fabric Struggles
I am ready for a new English paper piecing project, and I know exactly what I want to sew. It’s the Rosemary quilt from Jodi Godfrey’s book, The Seedling Quilts.
So lovely! I have a copy of Jodi’s book, which is quite an inspirational volume. Rosemary will be my second project from the book, and she’ll be the easiest too. I love the concept of cutting big, beautiful rectangles of fabric and sewing just a few EPP flowers to dress up the quilt. Since the EPP is appliquéd, Rosemary is super beginner-friendly. First English paper pieced quilt, anyone?
Jodi’s quilt is a mash-up of prints and colors. It looks effortless, so I started by pulling multicolor prints from my scrap drawers rather willy-nilly. It quickly looked muddled, so I added one or two-color prints to the mix to let the showier prints breathe.
Fortunately, I had already ordered a set of papers and acrylic templates for the Rosemary quilt from Jodi’s website, Tales of Cloth. Using acrylic templates really helps because you have to cut rather odd shapes for EPP and the clear templates make fussy-cutting a cinch. So, I went ahead and cut shapes for one flower and started sewing.
But it was slow going, and I know why. I had the feeling I was sewing in the wrong direction. That’s like walking I the wrong direction, but then with your needle. I really had no idea if I would like my quilt because I had approached the fabric selection phase too casually. Yep, a little more preparation is in order.
Here I have cut rectangles from most of my fabrics and put them up with my first Rosemary flower. Yowsers, this is not good.
Let’s try that with fewer large-scale prints and totally remove the dark value ones.
Hmm, better. Still that butterfly print is too distracting and I think that the white background eucalyptus prints do not flow well with the solid cream backgrounds I will use behind each of my Rosemary blocks.
After making those adjustments, I like it better. Still, I’m not in love. There’s something so light and springy about Jodi’s version; whereas, mine has more contrast. I do feel committed to using that large-scale Anna Maria Horner print called Brimming from her Bright Eyes collection. I really love the fabric, but have never found the right chance to use it. This quilt does seem like the ideal way to use a showy, large scale print, so I don’t want to miss the opportunity.
Well, I went for it - - - I’ve cut and arranged all my fabrics for the Rosemary quilt layout. I used up my whole fat quarter cut of Brimming! Each white block will get a Rosemary EPP flower, of course.
Okay, can you give me some feedback? Given that I want to use the Brimming print, is there one or two other prints that you would suggest removing? In other words, does something stand out in a bad way or do you have any other tips for me regarding my fabric mix?
Thanks for your thoughts!
Is it just me, or does quilt-making feel sometimes a bit like stirring molasses? It looks like it should be easy and then the resistance takes you by surprise. Putting together my latest quilt top wasn’t all that dramatic, but it did go slower than I expected because I didn’t have the right fabrics on hand.
We are settling in at home again after our summer travels, picking up our old rhythms and making some new ones as well. Part of settling in for me is starting a new quilt, and I am very happy that my next project will be a quilt for Elora’s bed!
A design wall allows the fabrics to speak to me along the way. Rather than following the prescribed route, sometimes we changed course. I am sure for the better. Here are several color choice processes facilitated by my design wall today.
Yesterday was a treat. The sun was shining, Elora was playing happily with a neighborhood friend, and I was able to spend loads of time in my sewing room. My goal? To start on Collaboration, a spin-off quilt for Positivities club. I got a great, leaping start!
Okay, can you give me some feedback? Given that I want to use the Brimming print, is there one or two other prints that you would suggest removing? In other words, does something stand out in a bad way or do you have any other tips for me regarding my fabric mix?
My favorite setting in the whole wide world is the beach at sunset. The constant crashing of the waves, the warm breeze on bare skin and that showy blast of sunset colors - no place delights and inspires and simultaneously soothes my soul like it.
You know what I love? When “start a new quilt” is at the top of my mental “to do” list. That is a good way to start the week! I had in mind to sew a more challenging quilt next, but wasn’t feeling it this morning. Instead, I gave myself the gift of freedom and have embarked on a feel-good, easy sew.
