African Disappearing 4 Patch Quilt

On my recent trip to Kenya, I was given an African dress made by a local dress maker. It didn't fit well, but it was a full length, full skirted dress so I brought it home hoping I could do something with it. I cut the whole thing apart and found there was so much fabric. I still have well over a yard left after making this quilt. 

The fabric has a slightly shiny side and a not shiny side. I chose to put the not shiny side up. The fabric moved well under my needle and I didn't have any trouble with it. There is not give or stretch to it at all. I chose the disappearing 4 patch because this one a one fabric quilt and I've made some of these before. It did a good job of breaking up the fabric pattern, but not so much that you couldn't see it anymore.

I backed it with a navy minky fleece from Hobby Lobby. I like that it doesn't have the same stretch as the ones I used to get from Joann's, but the color wasn't as navy as I would have liked it to be. But it is a useful souvenir from our trip. I am thinking of making some pouches and maybe a rope bowl or a pillow out of the rest of the fabric. 

Scrappy Squares and Solids Fall Quilt

60" x 72"

There are always a lot of solid 2.5" strips in my solid bin, so I have been making an effort to use them this year. I saw a photo of a quilt like this on Pinterest and thought I probably have enough strips to make it. I used 8 different colors from orange to green. One color was a few blocks short, so I added an extra block of a few other colors. I don't think it made any difference.

I debated on using a golden thread, a gray one or a olive green, but I decided to go with a variegated green thread. It looks great on the top because some of the green thread is almost yellow. 

Because I no longer have access to an in person fabric store, I am really trying to use what I have on hand. So this marbled green moda fabric was the closest I could get. But with the cross hatch binding, I think it looks okay. Thought about keeping it, but my daughter says we have enough fall quilts. 

So this one is listed in my etsy shop for you!

 

Solid Squares

60" x 72"

There’s something about a rainbow quilt that instantly lifts the spirit. I recently finished a new modern throw quilt that I’m especially excited to share with you. The top is made from my stash of 2.5" leftover solid strips. I made a simple 6" square in a square block, varying the mix of colors. 

I quilted it on my longarm machine in a gentle, looping design that adds movement and softness without taking away from the bold lines of the front.

The back and binding are the same print, a soft gray with whimsical white dots, giving it a clean, yet charming look from both sides. Find it in my etsy shop. 

 

Downpour Quilt Pattern

New Quilt Pattern Release: Meet Downpour!

I'm thrilled to introduce you to Downpour, my newest quilt pattern — and a special one at that! It’s officially my 50th pattern, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. Downpour is a versatile and eye-catching quilt that comes in four sizes: Baby, Throw, Twin, and Queen. Whether you’re sewing for a little one or creating a statement piece for your bedroom, this pattern has you covered.

What makes Downpour stand out is its flexibility. It can be made with yardage or 2.5" x 21" strips (yes, those precut strips you’ve been saving!). Instructions for both options are included in the pattern, so you can choose the method that works best for your fabric stash. For a simple and clean look, choose three coordinating fabrics plus a background. If you want something a little more playful, go for the scrappy version like I did. Just gather your 2.5" strips (they only need to be 21" long) and sort them into lights, mediums, and darks.

To highlight the feel of falling rain, I quilted Downpour with wavy lines, giving it a soft texture and movement that really brings the design to life. 

I’ve added a few mockup samples below to spark your creativity and help you imagine the possibilities. Whether you prefer a neutral background or a colorful, bold one, Downpour is the perfect quick and easy pattern.

You can find Downpour in my Etsy shop and here’s the best part: To celebrate this milestone of 50 quilt patterns, all patterns in my shop are 50% off until Friday!

Thanks for being part of this journey. Whether you’ve sewn one pattern or all 50, I’m so grateful for your support. I can’t wait to see your version of Downpour and don’t forget to tag me when you share!

Mirage Quilt

 

57 x 68

This quilt is moody in some blues, grays, and cream. It was a layer cake I've had for years that I bought when our local quilt shop went out of business. I picked this pattern called Mirage by Moonkin. It's a free pattern and she has several more to choose from.

I made mine larger by adding an extra row and a half. So instead of 6 x 7 blocks, I used 6 x 8.5. That also meant that I had to find a couple more fabrics from my stash because the layer cake wasn't enough. But the effort was well worth it.