It’s here! It’s finally here!! Spring AND Tamara Kate’s new Frolic fabric collection for Michael Miller Fabrics!! And I’ve got a new pattern – Spring is in the Air – for you to celebrate, woot woot!
Today I’m sharing how this project came to be and all the sweet quilty details that are featured in this modern baby quilt.
The Spring is in the Air quilt pattern is available for instant digital download.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission.
Story Behind the Quilt
It all started one cold winter day back in March when I received an unexpected email from Tamara asking if I would like to play with her new fabric line for Michael Miller Fabrics. First, how could any quilter say no to that kind of request? But, more importantly, Tamara is just a sweetheart who I met through the Montreal Modern Quilt Guild. And I was just so thrilled to help a quilting buddy out 😊
If you’re not familiar with Tamara’s work, then you’re in for a great surprise. Her designs are always whimsical and full of colour. And this collection doesn’t disappoint on either front!
Just look at all this gorgeousness!
For more projects featuring Tamara’s fabric collections, check out:
Frolic Fabric Collection
This isn’t the entire collection, but a good chunk of it!! Of the 19 fabrics, I’ve used 12 of them, including:
- Tresse in Raspberry
- Big Love in Candy
- On the Wind in Raspberry
- Tresse in Citrus
- Big Love in Tangerine
- Frolicking in Orange
- Big Love in Lime
- Frolicking in Apple
- Tresse in Blue
- Maggie Jean in Sky
- Maggie Jean in Royal (one of my favs)
And I’ve got just the quilty project for you to beat any kind of winter or rainy-day blues!
Quilt Pattern Details
I designed the Spring Is In The Air quilt pattern specifically with Tamara’s Frolic line in mind. The goal was to showcase the bold and bright fabrics by piecing larger blocks to feature the details in her designs.
I also wanted to emphasize the vibrant colours. I love how the colours play off one another and change based on their placement. The geometric lines of the quilt design juxtapose the softness of the florals. It’s dynamic while still having a sense of grounding.
It took me a while to get the math down for the exact line-up (and had to walk about and ponder on several occasions), but it was worth the mental challenge when I finally got there. I was all “booyah!” and did a little happy dance 😉 Pattern writing is a challenge in its own right, but so rewarding!!
There’s no denying this quilt is bold and bright, but I love that It reminds me of happy times, joy, and rebirth. Which is why I named it Spring is in the Air!
Quilting Details
To not distract from the quilt design, I went with white 50wt Aurifil thread so that my top quilting would blend into the background fabric and let the quilty texture do the talking. And does it ever!
With all the matchstick quilting in the central flying geese, paired with the softness of the Michael Miller Fabrics, this quilt is beyond cozy to snuggle with. I can attest to that while petting her on several occasions 😉
Before selecting any fabrics, I knew I would use the On The Wind in Raspberry as the backing. This print is just beyond gorgeous and I just HAD to have it in my quilt.
Quilt Binding Details
I also knew I would use one of the Tresse prints as the binding. These prints are perfect for this task. My only struggle was deciding which colour to use!! In the end, I opted for Tresse in Citrus which I think completed the quilt perfectly.
Highlights from the Quilt Journey
I’m so pleased with how it turned out. One of my most enjoyable quilting experiences and outcomes to date!
Fabrics to brighten your day
Since I started this project back in March when it was still dark, cold, and snowy, you can just imagine how sweet it was to have Tamara’s joyful and colourful prints to play with! And by the time it was all pieced and quilted you could see and feel the seasons changing. It was such an awesome feeling to sit and bind this lil’ beauty while the sun was shining and spring was in full swing.
Fast one!
This quilt came together super quickly too! Finishing at 40 x 40, that’s not entirely surprising 😉
Cutting nice & quick!
The cutting is straightforward and, since the pieces are larger, they come together quickly. Perfect weekend project and would make an adorable gift too! How great would this be as a wall hanging for a nursery?!
Fabric play!
What’s also fun about this design is you can make so many different quilts just by playing with the fabric selection. Imagine what this pattern would look like in all solids?! Or even low volume. Wait, what? Did I just say low volume?! I just love bold colors, so it’s an area I haven’t ventured into yet. But I can see the possibilities here! Oh, the options that could be explored!! This is why I’ve included a colouring page for you to help brainstorm some ideas!
