Gather some precuts to make these two fat quarter quilt patterns I love: a modern quilt and one with machine applique flowers to welcome Spring.
“Spring Dance” was just published in the Late Spring 2021 issue of Quilter’s World magazine, and also in the Fat-Quarter Friendly Quilts publication. These colors are so beautiful! They are from the Balboa collection by Sherri & Chelsi for Moda Fabrics.
It measures 54″ x 70″ and the blocks finish at 12″ and 4″. It comes together super fast so it is a fun weekend project. If you are a beginner quilter, this pattern is ideal for you because there are no special skills required.
As you can see, the block is very easy to put together. I chose lighter fabrics for its middle and alternated the fabrics on the blocks to add texture and interest to the project. It would also look cool with novelty or geometric fabrics.
If you have fat quarter bundles and have been looking for a project to use it, consider Spring Dance for its easy and speedy of construction.
The triangles on the sashing add movement and whimsy to the design and are made with flying geese – the instructions have lots of diagrams to help. The cornerstones are hourglass blocks with two colors: just sew the triangles together and stitch the units to make the block.
The quilting motif that Melissa (Sew Shabby Quilting) used was simple and perfect and, quite by chance, matched the photoshoot as it reminds me of waves.
I said there were two fat quarter quilt patterns I love and here is the second one, also featured in the same publications:
“Amethyst Garden” was wonderful to design and make! The fabrics are from the Mill Creek Garden collection by Moda Fabrics with blocks set on the diagonal. It measures 48″ x 48″ and the blocks finish at 12″.
The fabrics on this quilt give out a more romantic vibe so I chose a traditional block to surround the flower block in the center.
First, make the three stars, add a plain square to make the four-patch, and stitch it all together. Finally, applique’ the stems and leaves using the sewing machine and the blanket stitch. Have fun selecting the fabrics for the flowers – you can see how this quilt gives you lots of room to play around with the variety of fabrics in fat quarter bundles.
I was in California when I made Amethyst Garden, visiting with my grandsons. They loved seeing the blocks come together and chose which of them I should photograph. I miss them!
This is how I put together the setting triangles. It is not complicated and it adds some flair to the design, don’t you think? Don’t worry about sewing these pieces together – the triangles fit right on the sides of the squares, and you just have to assemble them in order as shown in the instructions.
Setting triangles used to scare me, but no more. In Amethyst Garden, they were begging for oomph, and I think I put it there! It is no longer tricky to calculate their size – I simply use the table on page 22 of my copy of the Quilter’s Reference Tool book. In fact, I own two copies of this book – one stays in my office and one in my studio…
This quilt is on my dining room table distracting me from the snow covering my front yard. The colors are lovely!!! Fat quarter quilts are a great way to use up ‘some’ of our fabric stash. You know what I mean!
If you would like more ideas for projects using fat quarters, check out Witches’ Party – it is my favorite Halloween Quilt!
The Late Spring 2021 issue of Quilter’s World has amazing projects for you to make, display in your home, or gift to friends. The Garden Square table runner is already on my to-do list!
Send me a photo of your version of my quilts when you make them! In the meantime, have a great day!
