Quiltmaker - True North

It is such a kick to have one of my quilts published.  This month Quiltmaker May/June has my True North Medallion styled quilt on pages 12 - 18.  Gwen Marston got me hooked on medallion styled quilt making and I think if I could only make one style for the rest of my life, it would be this.  I used lots of Minick and Simpson fabrics for this piece, they do make some of the best Americana inspired fabrics.  The outer border was created using charms, so if you have a pack or two languishing in your studio, this is a great way to use them all!  Yes, even the ones you think you don't like.  They all play nicely together in this kind of border.

 

Used with permission Quiltmaker May/June '18 Published by F+W

The best part with Medallion styled piecing is you get to choose the designs for every round.  You can try out techniques but not be committed to an 80 x 80 pattern.  It can be a border that is only 6" wide and 24" long.  This pattern finishes at 52 x 52 but you can keep adding rounds to make it as big as you want.  Add your our design elements to create a one of a kind piece.  Easy, right? This pattern included English Paper Piecing, a template pattern for the center, bias vines that I stitched down by machine, hand applique for the EPP, and a fun design element in the outside border.  I went very scrappy, but this would also be fabulous in batiks.

Each round on this quilt seemed to take on its' own life.  The center star is 20" square so it was a perfect jumping off point. The magazine has instructions for appliqueing the center circle, but if you want to try your hand at insetting the circle, go HERE for a step by step photo tutorial.  Slow and steady wins with this center block.

tUsed with permission Quiltmaker May/June '18 Published by F+W

There are several great patterns in this issue. Carnival by Scott Flanagan looks like a fabulous skill builder pattern and Erin Russek created the beauty on the cover. I worked with Erin on this pattern and she was wonderful. What a thrill to have a pattern in this magazine, this is my first piece with F+W and it was a terrific to work with them.  Go grab your copy, it's on the store shelves right now.

Used with permission Quiltmaker May/June '18 Published by F+W

Check back for a few tutorials from me and start working on this. You'll have it finished in time for July 4th!


Keep stitching,
Sharon