July 9, 2015

Matrix; A New Pattern and Giveaway!

I'm celebrating!


Today, I'm releasing two . . .  yes, I said two . . .  new patterns!!

They've both been a long time (too long) in the works, so I'm thrilled to finally have them published in PDF format for online sales. As a thanks for your patience, I'm putting both new patterns on sale for 20% off. The sale starts today, July 9th and ends Sunday, July 12th at midnight Eastern Daylight Saving Time in the USA. They are available on Craftsy and in my Etsy shop. No coupon or code needed.
There's also a giveaway – so please read to the end.
Note: Sale and giveaway are now closed.

This post features Matrix. My other post for today features Offset. I hope you'll read them both.
I'd love to know which pattern is your favorite and why.

So, without further delay, allow me to introduce Matrix . . . 



Like all my designs, Matrix was born from playing with ideas on the computer. I was intrigued with woven designs but didn't want a straight forward weave. The more I played, the more fun I had. I finally narrowed the concept down to interrupted, intersecting lines that create a layered structure much like a matrix. I really like the sense of depth the layering adds to the overall design.

As is the case with much of my work, I find it hard to settle on just one version. The blocks for the
first version of Matrix were made by my Mid Century Modern Bee a good year and a half ago. I asked them to test the block for me using a bright pastels in small prints. While the blocks I received were wonderful and the end result made for a lovely scrappy quilt, it just wasn't quite what I had in mind. Over time, a clearer vision took hold that better fit the image I had. A Matrix filled with every color of the rainbow. Perhaps it was inspiration from the colored vases in my studios.



Matrix is a very bold design that looks far more complicated than it really is. One block.
Specific color combinations. A distinct block arrangement. I explain it all in detail with lots of illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions.

I truly believe a great quilt doesn't have to be complicated to be stunning and beautiful.
I also believe every quilter should find a way to make it their own even if they're using a pattern.
That's why I always include these three bonus features in my patterns.
  • A Design Lesson that explains the block, the quilt layout and how it works, and some tips on fabric selection.
  • Design Explorations so you can see how versatile the pattern is. These include several alternative ways to use the pattern and showcase a variety of looks that can be achieved. You'll be amazed at how many different looks each pattern provides.
  • A Coloring Page so you can try out your own color scheme and design your own.

Here's an example of just one of the Design Explorations pages included in the pattern. 
There are 4 pages of explorations total.



The pattern also includes yardage for four different sizes; baby, lap, twin, and queen so you can make a Matrix to fit your quilting needs. It's a great pattern for 2 1/2" strips or fat quarters. Yardage is given for both as well as cut yardage so you can choose what's best for you. Twelve fat quarters covering the full spectrum of the color wheel plus yardage for grays and the background will make the throw sized quilt on the cover.  I used the tone-on-tone prints shown below, but would be just as striking in all solids, colorful batiks, or modern prints. I want you to make it your way.



If you're just not into rainbows, it's totally ok to use a different color scheme. Tone it down with nice cool blues and greens or make it even simpler by using identical blocks with the same fabric throughout the whole quilt. Really. They all look great!

Below are three versions of Matrix that create completely different looks. The first example uses identical blocks made from three striped fabrics and a color background. With all the blues and stripes
I think this is a great guy quilt. Perhaps for a new baby boy.



This next one is where the idea all started . . . the original bee quilt. The scrappiness is delightful and refreshing. I think the fabrics my bee mates chose lend a nice vintage feel that I just love. I'm thinking I'll make a few more blocks so it will become a nice cozy throw size.

.


Last, but not least . . . my modern version of Matrix. I wanted to explore the use of negative space and limited color using large scale prints. It was made specifically to enter into QuiltCon 2015 and I am happy to report it was accepted into the show. Perhaps you saw it if you were in Austin.
You can read more about it here.



Matrix is available on Craftsy and in my Etsy shop. And as I mentioned earlier, both new patterns are on sale for 20% off through the weekend. No coupon or code needed. The sale ends Sunday, July 12th, 2015 at midnight Eastern Daylight Saving Time in the USA.
Note: Sale and giveaway are now closed.


