As you may know I write blogs for the website www.UKQU.co.uk which is a wonderful resource for UK quilters. It’s a platform for small independent designers and shops from the UK to sell and interact with customers. It is also full of advice, free patterns and blogs on all aspect of P&Q. This month, September 2020, a new idea was launched – the Garden Flowers Blog Hop 2020.
I was lucky to have been chosen to publish the first of these blocks – a Hawaiian inspired block based on my own garden. I had been playing with a little Hawaiian appliqué for my new Doris sampler quilt and loved the process and effect. When the idea was suggested that the Bloggerati, as we call ourselves, come up with an idea for free pattern for blocks based on flowers I knew exactly what I would do.
I was stunned to see an example started that day by Zoe Davies from Fine City Quilting, someone I’ve not met before but what a wonderful example. She did a couple of things differently, such as edging the leaf with a Satin stitch rather than the traditional needle turned edge. It shows how you can play with a design to make it your own.
A new free pattern for a 12″ block is to be released every day so it’s worth checking out the site. Today’s is a lovely Gem Thistle block. This one was designed by a recent convert to quilting – Keren Baker. I love the modern fresh look this one has and in her blog, Keren has suggested different ways to use this pattern and turn it into different flowers, such a carnation or even an acorn! Very clever!
But how do you use these? I hear you ask… I was thinking a sew a row quilt would perfectly show off these blocks – the thistle below would look amazing!
I can’t wait to see what comes out in the following days and eagerly await the wonderful floral quilts which will hopefully be created….
Strictly Quilting 