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!
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 😊
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!
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!
This isn’t the entire collection, but a good portion of it!!
Of the 19 fabrics, I’ve used 12 of them, including:
Of the 19 fabrics, I’ve used 12 of them, including:
Maggie Jean in Royal (one of my favs)
This quilty project is perfect for beating any
kind of winter or rainy-day blues!
kind of winter or rainy-day blues!
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.
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!
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!
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 😉
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.
my quilt.
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.
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!
enjoyable quilting experiences and outcomes to date!
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.
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.
This quilt came together super quick too! Finishing at 40 x
40, that’s not entirely surprising 😉
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!
larger, it comes together quickly. Perfect weekend project and would make an
adorable gift too!
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!
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!!
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,
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,
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.
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.
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.
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!