We're launching a brand new quilt pattern for you today called
the Exploratory Quilt!
This pattern will be the focus of our Quilting 102 class. It's perfect for the new quilter that is ready for the next challenge. Nothing too intricate or tricky here, just a fun fresh design that comes together quickly. BUT, this pattern is actually great for everyone because we've rounded up all the best methods for making half square triangle and flying geese blocks and put them all in one place! We even included a separate Quick Reference Guide that you can keep handy in your sewing space so you'll be ready to make triangle blocks on a whim! You will be ready to make two at a time, four at a time or eight at a time depending on your needs.
The vision for this quilt has always been to keep it pretty classic, so we used
Essex Linen in Flax for the background with a mix of all sorts of blue prints. The pop of red helps move your eye around nicely. But, I can't wait to see the design in other colors, especially with a dark background! Here's a few ideas I played around with:
Here's what you'll need to make your own Exploratory Quilt!
I haven't quilted it yet because I'm debating on doing a lot of hand quilting on this one, and I just can't decide if I'm crazy or not! We'll see. For now, I'll just enjoy the top and keep dreaming up my plan.
We hope you have fun exploring this new quilt design, and that this pattern will work as a reference for many more quilts to come!
UPDATE: 8/8/19, Second Rendition of Exploratory Quilt. This finished quilt is for sale HERE!
I am so excited for you guys to find out more about the exploratory quilt! So this is a great quilt to go to once you feel confident in your basics of sewing - or if you really want to practice Half Square Triangles and Flying Geese. This pattern comes with a really awesome quick reference cutting guide for how you can create multiple of these blocks from 2 squares of fabric!
Sew you wanna know how much time it's going to take?
For just the top, it is about 6-7 hours. I am still deciding how much I want for a border, the pattern calls for 5-1/2" all the way around the quilt. :)
I've been wanting to mix the Machi fabric with the weather permitting fabric for quite some time, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity.
Approximate Finished Size: 65" x 75" (including the borders)
Don't mind my sweet summer look...this is pretty much what I survive in on windy days.
Tips to avoid the dreaded seam ripper:
-Iron, Iron, Iron
-Measure twice cut once. You want to make sure that from the start you cut fabric is perfect - if it isn't the snowball effect will take place and you'll end up with a much smaller quilt or mismatched triangles.
-Really read through the methods of Half Square Triangles and Flying Geese. Once it clicks in your mind you won't feel so lost pulling fabrics together.
I'll be doing a large batch of straight line quilting on a stack of quilt tops that are breathing down my neck. I've really grown to love my walking foot!
