Today I’m going to talk about “Bouquets for Hazel” a bit more, and tell you what to expect and what fabrics you’ll need for your quilt-along quilt.
Here’s a repeat picture of the quilt, so you can refer to it while reading.
The design for the applique in these blocks is floral in nature, and is very loosely interpreted from pictures and samples of linens from the 1940s and 1950s — linens I imagine the Hyde household might have had during the time of the diary’s writing.
I wanted the quilt to have a bit of a retro 50s feel, but at the same time, I “moderned it up” with bright colors, so it would also be a happy quilt. One thing I noticed when researching old linens, is that the designers were not so very concerned with leaves being green, stems being brown, flower centers being yellow . . . they had every color doing every thing, and it seemed very liberating.
So I made all my stems and leaves in unexpected colors, and mixed up all my colors within each block to make it fun.
I then designed the center block and the setting triangle blocks to pull the quilt together using all the same colors from the applique.
I’m also quilting along with you again this time, making another version of the same quilt in another colorway, so you’ll see those colors of mine as we go along.
If you’re new to applique, never fear. I’ll be posting lots of pictures, explanations, tutorials, and related information as we go along, which will hopefully answer any questions you have, and teach you the hand needle-turn method of applique as we go. I’ll also discuss the fusible method of applique as well, should you decide you’d rather use that method.
When we get to the piecing part, I’ll still provide step-by-step instructions and lots of pictures, so you don’t get lost.
If you’re a more experienced quilter, you can just download each pattern and set to work. If at any time you have any questions, you can always contact me and ask.
Now, here’s what you’ll need to make your quilt:
Keep in mind that I’m estimating generously, so if you have shrinkage, mis-cuts, or changes in decisions, you’ll still have plenty of fabric to work with.
For the outer border, setting and corner blocks, center block, and some of the applique, pick a focal print. This is the pink print with the circular flowers on it in the picture. We’ll refer to it as Fabric #1, and you’ll need 3 yards.
For the inner border, block frames, and some of the piecing and applique (yellow in the sample quilt), which we’ll refer to as Fabric #2, you’ll need 1 1/4 yards.
For the applique and pieced blocks background fabric (I used a solid white), you’ll need 1 1/2 yards. We’ll just call this one “background” and not use a number.
You’ll also need 3 other colors to do the piecing and most of the applique with. I chose a pink, a blue, and a green. You’ll need 5/8 yard of each one. You can also just use a variety of scraps in colors that coordinate with your border print, as long as you have the correct amounts of the colors you choose. Feel free to be creative here. We’ll number these Fabrics 3, 4, and 5, and keep them in order using the swatch sheet I’ll make available a bit later.
You’ll also need binding. You can choose one of the colors you’ve already got and get an extra half-yard of it, or you can choose something completely different. You’ll need 1/2 yard.
Then, of course, you’ll need backing and batting when all is said and done, but you don’t have to worry about that right at this moment.
Here is the grouping of fabrics I chose for the sample quilt:
Tomorrow I’ll do a review of all the tools and supplies you’ll need as we make the quilt, and before we start, I’ll once again make available the downloadable swatch sheet for you to use to keep track of your fabrics on. So . . . I’ll see you tomorrow!
