I am so excited to introduce you to my newest quilt pattern, Snowflakes in July. I started sketching this out in January, and putting it together and writing the pattern in February. (Side note - how is it already the end of May?!) Sharing this quilt with the world has been a long time coming, that's for sure.
It's a large throw size that finishes at 66"x71". Perfect for cuddling under on the couch while watching a movie, and spreading out on the ground for a picnic while watching fireworks.
My version is made from Moda Grunge fabric in Red, Regatta Blue, and Essence Ivory. I love the texture and depth the Grunge line gives while still just using a solid fabric. The pattern includes fabric requirements and cutting instructions for both yardage (to make a solid version like the one pictured) and fat quarters (to make a scrappy version that I think will look really fun)!
For the backing fabric, I chose Vintage Picnic in Navy Gingham by Bonnie and Camille. I'm a sucker for a good gingham fabric, and I think it goes nicely with my "picnic under the fireworks" feeling I had when designing this quilt.
I quilted organic wavy lines going horizontally across the quilt. I didn't measure, but I aimed to keep them and inch(ish) apart. It's gives the quilt a lovely drape while still adding some texture and interest to the surface.
This quilt pattern is suitable for a beginner quilter, but I'll take that a step further and say it would be better for a confident beginner. While it is not particularly complex pattern, some of the pieces are small and can be more a challenge to work with. But, if you are on the fence, I would say GO FOR IT! That many flying geese will be a good skill builder either way! I've written a more in depth tutorial on the Flying Geese method I use in this pattern. There is also a free PDF handout you can print off and refer to as needed. You can find all that here.
Sometimes, I have a vision for a quilt and when I try to put it on paper it just doesn't work. It takes ten versions before I find the one that works. This one, however, I saw clearly in my head before I started and when I put it on paper and did the math, it came together perfectly. If only it was that easy every time!
My husband was sitting next to me on the couch when I finished the first digital sketch. I showed it to him and asked what he would name the pattern. He said it reminded him of snowflakes. Perhaps he had snowflakes on the brain since it was January at the time. Haha. It sort of evolved into Snowflakes in July from there.
Now that all that is out of the way, I'm leaving you with lots of fun pictures. If you want to make your own Snowflakes in July, you can grab the pattern HERE!
Click Here to go the the Flying Geese tutorial.
Click Here to download the No Waste Flying Geese Reference Sheet.
Enjoy this picture filled post of my scrappy American Flag quilted wall hanging!
It's no secret that I love the American Flag. My very first real quilt was a large American Flag that still hangs in our dining room now! One of my favorite things about living on post is that an American Flag hangs outside the door of most houses. Walk into any house here on post, and you will find Americana decor. So, when I decided to branch out into writing patterns, starting with an American Flag was a no brainer!
I used fabrics from two collections (Freedom by Sweetwater for Moda Fabrics and Betsy's Basket by Darlene Zimmermanfor Robert Kaufman Fabrics) plus assorted red, white, and blue fabric from my stash. The scrappy variety gives the quilt a rustic, vintage vibe. I love the way it turned out.
My absolute favorite detail about this quilt is the fussy cut squares from the Freedom collection. I wasn't able to get all 50 states because I only had a fat quarter to work with, but I will definitely stock up on more of this fabric for future projects. It is such a fun fabric!
For the backing fabric, I used Patriotic Pride - State Names in navy by Studio E. It was the perfect backing for this project. The binding is Bella solids in Navy. I like the way dark bindings frame a quilt.
I quilted it using straight lines 1/4" from each seam vertically and horizontally. It created a nice grid that gives this quilt a nice texture. It hangs nicely against the wall!
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