
Welcome to Block 8 the Awesome Ocean Sew Along (#AOSAL) and Mr. Manatee. Meet Manny and Maxie Manatee. I am not sure why this one got the more formal name when every other creature had a name. Maybe the size, but whatever the reason, I decided to give mine another name.
My friend, Wendy from Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life is hosting, too, today. Neither of us are sure this is a manatee, but more on that later. Be sure to check out her blog and her hints, as I am sure she has some good ones for you!

Hint 1: Fabric Considerations for this block:
I did use the white this time, even though my background is light. I think it is fine, as it is not touching the background.

Hint 2: Time to Prep/Make Block:
Prep time is about 1/2 – 3/4 hour of cutting and an 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours of sewing. There are a few more pieces to this one, not that many more, but just enough to take a little bit longer.

Hint 3: Trimming!
I actually did it this time. There are two times you trim, making the eyes and nose, p. 19. I highlighted my pattern. It worked!

Hint 4: Give your creature some character (or not)
My manatees have crooked noses. I like it that way – you may not – so if you don’t be cautious about the placement.

WELCOME TO MY FIRST POLL!
Wendy and I kept referring to these sea creatures as different things. I think of it more as a seal or an otter than a manatee, but they are all very similar creatures so who is to say? Well, I think I will let the readers decide.
[ays_poll id=1]

We are nearing the end, but in case the manatee bit you here’s what you need to play along:
1. Get the Elizabeth Hartman’s Awesome Ocean pattern from my amazon affiliate link* or from the designer directly or in your local store.
2. The links are updated below for any completed blocks.
Here’s the updated calendar for blocks and guest bloggers!
Date | Block | Block Name | Bloggers |
Nov. 17, 2019 | Fabric Choices | ||
Nov. 23, 2019 | Block 1 | Kelp | |
Dec. 7, 2019 | Block 2 | Octavian the Octopus | Barb |
Dec. 21, 2019 | Block 3 | Puffy the Puffer Fish | |
Jan. 4, 2020 | Block 4 | Angelica the Angel Fish | |
Jan. 18, 2020 | Block 5 | Chuckles the Clown Fish | |
Feb. 1, 2020 | Block 6 | Preppy the Whale | Rose |
Feb, 15, 2020 | Block 7 | Tony the Turtle | Emily |
Feb. 29, 2020 | Block 8 | Mr. Manatee | Wendy |
Mar. 14, 2020 | Block 9 | Sally the Seahorse | |
Mar. 28, 2020 | Top | ||
Ap. 25, 2020 | Parade of Quilts |
Link up your critters!
Coming Up:
Quilt Con
Barn BOM 3/4
Tips and Tutorials 3/22
2020 Monthly Color Block
ProStitcher Retreat
Spring Fling
Linking Up:
UFO Busting #97
What I Made Monday
Main Crush Monday
Midweek Makers
Whatever it is, it is really cute, and I love the fabrics you chose. I think it resembles all those critters you mentioned but like to think it is its own unique character, so I voted for “something else”. 😉
I enjoyed seeing your photo with Preeti.
They are so fetching – each in their own way. I do enjoy a little character in my blocks and these had a fun way of finding it.
I love that you voted for something else. It was a blast meeting Pretti!
I’d say that fellow is whatever you want him to be! I love the noses – that adds a lot of character and expression to the face. Super cute!
They are so fetching – each in their own way. I do enjoy a little character in my blocks and these had a fun way of finding it.
I’m torn between “manatee because the designer said so” and “seal.” I voted on behalf of the designer, but I was really a split vote 🙂 I thought otter until my husband pointed out the tail, and I looked and Elizabeth Hartman actually has an otter pattern. Regardless, these are super cute! I’m excited to put mine together and be that much closer to a finished quilt!
I guess you could vote twice! I started looking at the sea creatures and there are a lot more than I thought with this shape.
Definitely an otter! It’s that “cute as a button” nose!!! Your slightly cocked nose adds whimsy, Kathleen!
There is no doubt that whatever he is, he’s adorable! My vote has to be an otter though! LOL!!
Its funny, as I started to look it up I realized there were many more of these “blobbish” creatures of the sea. Whatever it is, I am enjoying making them.
It is cute as a button isn’t it! I kind of like when things go that way and add to the personality of your quilt!
I love the little cocked noses! How fun. You and I definitely had the same colors in mind – love that! We have twinsies!
We do have twinsies! I love this guy for some odd reason when they are done they really come to life!
Hi Kathleen! These two little guys are so cute. My favorite part is the crooked nose! I also love seeing the potential layout . . . and I really think they look like an otter. ~smile~ Roseanne
I love the crooked nose, too! Otters are a good choice.
Otter Nonsense, I say, I say!
You are too funny Rose!
Oh, your quilt is going to be so fun…loving it. Thanks for the tip about your site….it worked as you can tell. It has been so fun doing this with you but I am a little behind, need to get mine done.
I am loving it too and loving all those quilty friends who are playing along…whether caught up or not! I was on a retreat and just getting to these replies….but I think I’ll have more time on my hands with isolation being the norm now.
They are adorable whatever they are.
Looks like those who voted thought an otter – they are all fun choices whatever one decides!
Those two are just too cute!
Thank you, Susan!