• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
    • FAQ
  • TUTORIALS
  • RESOURCES
  • QUILT ALONGS
    • Little Forest BOM
    • Shattered Star QAL
    • Winter Star QAL
  • CONTACT
  • SHOP
  • Shannon Fraser Designs

Shannon Fraser Designs

Spreading quilty joy one stitch at a time!

Spring Is In The Air – Modern Quilt Pattern Featuring Frolic Fabric Collection by Tamara Kate

May 30, 2017 by Shannon 32 Comments

Spring is in the Air | Modern Quilt Pattern | Shannon Fraser Designs | Tamara Kate Frolic Fabric Collection | Michael Miller Fabrics

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 for you to celebrate – woot woot!
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!
Spring is in the Air | Modern Quilt Pattern | Shannon Fraser Designs | Tamara Kate Frolic Fabric Collection | Michael Miller Fabrics
This isn’t the entire collection, but a good portion 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 Lime 
Big Love in Lime  
Frolicking in Apple
Tresse in Blue 
Maggie Jean in Sky 
Maggie Jean in Royal (one of my favs) 
Tresse in Citrus 
Big Love in Tangerine 
Frolicking in Orange  
This quilty project is perfect for beating any
kind of winter or rainy-day blues!
Spring is in the Air | Modern Quilt Pattern | Shannon Fraser Designs | Tamara Kate Frolic Fabric Collection | Michael Miller Fabrics

I designed the Spring Is In The Air quilt pattern (available here) specifically with Tamara’s Frolic
line in mind. I wanted 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 awhile 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 “booya!” 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! 
Spring is in the Air | Modern Quilt Pattern | Shannon Fraser Designs | Tamara Kate Frolic Fabric Collection | Michael Miller Fabrics
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 😉

Spring is in the Air | Modern Quilt Pattern | Shannon Fraser Designs | Tamara Kate Frolic Fabric Collection | Michael Miller Fabrics

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.
Spring is in the Air | Modern Quilt Pattern | Shannon Fraser Designs | Tamara Kate Frolic Fabric Collection | Michael Miller Fabrics
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.

I’m so pleased with how it turned out. One of my most
enjoyable quilting experiences and outcomes to date!
Spring is in the Air | Modern Quilt Pattern | Shannon Fraser Designs | Tamara Kate Frolic Fabric Collection | Michael Miller Fabrics
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.
Spring is in the Air | Modern Quilt Pattern | Shannon Fraser Designs | Tamara Kate Frolic Fabric Collection | Michael Miller Fabrics
This quilt came together super quick too! Finishing at 40 x
40, that’s not entirely surprising 😉

The cutting is straightforward and, since the pieces are
larger, it comes together quickly. Perfect weekend project and would make an
adorable gift too! 
Spring is in the Air | Modern Quilt Pattern | Shannon Fraser Designs | Tamara Kate Frolic Fabric Collection | Michael Miller Fabrics
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!! Which is why I’ve included a colouring page in my pattern to help
brainstorm some ideas!
Hop over to my pattern shop and get your Spring Is In The Air quilt pattern to get started today!!
Spring is in the Air | Modern Quilt Pattern | Shannon Fraser Designs | Tamara Kate Frolic Fabric Collection | Michael Miller Fabrics
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. Tamara has also included some fabulous knits in her collection. So, if you’re a sewer she’s got you covered as well!! Her new line is heading to stores June 15, 2017,

Spring is in the Air quilt pattern cover showing quilt laid over sofa

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 quilt I designed! I’m still working on this pattern, but
keep an eye out for this one coming soon.

Update – learn more about the Rainbow Plus mini quilt and make the pattern.

Rainbow Plus Quilt | Modern Quilt Pattern | Shannon Fraser Designs | Tamara Kate Frolic Fabric Collection | Michael Miller Fabrics
To celebrate, 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

_______________________________________________


Never miss a post – sign up for the weekly newsletter here.

Other posts you might like:


Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Related

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Frolic Fabric Collection, Michael Miller Fabrics, Modern Quilt Pattern, Modern Quilting, New Fabric Collection, New Quilt Pattern, Tamara Kate

Join the newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Stacy says

    May 30, 2017 at 12:28 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      June 2, 2017 at 6:50 pm

      Yes, that's such a good moment!! And so encouraging that we're officially done with winter 😉

      Reply
  2. Tamara says

    May 30, 2017 at 1:48 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  3. Tamara says

    May 30, 2017 at 1:51 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      June 2, 2017 at 6:53 pm

      That is so sweet of you to say, Tamara! Thank you for having me as part of the Frolic showcase!!

