Today, we are going to talk about the Garden quilt! When we were talking about the different samples we wanted to make for the Color Chaos Release, we knew we'd do a solid fabric cover quilt and a Modern Solid sample. We used prints in the Test One but they are basics and small scale repeats so we felt we needed to show a sample using all different kinds of prints and scale differences (very tiny to larger print repeats). Also, I didn't want to use only one line of fabric, I wanted a variety of makers and fabrics so it felt more curated. This way, I am hoping I can provide inspiration for some to dive into their stash and work with what they have. Lastly, I knew I wanted this quilt to play with florals and ginghams.
The fabric comes from three different manufacturers, Robert Kaufman, Ruby Star Society and Andover Fabrics. I love the tomatoes, the different florals, the small bubbles and variety of ginghams with only a few hits of solids. I am in love with this bundle.
Before we started making this sample, I had the idea of doing something a little different in how we share it. Instead of the traditional sharing of fabric, then making it, then finished quilt, I thought "why not really show people what it's like to sew a sample?" So, for an entire week, we filmed multiple times throughout the day, the process of sewing this sample.
It was really fun to film this because I never really stop to explain or think through my process to others. It also was fun to watch back and see myself working. It is a weird thing to see our house and what I am doing from someone else's eye (Luke filmed).
Now if you don't want to watch the video, no worries! I am still going to share all the photos I took during this week as well. Let's go!
Monday, I finalized the design and fabric placement, cut all the fabric and sewed I think 6 or 7 blocks.
Tuesday, Alysson and I continued to sew blocks and got over halfway.
Wednesday at end of day I had all 32 blocks finished!
On Thursday I sewed all the blocks into their columns, pressed the seams and took some photos.
Once the columns were all ready to be sewn together, I went ahead and sewed 1 - 4 together and 5 - 8 together. I like making halves when I can in quilt tops because it is easier to manage when sewing them through the machine.
These halves are thrown over my desk chairs and it reminds me of a little table skirt. How fun would that be?
If you can't tell, I couldn't stop taking photos. Every column brings new colors and prints and fabric combinations. It was addicting trying to capture them all.
I have no idea which column is my favorite in this quilt. Or even, which print. But I will say I love the combination of the gingham, tomatoes and big flowers in the orangey-yellow blocks.
We caught a small break in the rain and snapped some full photos in the yard but dropping this off with Emily of So Sunny Quilts.
I really wanted the pantograph on this quilt to be whimsical and fun and play into the garden vibes. I chose the Flower Fun pantograph and then Emily had this beautiful pastel variegated thread and I saw it and said YEP!
For how unique and "busy" this pantograph is, you only get to really see the beautiful details super up close or in real life. But it does add a beautiful texture to the quilt.
Getting this next set of shots was comical. I do not know how models do it. Wearing a dress and heels and having to cross your legs and sit up straight and put your chin down and angle your body. I mean, I was sweating and laughing because it felt impossible and my body felt so not natural in some of these shots ha.
