Table of contents for March/April + May/June 2024 in Quiltmaker

Are you drawn to bold, beautiful, largescale prints? They are oh-so-lovely to look at—but can be oh-so-challenging to incorporate into our quilts! Choosing the right pattern can make all the difference. In this issue, we look at a few ideas for using those eye-catching fabrics. See how Ramona Sorensen played with geometry to frame a gorgeous array of large-scale prints in her Terrace Garden quilt… while Patti Carey encircled them in Cirque de Fleurel using a special curved piecing technique. And you’ll find them perfectly suited for Toby Lischko’s groovy Lava Lamp throw. How about some different techniques? For our stunning cover quilt, Reflections of Love, Karla Kiefner added a unique twist by exposing the back sides of prints. And Brenna Riley Gates shares her Top Ten Tips for Fussy…

INTERMEDIATE Finished Size 64" × 80" Finished Blocks 16" “Reflections of Love is a blended collection of ‘Xs’ and ‘Os’ featuring BOTH sides of Anna Maria Horner’s exquisite Love Always fabric! I have always admired Anna Maria’s vibrant and unique textile designs, so I was thrilled when I turned over one of her fat quarters to find a beautiful reverse! When you use these dynamic motifs, paired with the subtle contrast in value of the reverse, you get a curious (yet familiar) interplay between fabrics. The best part is, using both beautiful sides of the fabric is a fun and easy way to add sparkle and interest to your quilts— it’s almost like doubling your stash!” materials Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. 20…

INTERMEDIATE Finished Size 62" × 72" Finished Blocks Various “Geometry is always my first inspiration for a quilt. This time, I wanted to make something with just squares and rectangles—kind of a minimalist approach. I experimented with different fabrics until I realized large-scale prints would be perfect for this design. I have always loved Kaffe Fassett’s fabrics and have been a fan for a very long time. I first discovered his work through my knitting club.” materials Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. 7 Assorted Large-Scale Prints • 2⅞–3⅝ yards total for blocks (See step 1) Gray Shot Cotton • 2½ yards for sashes and border Purple Shot Cotton • ¾ yard for binding Backing • 4¼ yards Batting • 70" × 80" cutting Patches…

CHALLENGING Finished Size 64" × 74½" Finished Blocks 9½" “This cheerful quilt uses one complete bundle of precut 10" squares—with no waste; each pair of 10" squares makes two blocks. Add some blenders and a contrasting sashing to complete the quilt top." materials Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. Assorted Large-Scale Prints • 42 (10") squares OR 3⅜ yards total for blocks Assorted Small-Scale Prints • 1¾ yards total for blocks and cornerstones White Print • 1¼ yards for sashes Pink Stripe • ¾ yard for binding Backing • 5 yards Batting • 72" × 83" Template Plastic cutting Patches are lettered in order of use. Measurements include ¼" seam allowances. Assorted Large-Scale Prints • 42 squares 10" (A) • 21 template B (see…

The traditional Six-Point Star block is a classic and timeless design that has graced quilts for generations. Paula adds a fun twist to this geometric pattern with four-patch diamonds for the star points— creating a stunning visual effect. Her color palette is reminiscent of 30’s quilts when feed sacks were often used for patchwork. This luscious quilt is sure to brighten any room! INTERMEDIATE Finished Size 40" × 53" materials Fabric yardage assumes 40” usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. Assorted Pink, Aqua, Red, Blue, and Yellow Prints • 1¾ yards total for blocks White Tone-on-Tone • 1⅜ yards for blocks Aqua Tone-on-Tone • 1¼ yards for setting triangles and border 1 White Print • ⅜ yard for border 2 Pink Tone-on-Tone • ⅝ yard for binding Backing…

One doesn’t need to be a seasoned longarmer in order to quilt beautifully. Just master these five freehand designs, and you will be well on your way to tackling your UFO pile. Before you begin, practice each design with a pencil on paper (or use a marker on a whiteboard). Hold the pencil in your fist with your thumb up and the point of the pencil down while you draw. Why the fist? It may seem awkward at first, but this motion mimics the way you move when driving the longarm, making use of your whole arm and shoulder. Longarming is a full-body sport—get used to using all your muscles! Practice doodling while sitting in the carpool pick-up lane, watching TV, or eating breakfast. As you practice in your spare…

