bright quilt, with square centre and jelly roll strips

I have to admit to being completely in love with this quilt. It's vibrant, bohemian vibe makes me really happy. This is the kind of quilt that would cheer you up on dark nights and add lively colour to a room.

The pattern is the Ripples from the book Sew Jelly Roll Quilts & Gifts by Carolyn Forster. I used a jelly roll of True Colors by Heather Bailey - with great graphic prints and rainbow colours.
You can watch the Sewing Quarter demo here.

vibrant patterns and colours on quilt fabric

I chose to quilt a diamond motif in the centre using red, purple and blue Aurifil thread. I used different weights of thread too to give a subtle shift in texture.

centre quilted with three concentric diamonds

The quilt looks even better 'in use', folds and drapes show off those lovely prints.

quilt that is scrunchy like it's thrown over something

The pattern is simple but striking and it was made easier with the Creative Grids Multi-Size 6" Flying Geese & 45° / 90° Triangle ruler - that's a mouthful! But I've been using this ruler a lot and it's incredibly handy for so many quilt blocks and patterns. If you're looking to add to your collection then that's a great choice because it does so much.

Flat shot of whole bright quilt

Now I have to be totally honest, there were more triangle sections than you can see in the quilt. I pieced them together and set them to the side of my machine. Went off to do something, came back and kept on sewing strips, completely forgetting the triangle strips that were on the other side of the table. Doh. When I realised I unpicked one row and ended up piecing them into the edge. Sadly I didn't have time to unpick more so those triangles didn't make it. It doesn't effect the finished quilt though and you'd never know if I hadn't told you!

close up of corner of quilt, detail of graphic shapes on fabric

I did reserve some jelly roll strips for the binding, I couldn't resist using the black and white along with the blue prints and it gives it even more flair I think!

quilt folded so all corners are visible and you can see binding


This week I finished another #icecreamsodaquilt block. I am enjoying using all my Liberty scraps and this blue one has some hidden Hello Kittys!

english paper piecing quilt block, star shape made of diamonds, kites and hexagon thirds


Finally I wanted to let you know that I will be teaching at the Sewcial Retreat next March! In a beautiful setting, not far from Oxford it's going to be a fun weekend of sewing and relaxing. Organised by Purple Stitches you can get all the details of the retreat here.

image of pretty building amongst well kept grounds and lawn