Need quilt pattern advice

10 years ago

Apologies in advance for the length of this post.

I have purchased a selection for coordinating fabrics that I fell in love with and need some advice on some pattern ideas that would retain the characteristics of the prints with the largest figures. Below is the picture of the largest prints. The first fabric has a a 6" repeat, the size of 1 peacock feather fan. The second has 10x11 inch repeat and the 6 petaled flowers shown are 4" in diameter. The color of the red feathers on the blue background doesn't register correctly in these photos. Its colors actually go well with the flower print. I have 5 other coordinating fabrics that are solid-like or have smaller patterns that can be pieced in much smaller segments..

I am looking for a quilt pattern which I could make that would allow me to piece the feather fabric in >= 6" segments and the flower fabric in 6" to 10" segments. Basically so that I could maximize the number of whole flowers and feather fans in the quilt top.

The third picture shows an idea that I have, but feel like the pattern is too simple. A disappearing 9 patch would probably accomplish what I'd like, but that is probably also simpler than I'd like.

Does anyone have any advice on what type of block pattern I could try?

Featured Answer

littlehelen_gw

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

I'm no help, I like both designs you have!

A few years ago I wanted to showcase a large design and found this pattern in a magazine. You can see you the birds, and other large prints throughout. I think the birds were between 6"-7. The print was off center and bordered in a neutral, I used white, and then a piano key border on two sides of each block. I thought the design showcased the prints nicely. Not too sure if this would work for your fabric.

You fabric is lovely, looking forward to your final design.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (21)

msmeow
10 years ago
I think simple piecing is the way to go with several really bold fabrics like you have.

Your design is nice! You could also consider attic windows.

Donna
crrand1
Original Author
10 years ago
Donna, I can see your point about simple. Here's an attic window idea: I think this pattern doesn't have enough of the gold fabric which would tone down all the bold prints a bit.

Thanks, Chris
Related Professionals
Fort Myers Furniture & Accessories · Hattiesburg Furniture & Accessories · New Braunfels Furniture & Accessories · Anniston Furniture & Accessories · Yuba City Furniture & Accessories · Kahului Furniture & Accessories · Mount Vernon Interior Designers & Decorators · Portsmouth Interior Designers & Decorators · Enfield Interior Designers & Decorators · Eau Claire Interior Designers & Decorators · Hot Springs Flooring Contractors · Denver Flooring Contractors · Logan Flooring Contractors · Everett Flooring Contractors · Edmonton Flooring Contractors
geezerfolks_SharonG_FL
10 years ago
9 Patch Pizzazz showcases large print fabric.
msmeow
10 years ago
You're right, Chris - if the bottom of the "windows" was less busy I think it would work better.

Donna
crrand1
Original Author
10 years ago
Here's another attic window variation:
loisflan
10 years ago
Oh, I really like this latest version.
carolnv
10 years ago
I like the latest version as well. I'm working on a similar attic window but with a panel. Saw it on Missouri Star Quilts and thought I'd give it a try.
quiltnhen
10 years ago
I really like your tumbling block idea.
Hareball
10 years ago
I like both but actually prefer the first. It's busy but to me it works. All the colors and patterns go really well together. :) I'm sure you already picked what you're going to do and I'm sure it's beautiful :)
grammyp
10 years ago
I like the tumbling block, too.
Hareball
10 years ago
littlehelen_gw That is a gorgeous quilt!!! :)
beth7happy
10 years ago
Ok, you computer gurus....so, Chris...how do you pop the pics of your fabric into the pattern like that!??? (Obviously, I am NOT a computer guru!!!!)...
littlehelen_gw
10 years ago
Yes, Chris...do tell us what software program you are using...that is very cool!
glassquilt
10 years ago
There is a photo icon under the comment box. Click it and pick a photo from your computer.
Hareball
10 years ago
When I tried looking it up I found a program called EQ7. I believe its a quilt construction program. :)
msmeow
10 years ago
Yes, EQ7 is a quilt design software. It has a ton of fabrics already in its library plus you can download a bunch from the EQ website. And if they don't already have your fabric, you can scan it and upload to the EQ fabric library. :)

Donna
ibquiltn4fun LindaH
10 years ago
Wow. Imagine taking the guess work out of "What will this look like if I do this?" Learn something new everyday.
msmeow
10 years ago
Yeah, I mostly use it for exactly that purpose - it's so easy to change colors, or swap one block pattern for another, or change borders. I don't use it a lot so haven't invested the $$ to upgrade from EQ6 to EQ7.

There used to be a program called QuiltPro that did very similar things. I haven't heard it mentioned in a while so I don't know if it's still out there.

Donna
loisflan
10 years ago
Valarie, I love your quilt. It's the perfect pattern to emphasize a beautiful print. I used basically the same pattern for this Asian quilt I did a couple of years ago. I only recently decided how to quilt it. I want to do a baptist fan quilting motif, but I have to do some FMQ practice on my Tiara before I attempt it. I don't want to ruin it.
crrand1
Original Author
10 years ago
Yes, I am using EQ7. I usually download the fabric swatch photos from Amazon or fabrics.com and import for the project I'm designing. I haven't started cutting yet. Probably not until next fall. I think I might try a design similar to Valarie's or Lois's. Thanks for the inspiration.

Chris