I'm also having a giveaway! Leave me a comment telling me which pattern, Matrix or Offset
is your favorite and why for a chance to win a PDF copy of your choice. Of course I'd love it if you'd become a blog follower too.   : )   You can also follow me on Instagram @springleafstudios. 
I'll announce a winner in about a week.


Thanks for reading. I hope you feel inspired.

Post is being edited. Giveaway and sale are now over.

Follow

63 comments:

  1. It's hard to choose; they are both fascinating. After much deliberation: my favourite is Matrix, especially in your final version.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh my! You want us to chose between the two? That is really hard. At first, I was definitely thinking I liked Offset the best, but I am leaning more towards Matrix. I love the flexibility of how many colored strips can be used. What a great way to change the looks of the design! My favorites are the cover example on the pattern and the very bottom one on this post with the low volume prints to fade out the edges of the quilt. I love that you give options for your quilt designs.

    ReplyDelete
  3. They are both great, but right now I like Matrix best. I've been looking for something like this for my son and his fiancée

    ReplyDelete
  4. So hard to choose!! I'd love to make them both but I'd probably start with Matrix!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. They are both lovely but I think Matrix is my favorite-I like all the different "looks" you can create with this pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Matrix is my favorite...maybe because it looks complicated but isn't? Or because I love the colors you chose in the examples.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Must have both! I need to make a couple of baby quilts but can also envision grown up quilts" in both designs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Matrix is my favourite. With the different colour combinations I find the overall look is calmer.

      Delete
  8. I'll be honest - this is my favorite! Your new quilts are beautiful. I just posted about them too!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Matrix Please * I'm thinking great quilt for a little boy to grow up with.
    I know a big boy who might like to grow old with it also.
    Thank you for a chance to win and congratulations on both patterns.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I really like Matrix, and seeing some of your fabric combinations makes it even more interesting. Congratulations on the publication of these patterns.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I would make both quilts, but Offset is more me! I love how you show all of the variations with the colorways. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love them both but Matrix is my favorite. It is the quilt that lead me to your blog. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Though I like both patterns, I prefer the Matrix in the very bright primary colors. When you put the quilt top against your glass vases, they are just beautiful. I have a large assortment of FQ's now in some very bright colors and I am ready to go. Thanks for the giveaway. Hope I win !!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I like the overall effect in both patterns (the way the blocks interact together) but my preferred one is Matrix; it has a more modern feel (to me) that grabs me.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love both patterns, congrats on their launch! If I had to choose a favorite I would go with Matrix because it is just so versatile creating such different looks from the same pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love that you showed how many different variations can be made! My son just got engaged and I think they'd both love Matrix!

    ReplyDelete
  17. So hard to choose. I think I like Offset best.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Love them both but I would pick the matrix. Love it. Thanks for the chance to win. (debbie at wowilikethat dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  19. I like both of your patterns but think I like offset just a bit more. I was trying to think of why and finally decided it seems like a calmer pattern. And I like my bed quilts to reflect that. I really liked the different color schemes in the matrix pattern but like offset a bit more.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love both patterns but I would make Matrix first since I have stashed so much low volume I will never use it up in my lifetime! I signed up for email notices for your blog today.

    ReplyDelete
  21. While I like both patterns, my favorite is definitely Matrix. I like the color version on the pattern as well as the one your friends contributed to. I already follow your blog. My email is ldladner at bellsouth dot net. Thank you for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love the Matrix pattern. It has so many possibilities. I don't think I'm going to take a chance on winning the give away and missing out on the 20% off sale, so I'll just order the Matrix pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Really love the modern matric. Lots of inspiration here! Like you I want to explore negative space. I already follow your blog and really enjoy reading it.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Both patterns are wonderful bit matrix is my favorite especially made with the dark blue background. I have been following your blog and love your work.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I like both, but Matrix has the edge because of the illusion of depth. Your design alternatives are great!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Offset is my favorite, although this design is very eye-catching too! I like how my eyes wander when I look at Offset.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I am a new follower of your blog on Bloglovin'!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I like them both but I think maybe I like Offset a little bit more.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I follow on Bloglovin and I love your pattern Matrix 😍😍

