors as we would like).
So, instead of finishing up the quilting on Signal Trace, I started thinking about what color to pair with water. And after thinking it would pair well with basically the entire palette, I decided to turn to thinking about a block design to help me choose.
Sunset Block Design
Thinking about Maui and the time I spent living on the Big Island, I couldn’t get the idea of the sunset out of my mind. And it turns out that the selected color palette had a great selection of colors that paired well with this idea (top to bottom in the sun: oyster, bellini, peach, flame, and paprika). Because the setting sun puts so much graphic emphasis at the bottom of the block, I added framing curves at the top. I tried using both oyster and paprika for the top frame, but felt that the paprika made the block feel too heavy.
Sunset Block for the #2023FoodQuilt
Today, I went through my stash of Kona cottons and pulled out the 6 colors I needed. I started with an oversized background rectangle of Kona Water (14″ x 20″) and I sewed the pieced / gradient sun inset circle at the bottom of the rectangle (10″ finished diameter / 5″ finished radius). I measured and thought through the next step a lot; then I summoned my bravery and cut the block down to 12½” square using a 12½” square ruler. After that, it was a simple matter of trimming the corners and then sewing on the final two curves. All in all, the block only used 7 seams!
Sunset Block for the #2023FoodQuilt
The block does have an interesting optical illusion that makes me feel like it is taller than it is wide, but the above photo is of the block on my cutting mat proving that it is indeed 12½” square.
Sunset Block for the #2023FoodQuilt
I can’t wait to see how this year’s #2023FoodQuilt comes together. I’ll share details about the raffle later this year!
Love your block! It is fabulous!
Such a wonderful cause and a spendid idea.
Your sunset looks fantastic Yvonne.
Those spots really filled up quickly; I’m glad you were able to get in! Your block is fantastic – I wondered if you were going to use that deep paprika!
Quilters are always eager to support people when disaster strikes. The devastation on Maui is heartbreaking. I look forward to hearing about the raffle. I love optical illusions in quilt blocks and your sunset is so imaginative. Living up north I’m used to long, lingering sunsets & was amazed to see how quickly they took place in Hawaii. We had a lovely beach view from our vacation condo and could watch the whole horizon as the sun bid farewell for the day.
Wow, you work fast! What a great idea for a quilt block. Hope the project raises lots of funds for Maui food banks.
Such an interesting interpretation of a sunset on water, so modern and so you! Wonderful charity, Maui needs our help.
What a great block and for such a good cause.
Wow. The signups DID go fast. I was going to at least consider joining, but it was already too late. Love the block you created though, and it’s just perfect for the cause quilt.
Glad you were able to get in! Your block is so much fun and I love all the colors that you choose to work with – a perfect sunset.
This is wonderful! I quickly read your previous post about the color selection to compliment water and thought that I would use paprika, caramel, bellini, and oyster. I wasn’t too far off of your choices. 🙂 I am positive that I would not have created a block like yours; but now that I see it, I really want to do so. Have a great week!
That is a great block!! and it does look taller than wider – that is amazing how the colors/piecing can make that effect!! Very cool!