The lady in charge of the charity work had told me about a once a year local Coats & Clark fabric sale and all of the wonderful fabrics from it. I did not realize it, but Coats & Clark not only make thread but also own the Rowan and FreeSpirit fabric lines (which have some pretty fabulous collections). At the sale, bolts (yes, 8 yard bolts!) of fabric were going for $8 and Coats & Clark also gave our guild a big box of fabric samples. I will not be missing this sale next year!
Well, back to the story...when I told a look through the fabric samples I saw Denyse Schmidt's Deerfield Hill line in both the blue/green colorway and red/pink colorway. I had not seen this line and being a big Densye Schmidt fan, I snagged both and promised to make some wonderful charity quilts with them.
I wanted to try something fun and outside of the box for me with no HST (I had just made the 144 for the mystery quilt and was done making those for a while) so I decided on a wonky court house steps quilt using the blue and green colorway along with some coordinating prints and solids.
I started with random sized white squares and added the print fabrics around the squares making them wonky. Here is what the beginnings of the blocks look like.
My plan is to add a layer of white and a second layer of prints to the court house block. Then I will add Kona ash to bring the blocks up to size and fit them together. I have been taking pictures along the way so when I finish the quilt top I will show a little tutorial on how I made the blocks.
I am very happy to link up with Let's Bee Social @ Sew Fresh Quilts, Needle and Thread Thursday @ My Quilt Infatuation, and WIP Wednesday @ Freshly Pieced.
I love these! You had me at Denyse Schmidt. I have not seen much of this particular line. You are one lucky duck to get fabric samples. I only come across curtain or upholstery fabrics in sample formed like those. I did buy some cool ones to make zippered bags/purses. I look forward to seeing more of improv blocks. They are looking good.
ReplyDeleteI think mixing in the solid as a band in these blocks is really going to help the beautiful fabrics be nicely featured. Lovely, and I look forward to seeing how the quilt turns out!
ReplyDeleteWow, a yearly Coats & Clark sale? I'm thinking roadtrip!
ReplyDeleteI adore DS's fabric and can't wait to see this charity quilt in its final form. Keep us posted. : )
I love the wonky. I'm more of a traditional quilter and actually embrace other techniques when I see them. I was a math major and even though I think for different solutions I still think more in parallel lines, I guess, even though lines do intersect. I'm very black and white about things even though I do like bright colors. My first husband was very OCD, oh brother, was that a mess!! lol
ReplyDeleteLove Love Love the wonky blocks and fun fabric! wtg
ReplyDeleteLooks fabulous, Cheryl!
ReplyDeleteLove the blocks! Will be looking for that tutorial. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh this quilt is going to be fun! Looking forward to seeing this finished top :)
ReplyDeleteit will be fabulous...can't wait to see it.
ReplyDeleteThose blocks are going to look amazing in the fabric palette you picked out - looking forward to seeing the finish.
ReplyDeleteThose fabrics are the best. Thank you for doing a tutorial! What a great charity quilt!
ReplyDeleteHow fun! I find great reward in working on charity quilts for my guild. I love your color contrast in each block; the white solid really sets it off. Looking forward to watching the progress. ~Shari
ReplyDeleteI love your blocks. I would like to check out Coats and Clark fabric. Thank you for the tip.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great design and perfect mix of prints and solids! This is going to be fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI really like these blocks. You have such a good eye for mixing prints and working with color; they are gorgeous and I can't wait to see them finished!
ReplyDeleteHi Cheryl. I like what you have so far w/the wonky/glue green and am looking forward to seeing it finished. I didn't know C&C made fabric. You gotta love a good sale. I found you on Let's Bee Social. Bee social and stop by for a visit anytime.
ReplyDeleteI can't do improv myself but I admire those who can. It's looking great so far!
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely fabrics and it all looks lovely so far Quilty hugs
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Coats & Clark owned FreeSpirit and Rowan. It sounds like you found quite the sale!
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