Often when I make one project, it sews the seed for another. It might be a particular technique I enjoy, or a block that needs exploring further, which is how this quilt came about: I made a cushion project for Today’s Quilter a couple of years ago (issue 64) inspired by a vintage embroidery of a Carnation and loved making the tiny carnation flower blocks. So much so that I couldn’t resist making a quilt full.
Having scaled up the block slightly, I dipped into my stash of spring-like pink and lilac prints - mainly from Tilda’s Woodland range, with a few cool-toned Liberty scraps for good measure - which hopefully evokes wildflower meadows and bluebell woods. Jayne quilted it with a tumbling Tapestry design.
The addition of a gently curving stem allowed four blocks to create a pretty wreath motif, which would make lovely table topper if you’re looking for a smaller project to brighten up your home for spring.
The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice that the leaf is pieced in the same way as a petal, which makes for some very satisfying chain piecing - my absolute favourite - accompanied by a good podcast and lashings of tea. You can find the patterns in issue 87, which is arriving on British newsstands this week, just in time for some Easter Bank Holiday sewing. So that's chain-piecing, podcast, tea and a generous handful of Cadbury's mini-eggs.
Happy Easter my lovelies,
Nicola xx