Inspired by Heather Jones' "big block" quilts (see my recent book review of Heather's new book ~ Quilt Local ~ here) I thought I would try my hand at designing and making my own big block quilt. I am using the term "big block" quilt casually here, and in this instance I am really referring to simple, large scale designs based on a traditional patchwork quilt blocks. There are many patchwork blocks suitable for such large scale representation.
Once I had worked out my design I realized that there were many opportunities for color play, and then of course I couldn't make just one quilt. The two quilt tops came together quickly! All fabrics used for the quilt tops are Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton including Kona White and Kona Pepper (my preferred colorway for black solid fabric).
And then the quilting ... I have quilted an all over grid of (edge to edge) intersecting lines to complement the simple design and at the same time add texture. The quilting lines are closely spaced - approximately 3/4" apart - and I have used a quilting guide attached to the walking foot as a stitching guide, and I have also marked lines with a soluble fabric marker in the borders.
In order to promptly remove the marked lines from the quilt - and because I am fairly impatient - I dunked both quilts in a large tub, spun them in the washing machine to remove excess water, then tumble dried and also air dried the quilts outside. It sure helps when it is 40C/104F outside! All photos are of the washed and dried quilts.
For the back of the quilts I have used Newspaper in Spackle from the Story Collection by Carrie Bloomston. The binding fabric is Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton in Pepper.
Both these quilts are for sale and have been listed in my Etsy Store.
See the listing details here:
These two quilts were so fun to make. It is a change from my usual scrappy quilt style but I do enjoy working with solid fabric and I like that there are still many of my own preferred design elements including the quilting and the use of traditional patchwork blocks. A great way to start the year.
Rita
RELEVANT LINKS:
Red Pepper Quilts Etsy Store
More Kona Cotton projects
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These quilts are stunners, Rita! I love the pops of color and all those beautiful quilting lines.
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful! Great design.
ReplyDeleteThey are gorgeous! What batting did you use?
ReplyDeleteOh, how fun! I love these quilts - bold and beautiful. Thank you for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteI was curious to see how much these were listed for, but they were sold before I could even click over to Etsy! Beautiful things sure go super-quick!! :)
ReplyDeleteThese are so bold and graphic. I love them. Great photos,too!
ReplyDeleteYou always amaze me with your quilts! These are stunning...so crisp and clean and exciting! Good for you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a super fun pair of quilts :)
ReplyDeleteLove these quilts, very bold and bright.
ReplyDeleteSweet design ~ big block patterns are the best!
ReplyDeletelove the grids .. its so wonderful
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!!
ReplyDeleteReally Pretty!! Love your grid quilting
ReplyDeleteGorgeous and stunning color combinations.
ReplyDeleteStunning is the perfect description! Did I miss what size they finished at? I can't choose which one I like the best. Please make more!
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love the quilting on these!
ReplyDeleteWhat an impact these make! I've got the book -- now I, too, need to do something with it.
ReplyDeleteThey are stunning Rita, they look like they could hang on the wall together as an art piece.
ReplyDeleteThose are lovely! I enjoy your color choices, I always try to pick too many colors for things and I may try a more minimal approach next time!
ReplyDeleteVery modern and crisp!! Love!!!
ReplyDeleteVery modern and crisp!!! Love!!! 💗💗💗
ReplyDeleteLove black and white with any color! Both beautiful!
ReplyDeleteVery cool.
ReplyDeleteWOW! That is so beautiful, really love the red and yellow and black and white.
ReplyDeleteVery very attractive. MY BABY, (lol, my grandbaby) loves the quilt i made her, it is colorful, but she really is attracted to her black and white plastic books, with the little splashes of color.
ReplyDeleteThese sold like hot cakes. I know you enjoyed making them!
Stunning is definitely the word. Your quilts and photography set a bar of excellence for the rest of us. I can hardly wait to see your next quilt, and the next. Thank you for sharing all the beauty you create with the world.
ReplyDeleteThese are so cool! I love the idea of a big block quilt.
ReplyDeleteThose quilts look great. I love the design.
ReplyDeleteLove this!
ReplyDeleteOooh, I love these!
ReplyDelete