Ever since I saw the Yin Yang block on Barbara Brackman’s blog months and months ago, I’ve wanted to stitch it. On Sunday, a new Inklingo Yin Yang collection was released and I had to dive right in! The fabrics I had set aside for the Spice quilt were back out, I had the shapes printed and cut out in a matter of minutes and a few hours later, four blocks were done.
About a month ago, I tried to prep pieces to stitch this block with freezer paper templates. In the past I’ve used freezer paper templates without problems, but for this shape? It just wasn’t working at all. When stitched together, the block had a rather tent-like look that was impossible to get rid of no matter how much I pressed it. My stitching lines and matching points just weren’t anywhere near perfect or fine enough. But with Inklingo printing the stitching lines and matching points, it was easy as could be. So I was absolutely overjoyed when the collection was released.
They press like a dream and, once pressed, are perfectly flat.
I’m torn now between thinking of this as the Spice Quilt or Chocolate and Caramels. There are tons of fabric choices one could play with working with this shape — batiks and hand-dyed fabrics, ’30s repros, shabby chic, black and white, primary colours. The list just goes on and on. I have an idea for a baby quilt made with this shape which will be very fast to stitch as the blocks almost put themselves together.
Smudge was nowhere near as excited as I was about these new shapes. He’s happy as long as he’s curled up in his kitty bed with the toy basket nearby. Sunday night I was watching him as he ever so slowly put both front paws in the toy basket and dragged it over closer to the kitty bed.
Quilt Obsession 
Love the block and I think that you definitely should call it Chocolate and Caramels. Definitely better to eat on their own that spices… How sweet of Smudge to move his own toys so that you would not have to do so… cute!!
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Goodness, Gracious, these blocks are beautiful!~
I think Spice is a good name because it also has kind of a Paisley effect…, which to me goes with the whole era of spice trade, India,etc.
Whatever you choose, I know it will be perfect!
I MUST try this in the near future. I’m LOVING my new computer. I have been influenced in many ways by your Cathi. Thank you for your wonderful blog!
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I love those blocks! I like the Spice idea, too. That block really goes well with the batik fabrics, but when you mention the 30’s fabrics, I can see that also!
Smudge is such a hoot!
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What can I say???? YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I think Chocolate and Caramel Swirl would be a good name. What a fantastic block!!
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Definitely looks like chocolate and caramel blended together! Smudge just wants to save some energy – next time he wants a toy, he won’t have to reach so far.
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I’m going against the flow…I GOTTA BE ME!…and call it Contented Kitty. It looks just like Smudge all curled up in his bed.
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Oooo love these blocks!! I like the Spice name but then I don’t eat chocolate :0)
Crispy
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Ahhhh! I have you AND Linda to thank for this beauty.
I do prefer CHOCOLATE AND CARAMEL, I am drinking a cup of coffee flavored with them right now.
Love Sweetie
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Love these!! Great fabric choices.
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Oh… my… goodness!… Absolutely beautiful Cathi!…It looks to be a wonderful blend of Spiced Mocha Carmel Latte!… Maybe Smudge (Fudge) Carmel?… 🙂 Your blog brings such joy!… That Smudge is something else, that’s for sure!..Glad he is feeling better too…Annie
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I love the rich palette!
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What a sweet photo of Smudge sleeping:) He looks precious. I love the story about him bringing his toys closer. No sense having to reach for them later lol! Gorgeous ying/yang blocks. WOW those are stunning!!!
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