So in love in 2016

I’m so in love.

Although 2015 was marked by my happiest ever life moment–my best friend asking me to MARRY his dreamboat self–that’s not the love I’m here to gush over (though I could do so, at length, until you all puke. Let me know if that’s something you’re interested in). What I’m really smitten and gaga and cross-eyed in LOVE with is the fabric with which I’m starting my first quilt project of 2016. My heart belongs to Fibs and Fables by Anna Maria Horner (okay, and to my LaMar)!

A half-yard bundle of Fibs and Fables was included in my Christmas gifts this year (alongside a copy of Lotta’s new book). And before my belly had even digested our holiday feasts, I got busy planning the quilt for our “marriage bed” (heh) that I would make with my new fabric. I love combining simple, neutral (usually white) bedding with colorful patchwork.

For this quilt, I knew I wanted bigger blocks, with a striking, somewhat traditional-looking pattern that would beautifully juxtapose these more modern, saturated prints. So I chose my sweet buddy Amy’s Potluck pattern from her uplifting book, For Keeps. I believe it will be perfect.

Side note: remember my sewing table? It’s in here! In a section about useful tools.

The quilt in the book is a 3-block by 3-block version with sashing (the blocks finish at 15 inches). I’m making a 5×5 version without sashing so I had to spend a little time recalculating my fabric and cutting requirements.

I’ve already cut out all my pieces and arranged swatches to pick which prints to use for each block. It may look random, but there is precision, rhyme, and reason in this fabric-picking! I had my little system, which I can talk about in a later post.

ARE THESE NOT THE YUMMIEST SCRAPS IN EXISTENCE?? A half-yard bundle is plenty for a super-sized version of this quilt. I even have enough for a 30-block (5×6 layout) version.

Next time I stop by here I’d like to share some heartfelt thoughts on the process of creating with fabric that comes from true art and intention. It’s a bewitching experience and I can’t wait to put those thoughts down.

Happy New Year! It’s going to be beautiful.