INTERMEDIATE Finished Size 68" × 80" Finished Blocks 12" “The gentle curves of the Flowering Snowball block are fantastic for someone wanting to try something new. Add in the Triangle-in-a-Square block, and this becomes a terrific skill-builder quilt! So many fun designs can be made just by changing the color placement.” materials Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. Green Ombré Print • 3¾ yards for blocks and border White Solid • 3¼ yards for blocks Gray Ombré Print • 1⅛ yards for blocks and binding Assorted Color Ombré Prints • 1⅝ yards total for blocks Backing • 5¼ yards Batting • 76" × 88" Temple Plastic Foundation Paper (Although fabric amounts are adequate for foundation piecing, you may need more if you cut very generous…

What If? by Paula Nadelstern from Benartex Paula's latest collection was inspired by the question that is always the starting point for creative brainstorms: What If? These brilliant prints display symmetry, intricacy, and interlaced form. Fabrics include five different prints with three unique colorways. benartex.com Enjoy the Little Things by Dan DiPaolo from Clothworks Little things can make a big impact. This captivating large-scale collection celebrates the beauty of nature. Lush lavender fields, vibrant echinacea blooms, and delicate poppies will bring a touch of tranquility to any quilt project. clothworks.com Roar! by Tula Pink from FreeSpirit Fabrics Tula Pink created her latest collection by tapping into her childhood fascination with dinosaurs. Her bold and imaginative large-scale prints include majestic dinosaurs and lush botanical landscapes. Each is a masterpiece of intricate…

INTERMEDIATE Finished Size 80" × 80" Finished Blocks 14" “This design is a mash-up of a Rail Fence and a French Braid. While you can play with any combination of assorted fabrics, I used a coordinated collection of 25 fat quarters. It makes a fun, scrappy quilt.” materials Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. White Tonal • 3⅞ yards for blocks and border 25 Assorted Prints • 1 fat quarter each for blocks (a fat quarter is approximately 18" × 20") Navy Print • ¾ yards for binding Backing • 7⅞ yards Batting • 88" × 88" cutting Patches are lettered in order of use. Measurements include ¼" seam allowances. Border strips are cut to exact length needed. You may want to make them…

INTERMEDIATE Finished Size 76" × 76" Finished Blocks 8" “ Since I have a lot of 5" squares on hand, I decided to work on a design to use them. For this quilt, some would be cut into 4½" and 2½" squares. When I was pleased with the look, I found it would take four charm packs. While I used a light background, imagine using black with bright textured solids! ” materials Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. Cream Dot • 4⅛ yards for blocks, patches, and borders Assorted Prints • 2⅝ yards total for patches and blocks Red Print • ¾ yard for binding Backing • 7½ yards Batting • 84" × 84" cutting Patches are lettered in order of use. Measurements include…

Curved piecing takes center stage in this groovy quilt. This is the perfect quilt to show off a collection of largescale prints. INTERMEDIATE Finished Size 50" × 66" Finished Blocks 8" materials Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. Light Green Solid and Light Blue Solid • 1⅛ yards each for blocks Purple Print • Purple Print 1⅝ yards for blocks, border 1, and binding 3 Large Floral Prints • ⅜ yard each for blocks Large Purple Floral Print • 1⅜ yards for blocks and border 2 Backing • 3¼ yards Batting • 54"× 74" Template Plastic cutting Patches are lettered in order of use. Measurements include ¼" seam allowances. Light Green Solid and Light Blue Solid from each, cut: • 18 template A • 17…

INTERMEDIATE Finished Size 80" × 100" Finished Blocks 30" × 20", 12” × 8”, 9”, 18” “The Moose Be Quilting sampler was inspired by my family’s love of moose, and specifically, our pet stuffed moose Max, and my love of sampler - style quilts. When the idea for a moose-based sampler came to mind, it only took an evening to go from concept to finalized quilt design in Electric Quilt 8. From the moment I started designing the quilt, I knew it had to be made using Maywood Studio Woolies Flannels.” materials* *Fabric yardages were given in Part 1 which appeared in Quiltmaker September/October ‘23. Visit QuiltingDaily.com to find this issue. cutting Patches are lettered in order of use. Measurements include ¼" seam allowances. Border strips will be pieced and cut…

EASY Finished Size 32" × 32" Finished Blocks 13" “Floral Wonders uses fat quarters and some yardage to create a unique wall hanging. The quilt would also look lovely hung on a baby’s wall.” materials Fabric yardage assumes 40" usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. Yellow Batik • 1 fat quarter for blocks and cornerstones (a fat quarter is approximately 18" × 20") White Batik • ¾ yard for blocks and sashes Green Batik • 1 fat quarter for blocks and cornerstones Purple Batik • 1 fat quarter for blocks and cornerstones Blue Batik • ⅝ yard for blocks, cornerstones, and binding Pink Batik • 1 fat quarter for blocks and cornerstones Backing • 1⅛ yards Batting • 36" × 36" cutting Patches are lettered in order of…

