Introducing a New Pattern: Interweave

I'm thrilled to introduce my newest pattern. Interweave.

Interweave was designed specifically to feature large scale prints. Kaffe Fassett. Amy Butler. Philip Jacobs. All those beautiful, big prints you're afraid to cut. Go ahead and cut them up. This pattern is the perfect place to show them off.

If big prints aren't your thing you don't know what you're missing. Give them a try. That said, Interweave will make a beautiful quilt with all sorts of different fabric choices. Use your favorite fabric collection. Try different scale prints. Think batiks. I think it would even look stunning in all solids and give you a wonderful space for showing off your free motion quilting skills. Maybe a different motif in every row.

The Interweave pattern includes:

• A design lesson to help with choosing fabrics.
• Yardage for baby, throw, twin and full/queen sizes.
• Information on how to alter the size to meet your needs.
• Design explorations illustrating additional ideas.
• Fully illustrated step by step instructions.
• Coloring pages for all 4 sizes so you can color your own version.

The design looks amazing on a bed. If I'd had enough fabric of the quilt shown above I would have made a queen size for my new guest room. Some of those black and whites have been in my stash for years and I was down to just small amounts so could only manage a small throw. Right now I'm playing with another Interweave throw for the family room using some traditional large scale leafy prints I've hoarded. So many ideas. So much fabric. So little time. Can you relate?

To celebrate both the new pattern and because my birthday was this week, I'm putting Interweave on sale for 20% off. No coupon code needed. Sale runs through Sunday February 6th 2017 ending at midnight CST.
Edited: Introductory sale has now ended.

Head to Craftsy or my Etsy shop and give Interweave a try. I'd really love to see what you make. Send me a photo, or better yet, post it to Instagram using #springleafstudios and #interweavequilt.

Happy Quilting.
Anne

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Offset; Another New Pattern and a 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 2015 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 Offset. My other post for today features Matrix. 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 Offset . . . 

The Offset design came about through play. I took a concept and played with the idea using the computer. Then I made some test blocks and eventually a couple of test quilts. Then I played some more. Can you tell I like to design?

As I worked back and forth between sewing and designing, a whole new idea emerged. While the original impetus for the design was garden trellises, that idea eventually morphed into something entirely different. Overlapping, broken boxes and crosses that are offset from each another. Look at the four blocks in the lower left hand corner below. Can you see how the green forms the outline of a box and the gray forms a double cross? The elements don't quite line up . . . they are offset.

This design evolution also led to a name change. The early test quilts were called Tumbler. You may recall this if you read here regularly. I think the new name, Offset, better reflects the visual concept.

As I said in the Matrix post, 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 when they are using a pattern. That's why I 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 really is. These include several alternative ways to use the pattern and showcase a variety of looks that can be achieved.
• A Coloring Page so you can try out your own color scheme.

The Offset Design Explorations start with simple variations like those below which illustrate how a different color emphasis can change the look of the boxes and crosses.

Additional Design Explorations show examples that are far different from the cover quilt. Different ways to use color and different ways to emphasize elements of the design. There are also three options for making a more modern quilt from the pattern. Use of negative space plays a big part in those ideas.

Offset is 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. It's a good way to use up leftover 2 1/2" strips or do some stash busting. The design would look wonderful in all solids or colorful batiks. Even some large scale prints work well. 

The pattern includes yardage for a 60" x 80" throw sized quilt.  As you can see from the test quilts photos below, the size can be adjusted by making more or less blocks as needed. Keep in mind you will need an even number of blocks across and down for the primary box/cross design but that doesn't mean you can't make it another way. That's what the Design Explorations are for.

It's your quilt . . . I want you to make it your way.

Here are the early test quilts. The first one was this bold colored scrappy quilt. Using my stash of warm colored dots was a great way to play with an idea and work things out.

Next came this one using a jelly roll. This quilt was recently gifted to my sister-in-law
and blogged about here.

Even some large scale prints work well if the colorway reads predominately as one color. Here's a small baby quilt using Kaffe prints.

Offset 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.

I'm also having a giveaway! Leave me a comment telling me which pattern, Offset or Matrix, 

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.

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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.

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Head's Up . . . Two New Patterns Coming!

Several of you have asked about these quilts and now I'm happy to report that the waiting is over.
I'll be releasing two new PDF patterns at the end of the week.

They will be available in my Etsy shop.
Plus, there'll be a giveaway and a sale on my patterns through the weekend.

