I didn’t think I’d ever finish this quilt top, but here it is…hooray!
I had been anxiously awaiting this new collection, Outback Wife, the debut collection from Cathi Bessell-Browne of Gertrude Made. I first noticed it when Blair Stocker posted her beautiful Outback Values quilt, and ever since I couldn’t stop thinking about making my own. Cathi’s beautiful florals are printed on a cotton barkcloth base, which I really liked working with. I was worried it might feel thick or bulky, but instead it was easy to sew with and provides a really interesting texture.
I considered following Blair’s free pattern, but as you know, I tend to like to do my own thing, so once I had my fat quarter bundle in my hands I immediately thought back to my friendship bracelet quilt. I had always wanted to make a larger version of that quilt, and decided these prints might be perfect.
I happily chopped up all the fabrics into triangles and then remembered how I didn’t necessarily love making half rectangle triangles! This time I used a Darlene Zimmerman triangle template I picked up from JoAnn’s ages ago rather than making two units at a time out of two rectangles. I found I was more accurate doing it this way.
Trouble was, any time I wanted to work on this quilt, I had to lay out all the pieces – the pieced units and the individual triangles and sew as much as I could before someone inevitably walked though it! It made this a time consuming one (not to mention… all those seams!)
Happily, I’ve already forgotten about the difficulties now that it’s done!
I picked up my fat quarter bundle from Stash Fabrics, and I just checked and they have a few left, so if you’re loving this collection like I am, go snag a bundle!
a less colorful checkered garden?
hello! (and a Heather Ross Kinder quilt)
Ashley! gorgeous…just stunning my favorite yet..
Lovely quilt–a whole lot of seams for sure..turned out beautifully hugs, Julierose
Glad you made the effort. What a gorgeous quilt! Perfect place to photograph it, too. Inspiring me to break out the half rectangle tool I bought at Quilt Con! Thanks for sharing all your hard work.
Its gorgeous Ashley! I love seeing these floral fabrics in geometric shapes, can’t get enough of it! ❤️
It’s lovely despite all the seams. Interested to see this quilted.
Wow!
Those large diamonds and all that awesome color is perfect.
This might be my favorite quilt you’ve ever made…it’s so beautiful!
i’m pretty sure this quilt is perfect 😉
Such a stunning work! So inspirational.
This is the prettiest quilt I have ever seen, just something about it appeals to me
Thank you for sharing this. It is incredibly beautiful. I love the placement of the colors, well done, nice effect.
You make THE BEST quilts!!! Not afraid to mix things up. Fearless!! Love it!
Beautiful! This design looks like a good way to use up scraps too.
I’m in love. How big are the half rectangle? I’m gonna make my own with different collection.
Fabulous quilt! I think I will put it on my list of quilts I’d like to make.
This is totally a work of wonder. The fabric combination is great. Love it.
Ashley this is stunning! Do you ever teach or lecture or any of that? Every summer I go to Lake Champlain on the NY side (Willsboro) and I would LOVE to know if you are teachin/lecturing at all when I am there. This year I will be there in July, as we alternate months every year (family cabin). I have been taking classes from Katie Pederson here in Seattle and just can’t get enough!
So inspiring! Thank you for sharing your creative thinking! How big is the finished top?
Hi, Ashley: Which of Darlene Zimmerman’s triangle rulers did you use? This is simple gorgeous. I have had the fat quarter bundle for awhile now, but wasn’t sure what to do with it.
Miss you. Hope you are back soon.
Just thinking about you and wondering how y’all are doing? Hugs,Jean
I would like to see new posts. I love your posts. Hope you are OK.
I agree! I know life can be crazy with three kids. Hope you are still getting time to be creative, even if there is not time to share it here.
Hi Ashley,
Like so me of the other commenters, I am curious about your absence from the blog for so long. I’m hoping that it is just because it’s summertime, and you are on vacation with your darlings, and too busy to blog. Could you just pop in long enough to let us know that all is okay?
xo Linda
Beautiful ! It reminds me of your jubilee quilt – gorgeous colors !!
Love…Love..Love