Patchwork Auditions

I love to explore different coloring options for classic quilt blocks.  So many times, we become ingrained at seeing blocks colored a certain way.  Over and over until our brain only sees it that one way.  The Vice Versa blocks made me think that we are constantly missing a million other ways to color popular blocks.

Patchwork Auditions will look at some classic blocks and expose some alternate colorings.  I'm going to do this casually. I simply want to think about the blocks and make one. Eventually, I'll put them together into a scrappy quilt.

You are certainly welcome to join me!  Below you'll find cutting instructions for the basic blocks in 12" and 16" finished blocks, but not a tutorial.  Use the coloring sheet to generate your own ideas.  I hope that you'll audition other color arrangements and play as I am.

Elements

• Coloring Sheet
• 12"/16" finished block Cutting List
• Traditional Block illustration
• Alternate Coloring illustrations
• My samples

If you'd like to make a quilt with the same layout shown below (at the bottom of the page), you will need to make:

• (15) 16" finished blocks
• (8)   12" finished blocks

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS
3 3/4 yards background fabric
4 yards assorted scraps
5 1/2 yards backing fabric
5/8 yard binding


PATCHWORK AUDITIONS BLOCKS
#1: Sawtooth Star  (pictures below: left is the traditional block; middle & right are my alternate colors)

#2: Shoofly  (pictures below: left illustration is the traditional block; middle & right are my alternate colors)

#3: Ohio Star (pictures below: left is the traditional block; middle & right are my alternate colors)

#4: Economy (pictures below: left is the traditional block; middle & right are my alternate colors)

#5: Mosaic No. 12 (pictures below: left is the traditional block; middle & right are my alternate colors)


#6: Churn Dash (pictures below: left is the traditional block; middle & right are my alternate colors)


#7: Snowball (pictures below: left is the traditional block; middle & right are my alternate colors)

Layout

See the Finished Quilt!
#patchworkauditions

Springy Gatekeeper Quilt

I'm excited to show you this new springy version of my Gatekeeper quilt pattern.  Isn't she cute?  I absolutely love this pattern because it goes together quickly with strip piecing.  Next thing you know, you have a lovely 70" x 70" quilt put together and only had to cut strips and squares/rectangles.  Pretty slick.

This version of the Gatekeeper quilt uses the new fabric line called One Room Schoolhouse.  This line debuted at the industry trade show, Quilt Market this past weekend.  This line has such cheery colors and a modern, yet vintage vibe.  The collection is what I would call modern 30s if there is such a thing?  I love working with Brenda Ratliff's collections - they are always up my alley.

These photos were taken at my husband's grandfather's home.  I absolutely adore his property.  It's beautiful old red farmhouse set deep in the woods in Michigan.  Spring was just starting to appear when I took these shots. 

 This Gatekeeper Quilt will be available as a kit with One Room Schoolhouse fabrics from RJR Fabrics.  This line will be available in July - it seems crazy that July is right around the corner!  Ask you local shop about the kits if you'd like to make this beautiful Irish Chain quilt.

The individual pattern for Gatekeeper is also available in print here or in PDF here.   Happy spring!

Crafty Planner Podcast

Hello!  I'm so happy to share that I spoke with Sandi Hazelwood of The Crafty Planner earlier this month for her podcast.  It was so much fun!  Although it was my first time meeting and talking with her, she really makes you feel like an old friend.  Listen to us chat away about all sorts of quilty things, including the May Quilty Box that I curated and, of course, samplers and how I became a gen x quilter.  I hope you enjoy listening to the episode!