The Double Decker Quilt This quilt was a fun project. I made it for my granddaughter, who is a kindergarten teacher. It’s for a housewarming gift for purchasing her first home. I used The Double Decker Quilt pattern from the May/June 2023 issue. I decided to make them school buses, so I adapted the pattern to do that. I used an apple quilting pattern. The size is 58" by 56". Rita Bottoms • Eldon, MO At the Lake This pattern, At the Lake, was in the July/August 2021 issue and is the perfect wall hanging for my grandson and his girlfriend. They live in British Columbia and spend every weekend on outings in their canoe. I machine quilted lines going across the wall hanging to give the impressions of water…

Lisa Shepard Stewart has been passionate about fabrics her entire life. Today, she’s a renowned purveyor of African textiles. She opened her store and event space, Cultured Expressions, in 2017 in downtown Rahway, New Jersey. Clients can shop in person, online, or book virtual shopping appointments for a “personal shopper” experience. Lisa sources African prints, mudcloth, jacquard batiks, beads, brass embellishments, and more—primarily from African countries. Lisa brings her expertise not only to her retail store but also to traveling “SewJourns” with clients to places like Ghana, Colorado, and New Mexico. She’s the author of three books on sewing and decorating with fabrics from Africa and other countries, and her magazine, FABRIGASM, is a treat for lovers of African textiles. Join me on a journey with Lisa to learn about…

Looking for quilty inspiration and entertainment? Check out these Instagram influencers. With their valuable insights, product recommendations, and a sense of community, these experts make Instagram a dynamic space for staying informed and entertained. Bisa Butler Bisa Butler is an award-winning African American textile artist. She is known for her vibrantly stunning larger-thanlife-sized quilted portraits that captivate viewers around the world. @bisabutler over 300,000 followers Jenny Doan, Missouri Star Quilt Company In 2008, Jenny Doan started making YouTube videos at the urging of her kids. Fifteen years later, MSQC has amassed a staggering following on YouTube and transformed the town of Hamilton, Missouri into a destination for quilters. @missouriquiltco over 246,000 followers Kimberly Jolly, Fat Quarter Shop Kimberly Jolly has created a legacy brand quilters know and trust through her…

INTERMEDIATE Finished Size 67½" × 75" Finished Blocks 7½" “I love to make blocks out of my tiny pieces and strips. I pieced 25 patches from my scraps and set them into blocks with a square-in-a-square setting and two of my favorite coordinating fabrics. I also like experimenting with quilt size and block scale with many of my patterns.” materials Fabric yardage assumes 40” usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. Assorted Prints • 1½ yards total for blocks White Solid • 1⅜ yards for blocks Purple Print and Black Tonal • 1 yard each for blocks Light Gray Print and Medium Gray Dot • 1¾ yards each for blocks Gray Plaid • ¾ yard for binding Backing • 5 yards Batting • 76" × 83" cutting Measurements include ¼"…

INTERMEDIATE Finished Size 36" × 36" Finished Blocks 8" Dresden Plate quilts are a classic dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. Named after the ornately decorated tableware of Dresden, Germany, these quilts feature wedge-shaped patches with pointed or curved edges that radiate from a central point to create circular fabric “plates” resembling a flower or a sunburst. Dresden Plate quilts often showcase vibrant and contrasting colors, making them a popular choice for quilters who appreciate both traditional and bold aesthetics. Gina has enhanced her design by piecing fabrics within some of the blades. Use the foundation sections provided, or create a your own unique fabric from bits and pieces of your scraps—then use the template to cut all of your blades. If you’re as crazy for Dresden’s as we are,…

Getting Started About our Patterns We recommend that you read all of the instructions before starting a project and that you cut and sew one block before cutting all of your fabric. Using a rotary cutter, mat and an acrylic ruler, cut the shape to the size indicated in the cutting list. Pressing tabs indicate the direction to press the seam allowances. Our patterns list finished block sizes, which are typically ½" smaller than unfi nished block sizes because they do not include seam allowances. BasicQuilting Supplies • Rotary cutter and mat • Acrylic ruler: Many shapes and sizes are available; a good one to start with is 6"x 24" with ¼" and ⅛" markings • Scissors: A separate pair for paper and fabric • Sewing machine • ¼" foot…