Please come back Thursday and see what it's all about.    : )

 

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Blogger's Quilt Festival

Welcome to the Blogger's Quilt Festival and all the quilty goodness it implies. Twice a year, Amy of Amy's Creative Side puts on this wonderful linky event so we can all share our quilts and see the work of lots of other talented quilter's in blogland. Grab your favorite beverage and start browsing. You're sure to be inspired. I know I always am.

My entry is called Matrix and I'm entering it in the Original Design Quilts category.

Matrix came to be when it was my turn to request blocks from my fellow Mid Century Modern q-bies. I was inspired by the idea of woven looking quilts and started playing with some ideas in Illustrator. If you've read my blog before you know I simply LOVE to design. So much so that I get quite caught up in all the design possibilities and sometimes find it hard to tear myself away and actually make the quilt. Once I do start sewing, many times I find myself making more than one quilt because I love all the possibilities a design offers. Matrix was no different. And I'm happy to say that it will soon be a pdf pattern so stay tuned to my blog.

My first edition of the design was a scrappy version in bright pastels made with blocks from my bee members. We work from our own stash and it was quite fun to see the blocks come in. Very few fabric repeats and there are lots of fun colors and fabrics. Most of the fabrics were not ones in my own stash so that was good. Try as I might, the colors here don't do the fabric justice but I love the scrappy look!

While I waited for the scrappy bee blocks to arrive, I played a bit more with the design and discovered lots of other options. That's when the full spectrum version of Matrix was born. The fabrics cover the entire color wheel. I just love the strength and liveliness the pure bright colors bring to the design. Don't you think the colored vases from my studio look great next to it?

I also went on to try another version in a smaller scale with a simpler color scheme. I was amazed how fast this one came together. It's a baby size and the stripes worked out so well. I like the colored background too.

I'd love to know which one of the versions is your favorite. It's hard for me to decide because I love each one as I make it. There are a couple more versions I like to try. One uses different background colors for the blocks and the effect is really fun and unique. I may also expand the scrappy one into a larger size. It's the type of quilt that just begs to be larger. Maybe this summer.

Please hop over to the Festival and consider voting for my quilt in the Original Design Quilts category. The entries show up randomly this year without names or numbers so just scroll through the category to find mine.

Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the show.

Spring Colors in Full Bloom

Spring has finally made a real appearance around here. Things are getting green . . . flowers are starting to bloom . . .  rainbows are making an appearance along with a little much needed rain.  Color is showing up all around after a dull gray winter. So it just seemed like a good time to spring my latest new quilt designs on you too. These three designs have actually been works in progress for far far too long. I'm still working on the finishing touches. Two more to bind . . . one more small one to sew.

First up are two quilts I've made using 2 1/2" strips in cheery spring colors . . .

Next up is a fat quarter friendly design using cool crisp colors to refresh on those hot days to come. . .

And another fat quarter design bursting with rainbow brights  . . . awaiting binding. I have the fabrics cut for another version in wonderful blue/green stripes too.

All three quilts will be be published next month as PDF patterns. There are also other versions and optional ideas that I'll be sharing soon too. Stay tuned to the blog for the big release and sale.

I'm linking up today with WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced. Hop over and see all the creativity going on out there. It's very inspiring.

What's old . . . is new again

Lately I've been trying to get my studio under control a little at a time. The scrap piles have been sorted and a scrap system begun that I can honestly say is working and quite useful so far.

Of course, the problem with the "little at a time method" is that there are always unfinished areas still needing to be organized and then whole new messes develop as I work. I think I need to accept the fact that my studio will always be a work in progress just like my quilts.

First off came making room for a group of stripe fabrics I've been collecting here and there. I have lots of design ideas for stripe fabrics with more popping into my head every day.

Do you ever start a collection of fabrics by picking up a fat here and there and then realize you have way more than you thought, or dare I say even need, once you get them all in place? I had no idea I had this many stripes and must admit this is only half the collection.

The main area I've been tackling recently is sorting, organizing and disposing of old publications. I love magazines and books and over the years have accumulated quite a library. My style has changed over the years and some of the old publications just aren't where I'm at today. My new favorites are Generation Q, Stitch, Quilty and Modern Quilts Unlimited.

Some of these older issues will go back on the shelf, some into the donation bin at my library and some will go to the next modern guild meeting to giveaway.

As I sorted through pile after pile of magazines . . . some over 15 years old . . . what I discovered is how often what is old is new again. I can't tell you the number of times I came across a quilt design from years ago that was very much like a quilt I just recently saw on a blog or online somewhere. New fabrics, new spin on an established design. Thus what's old is new again.