Tamara’s new Frolic fabric collection is truly stunning. Vivid, cheerful, and makes you think of nature. A great combination that holds so many quilty possibilities.
I’ve made a couple more projects using this fabulous line, which I hope to share in the coming weeks. You can see some of those quilty possibilities in this Rainbow Plus mini I designed!
To celebrate the launch of Tamara’s new line heading to stores on June 15, 2017, I’m giving away a free copy of my Spring Is In The Air PDF pattern. All you need to do is leave a comment below telling me what you love most about Spring! How easy is that!! I’ll pick a winner on Friday June 2, 2017.
Update – the giveaway is now closed with the lucky winner of the Spring is in the Air quilt pattern going to jt56!!
Happy quilting my friends!
xo
Shannon
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I love that week were everything goes from grey and dormant to fresh green and awake!
I also have a soft spot for pussy willows!
Yes, that's such a good moment!! And so encouraging that we're officially done with winter 😉
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Your quilt is an absolute stunner, Shannon! I so rarely work with large pieces in my quilting that I am so impressed you can show movement and subtlety with them. Thanks so much for highlighting Frolic so beautifully.
That is so sweet of you to say, Tamara! Thank you for having me as part of the Frolic showcase!!
I love your quilts, the simple lines make it gorgeous.
Thank you, Fran. So happy to hear you love the new design!
We live in South Florida, so it's sort of perpetual summer, but we grew up in Ohio, so what I loved about spring there was when the rain washed away all the dirty snow and cinders and all the trees started leafing out. 😀😀😀
Yes! That is such a special and encouraging moment! So refreshing to see the end of the snow cleared away and new growth starting to peek out!
It's beautiful! I love large piece quilts and can't wait to try this.
Thank you!! That's so nice of you 🙂
Oh, and what I love about Spring, it's time to get out and enjoy before the 100 degree weather sets in.
Ha! Yes, it goes from warm and comfortable to blazing heat in a nano second!!
In New Zealand I love the lighter mornings and evenings and the burst of colour in the garden signalling new beginnings.
Ah, the return of light is such a glorious thing! And those bursts of colour after a long and dreary winter is a sight for sore eyes!
This quilt is a delight! The fabrics and design just come together so perfectly! My favorite thing about spring is planting zinnia seeds in my garden! carolann427@aol.com
Thank you, Carol Ann! Planting in the gardern is one of my favourite activities in springtime too! Although mine are usually focused on vegetables 😉
I love the sunnier days. I never really noticed as a kid, but the older I get, the more I look forward to those lengthening days when Spring rolls around – more daylight for sewing!
Gosh, you're telling me! I find it more and more difficult to get through the dark days of winter. I just want some sunshine 🙂
I love the sunnier days. I never really noticed as a kid, but the older I get, the more I look forward to those lengthening days when Spring rolls around – more daylight for sewing!
Shannon, this quilt is just gorgeous! Frolic fabrics were truly a perfect choice…all of those colors are dear to me. Spring is my favorite season as it's finally time to open the windows and let the fresh air into the house. I also love getting my gardens ready to plant so I can enjoy the blooms all summer long!
Thank you so much, Kathy! Frolic truly has a gorgeous round-up of colours!! And I too love being able to open the windows and let the fresh air in. It's so refreshing and nice change after being cooped up all winter long!
nice
Thank you, Kevin!
Love your quilt! What I love most about Spring is things greening up & flowers blooming. Not to mention, the temps warming up.
Thank you, Susan! And yes to all 3 of those! Greenery, blooms and warmer weather is such a welcome relief after the long and cold winter months!
This is absolutely gorgeous Shannon! You designed the perfect quilt pattern to highlight and show off Tamara's fabrics. I'm off to your pattern shop right now – I just love designs that have bigger pieces!
That is such a sweet compliment, Izzy. Thank you! It means so much to me that I properly highlighted Tamara's gorgeous new line!
Your design complements the fabrics beautifully! Well done!
On behalf of the global hosts, thank you for participating in the 2017 Finish A Long!
Such a lovely comment, Felicity! Thank you for stopping by!
Spring – a new beginning – seeing everything come to life
Yes – exactly! The precise feeling I was going for!