    ReplyDelete
  30. I really like Matrix. I especially like your use of negative space.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Really love your new patter, Matrix!!! The vases for inspiration and beautiful, too!!! bekedams at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Your patterns and posts are very comprehensive for both quilts. I like the idea of the coloring diagram and reliance on "familiar" 2 1/2" strips and fat quarters. Of the two, I prefer the Matrix design. The way the eye moves over the design is smooth, with lots of resting places which adds to the appeal. I also like the complex look without complicated construction. It's new and fresh. Plus your description also said it- it's a bold design.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I love what you did with the stripes in Matrix - I have a ton of strips - that would be my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hard to decide but offset by a very slim margin. Want to make both though!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love the matrix it's so different from everything else out there recently

    ReplyDelete
  36. WoW! Both quilts are beautiful! I think I'm leaning more towards Matrix. Now, to explain why. Because, hehe. I'm thinking maybe because it's not so "busy". I do like both color ways, doing either rainbow or two colors.

    Awesome giveaway!

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I love both, but I love the look of Matrix!

    ReplyDelete
  38. They both call my name, but I think I like Matrix better, and I think the reason is that I like the "un-boxed" look better. I follow you by email and am so glad I found you!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I like both patterns but I think I prefer the more modern version of Matrix best. I love quilts that look more complex than they really are to make.

    silverthimble@shaw.ca

    ReplyDelete
  40. Oh my! I love them both, but spotting Matrix on Flourishing Palms's Instagram account is what made me seek out your blog, so it's a winner, just on Pied Piper ability alone! Thanks for the chance to win! Kathryn.sullivan00@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  42. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Your patterns are lovely! Congratulations on getting them done! I like the Matrix pattern best especially in the rainbow colorway.
    yoyopattycakes @hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Opi love both! I would pick Matrix first. I'm having trouble following you on Instagram. I searched and found you but can't find the Follow button!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Great pattern lots of design possibilities

    ReplyDelete
  46. Nice pattern! Congrats on getting through the publication process! ZippyQuilts(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I looked at Offset first, then at Matrix, it is really fascinating, it reminds me so much of the quilts my friend Suz creates, and Matrix with the bright colours is a lot like my preferred choices. Having moved countries I really miss my friend and partner in crime so would love to get Offset to give to her :) THANKS for creating two lovely patterns!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Love both but if forced to choose, it would be Matrix. I have a lot of strips to use, this pattern may help!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Matrix is an intriguing pattern. The block is suble, providing a design that draws you in after enjoying the overall first impression of the quilt. I would enjoy constructing this quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I like Matrix best but offset is also terrific. I'm actually going to get both after the giveaway if I don't get one. Hope that doesn't upset my chances.
    Teri Rice
    iastargal@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. Matrix is so very versatile. It immediately caught my ey, and has remained in my thoughts. That is saying something!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Both of your pattern are great although Offset is my favorite. I'm going to order both as they are equally very versatile. Thanks for the giveaway as well.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Matrix could be made in so many versions, it's a great pattern. I seldom see a pattern with so much versatility. Well done you.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I looked and looked at both and all of the variations, but ended up back at Matrix. I am particularly enamored of your modern version -- love the understated background. But love the "figure 8" variation of Offset also -- the one where the outside strips of every block are green.

    ReplyDelete
  55. I looked and looked at both and all of the variations, but ended up back at Matrix. I am particularly enamored of your modern version -- love the understated background. But love the "figure 8" variation of Offset also -- the one where the outside strips of every block are green.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I love the graphic yet welcoming nature of this quilt. Beautiful in all its variations.

    ReplyDelete
  57. I love the graphic yet welcoming nature of this quilt. Beautiful in all its variations.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I really love this pattern. I especially love all the options you show here!

    ReplyDelete
  59. I love the Matrix quilt. How woukd I purchase a pattern?

    ReplyDelete

WaHoo!!! You're leaving me a comment. Thanks for stopping by and do come back again. Quilt on, Anne.