Was the newer one simply copied? I'd like to think INSPIRATION is a much better word. In many cases I would bet the quilter who did the newer version never saw the earlier one. In this age of instant digital access it can be extremely hard if not nearly impossible to be completely original.

We are all inspired by something, somewhere we've seen. It might be lurking in the recesses of our brain from years ago. It might be something brand new we just saw or experienced that has nothing to do with quilting. The important thing is that it inspired us. It moved us. It awoke our creativity and the need to make. Bringing this creativity to life by making allows us to express ourselves and give meaning to our work. Rather than simply copying, I hope we are truly creating.

I encourage you to let the inspiration in your personal world bring new life to your work . . . create your own vision. If starting from scratch with a quilt design of your own is intimidating, try a pattern but put a spin on it to make it your own.

If you're not sure how this works, check out my patterns which offer many different options so you can bring your own personal creativity and style into play. I have three new designs in the works too so stay tuned for new pattern releases in the next few months.

I'm linking up with Cindy's Really Random Thursday for this post.
Have fun creating.  : )

Pattern Survey

I'm deep in the midst of working up my next patterns and would love your opinion on a few things.
I'd really appreciate it if you'd take a moment to comment on the following questions. I value your input and really want your experience with my patterns to be the best it can be.

1. Do you prefer paper or digital patterns?
2. If you buy a digital pattern, do you use it by viewing on screen or do you print it?
3. If you buy paper, do you prefer loose sheet format or a stapled booklet format?
4. Do you buy a pattern with the intention of making the cover quilt pretty much as shown with the same or nearly the same fabrics?
5. Would you like alternative ideas on how the pattern can be used included in the pattern like those shown below?

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate each little bit of info you're willing to share.

Hope you had a very relaxing weekend and wonderful, safe 4th of July if you live in the States.

Blogger's Quilt Festival Spring 2013

It's that time of year again. Time for the Blogger's Quilt Festival sponsored by Amy's Creative Side. For those of us who don't get to attend Quilt Market, this is such a wonderful way to see all the amazing quilting going on out there. Be sure to hop over to Amy's site and browse through all the linkys.

I had the hardest time deciding what to enter. Lots of things are in the works but not many finished projects. Looking back over this past year I realized one of my favorites was the quilt I made from a layer cake of Moda's Tradewinds fabric line. A very summery quilt that I'm looking forward to using again this summer.

I had never used a precut bundle of fabric before but this line just spoke to me. Fresh, eclectic, a touch of the exotic. I just love the little tea cups. Makes the perfect print for a backyard garden tea party. I bought more tea cup fabric to make napkins. Just need to sew them up.

I used my Cascade pattern for the quilt and made a table runner with the leftovers. The pattern tells you how to use your scraps as you piece the top so the extra blocks are done at the same time. Love the runner just as much as the quilt itself. Very scrappy, yet coordinates well with the quilt. And it looks perfect with my strawberry dishes don't you think?

Designed, made and quilted by me.
Categories:  throw and scrappy.

Grab a cup of tea, sit back and enjoy visiting all the other links. You'll definitely be inspired.  : )

Pattern Sale

Just a heads up about a pattern sale going on over at PatternSpot.
You can take 10% off all Modern Quilt Patterns now through May 22nd, 2013.
Use coupon code MOD10

Cascade and Facets are in this category so it's a great time to go ahead and give them a try.

I'm also quite curious as to which type of pattern you prefer; pdf downloadable or traditional printed paper pattern? Leave me a comment letting me know your preference.

We Have 2 Winners!

The Quilter's Blog Party was my very first time participating in a giveaway and I really enjoyed reading all the comments. I had lots of fun visiting the other participating blogs as well as the blogs of people who commented on my giveaway. I found some wonderful new blogs to follow and hope you did too. All this online inspiration is simply amazing. 

Thanks to all of you who became a new follower of mine and to those of you faithful followers who came to visit. I had a winner from both camps, one new, one faithful. Love that!

Now, on to the winners .  .  .

First up is Amy from (Amy's) Crafty Shenanigans who said:
"New follower and looking forward to seeing more :) I absolutely LOVE cascade - and the colors that it has been done in - true inspiration thanks!!!"

And the second winner is Carla from Lollyquiltz who said:
"Anne, your patterns are all so great and I'm excited at the chance of winning one! If you pick my name, I'd choose the Cascade. Thanks a bunch!"


Seems Cascade was the pattern of choice for most of you.

Although there were many votes for Facets too.

For those of you who commented and didn't win you can purchase my patterns through my Etsy shop. I hope you will come back and visit often. I have a new pattern in the works right now with more to come this year. 

Happy quilting, Anne