      Reply
  4. fran18 says

    May 30, 2017 at 2:29 pm

    I love your quilts, the simple lines make it gorgeous.

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      June 2, 2017 at 6:53 pm

      Thank you, Fran. So happy to hear you love the new design!

      Reply
  5. Unknown says

    May 30, 2017 at 3:29 pm

    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. 😀😀😀

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      June 2, 2017 at 6:58 pm

      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!

      Reply
  6. Unknown says

    May 30, 2017 at 4:27 pm

    It's beautiful! I love large piece quilts and can't wait to try this.

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      June 2, 2017 at 6:59 pm

      Thank you!! That's so nice of you 🙂

      Reply
  7. Unknown says

    May 30, 2017 at 4:32 pm

    Oh, and what I love about Spring, it's time to get out and enjoy before the 100 degree weather sets in.

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      June 2, 2017 at 6:59 pm

      Ha! Yes, it goes from warm and comfortable to blazing heat in a nano second!!

      Reply
  8. jt56 says

    May 30, 2017 at 8:12 pm

    In New Zealand I love the lighter mornings and evenings and the burst of colour in the garden signalling new beginnings.

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      June 2, 2017 at 7:02 pm

      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!

      Reply
  9. carolann says

    May 30, 2017 at 8:14 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      June 2, 2017 at 7:08 pm

      Thank you, Carol Ann! Planting in the gardern is one of my favourite activities in springtime too! Although mine are usually focused on vegetables 😉

      Reply
  10. Sarah @ Berry Barn Designs says

    May 30, 2017 at 8:38 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      June 2, 2017 at 7:09 pm

      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 🙂

      Reply
  11. Sarah @ Berry Barn Designs says

    May 30, 2017 at 8:38 pm

    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!

    Reply
  12. Kathy E. says

    May 31, 2017 at 3:15 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      June 2, 2017 at 7:12 pm

      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!

      Reply
  13. Unknown says

    May 31, 2017 at 5:27 am

    nice

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      June 2, 2017 at 7:14 pm

      Thank you, Kevin!

      Reply
  14. Susan L. says

    June 1, 2017 at 12:44 pm

    Love your quilt! What I love most about Spring is things greening up & flowers blooming. Not to mention, the temps warming up.

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      June 5, 2017 at 12:41 pm

      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!

      Reply
  15. Izzy says

    June 3, 2017 at 3:33 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      June 5, 2017 at 12:54 pm

      That is such a sweet compliment, Izzy. Thank you! It means so much to me that I properly highlighted Tamara's gorgeous new line!

      Reply
  16. felicity says

    July 5, 2017 at 11:25 pm

    Your design complements the fabrics beautifully! Well done!

    On behalf of the global hosts, thank you for participating in the 2017 Finish A Long!

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      July 6, 2017 at 12:20 pm

      Such a lovely comment, Felicity! Thank you for stopping by!

      Reply
  17. Unknown says

    July 7, 2017 at 4:53 pm

    Spring – a new beginning – seeing everything come to life

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      July 7, 2017 at 6:17 pm

      Yes – exactly! The precise feeling I was going for!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hi! I'm Shannon. A modern quilt pattern designer based in Montreal. My quilting journey started by stumbling upon a half square triangle tutorial and I've been hooked since. I'm now spreading that quilty joy to you! Read More…

Stay up to date

Categories

POPULAR POSTS

Go behind the scenes as I pull back the curtain on my own improv play in Improv Quilting Behind the Scenes video on demand class with Shannon Fraser Designs #improvquilting

Curious about what a modern quilter is thinking about as they tackle their improv? Now’s your chance in Improv Quilting Behind the Scenes!

Reverberance - Joy version folded up accordion style | Do you quilt & forget? Revisiting an old favourite in a new setting | Shannon Fraser Designs #logcabinquilt

Can you think back to a really fun quilt journey that you just adored…and then promptly went on to forget all about it?

Ha!

Problems of a serial quilter! The best part about forgetting about them?

Rediscovering their beauty…

Jolly Jelly quilted table runner for Amy Sinibaldi's Velvet Fabric Showcase | Shannon Fraser Designs #quiltedtablerunner

Summer is heading our way and outdoor entertaining is going to kick into high gear. Prime opportunity to dive into some pretty fabrics and stitch up your own homemade Jolly Jelly quilted table runner!

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Join the Newsletter

Be the first to know all the latest

Shannon Fraser Designs

Copyright © 2023 SHANNON FRASER DESIGNS