This week I really took my time with choosing the fabrics for my Inhibition quilt, especially the elements of the fan block. I will be using few fabrics, as I sense that repetition will be an important design element for this quilt. That makes each fabric choice weighty. What a contrast to relaxed scrappy sewing, where everything goes.
These bright, happy fabrics are my next quilt. It’s going to be quick, easy and perfectly pointy. Can you already guess what I’ll be sewing? Teeter Totter is gearing up for an April 17 pattern release and May sew-along!
On Monday I got to hold baby Livia for the first time! Such sweetness. Her quilt is coming along. Would you like to see? Choosing fabrics for the center medallion flower was challenging. It’s a totally different look than my original Nineteen Thirty quilt.
For my second go at Wild Oranges, I am inspired by the teal and green palette of my Orange Peel blocks for Pas de Deux. Watch my fabric selection process unfold from the original, oversize pull to a curated collection organized on the Fabric Key.
So, you already have your copy of the Wild Oranges pattern? Now, let’s talk about those fabric choices. Will you be working from your stash or featuring a fabric collection with your Wild Oranges quilt? Here are two possible flows for selecting fabrics.
For my second version of Pas de Deux, I’m choosing a color palette for the quilt as a whole. I want a limited palette of 3 or so colors, so that the patchwork groups naturally harmonize and the edges between them can blur. Here’s how I pulled together fabrics, questioned myself and spiraled finally toward a decision.
Is making fabric and color choices taking way too long? When fabric choices feel disjointed color-wise, repeating fabrics and colors will help, but first you need to feel certain about those choices. Here’s how to refine and clarify a color scheme for patchwork.
Today’s post is all about fabric - making choices and organizing your fabrics as needed for the pattern. I discuss a monochromatic vs. multicolor palette, how to sort fabrics by value and the difference if you sort by color.
Today I get to start a new quilt in bright, saturated colors. Know why? Because I’m gearing up for a pattern release and sew-along this June! Here’s how I assembled this bright, saturated mix of fabrics.
The economy quilt block is a classic. With just three fabrics and square-in-square shapes, it’s the ideal block for framing cute prints like those created by Heather Ross. Here are some different ways I went about combining the fabrics.
Heather Ross fabrics are made of fairytales and sunshine. Today I’m designing a quilt starting with a very special stack - the Heather Ross 20th Anniversary collection. My design process flows from fabric to patchwork and back again.
One way or another, it happens every spring. Sometimes it starts with warm weather, other times with fabric love. This time it started with a modest little package I received from The Confident Stitch last week.
I bet you’ve noticed that the background fabric is a big deal for this quilt. It makes a strong visual impact and you need a LOT of it for this scrappy adventure. Here is what to look for in a background fabric and some specific fabric suggestions.
Choosing fabrics is definitely my favorite part! Here are some curated picks for the After the Rain quilt. I know not everyone enjoys the fabric selection stage, so if you’re feeling stumped, these fabrics are available at my sponsor shops!
Now, don’t be afraid! This is a chance to show off some fabrics that you really love. I have some tips today (and a fun surprise) to help you make good choices.
6 Tips for Choosing Fabrics for English Paper Piecing. What fabrics work best for fussy cutting? What else is important? From transformative fabrics to directional fabrics - let’s explore how to use fabrics creatively for EPP.
Do you remember the swatch service offered by The Confident Stitch? Last month I received the autumn mailing and began thinking about a new dress for Elora. Now I’ve received the fabric and started cutting!
Today I’m popping in to share some color palette ideas for a brand new sew-along being hosted by Amy Friend for her book, Petal and Stem. Are you dreaming of a dusky garden, a sunny rock garden or something analogous perhaps?
Right now the seasons are changing round the world. For most of us the change in seasons brings a fresh energy to mind and body. You can capture that energy and funnel it into your hobby!
Do you know what’s really fun to sew? A teapot. Oh, and teacups! But we haven’t gotten to those yet. Come see my third rendition of the Penny Sampler teapot block. It’s warm and toasty!
Do you own a copy of my book, The Quilter’s Field Guide to Color? Oh, that’s so cool! Well, friend, don’t let it sit on the shelf. Let’s unpack it together. You’re invited to join Quilter’s Color Quest. It’s time to take your field guide on an adventure.
+ an accidental Ikea flag