Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Two Big Block Baby Quilts

Big Block Baby Quilts ~ Kona Cotton | Red Pepper Quilts 2016

Inspired by Heather Jones' "big block" quilts (see my recent book review of Heather's new book ~ Quilt Local ~ here) I thought I would try my hand at designing and making my own big block quilt. I am using the term "big block" quilt casually here, and in this instance I am really referring to simple, large scale designs based on a traditional patchwork quilt blocks. There are many patchwork blocks suitable for such large scale representation.

Big Block Baby Quilt ~ Kona Cotton | Red Pepper Quilts 2016
Big Block Baby Quilt ~ Kona Cotton | Red Pepper Quilts 2016
Once I had worked out my design I realized that there were many opportunities for color play, and then of course I couldn't make just one quilt. The two quilt tops came together quickly! All fabrics used for the quilt tops are Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton including Kona White and Kona Pepper (my preferred colorway for black solid fabric).

Big Block Baby Quilts ~ Kona Cotton | Red Pepper Quilts 2016

And then the quilting ... I have quilted an all over grid of (edge to edge) intersecting lines  to complement the simple design and at the same time add texture. The quilting lines are closely spaced - approximately 3/4" apart - and I have used a quilting guide attached to the walking foot as a stitching guide, and I have also marked lines with a soluble fabric marker in the borders. 

Big Block Baby Quilts ~ Kona Cotton | Red Pepper Quilts 2016
Big Block Baby Quilt ~ Kona Cotton | Red Pepper Quilts 2016

In order to promptly remove the marked lines from the quilt - and because I am fairly impatient - I dunked both quilts in a large tub, spun them in the washing machine to remove excess water, then tumble dried and also air dried the quilts outside. It sure helps when it is 40C/104F outside! All photos are of the washed and dried quilts.

Big Block Baby Quilts ~ Kona Cotton | Red Pepper Quilts 2016
Big Block Baby Quilts ~ Kona Cotton | Red Pepper Quilts 2016
For the back of the quilts I have used Newspaper in Spackle from the Story Collection by Carrie Bloomston. The binding fabric is Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton in Pepper.

Big Block Baby Quilts ~ Kona Cotton | Red Pepper Quilts 2016
Big Block Baby Quilts ~ Kona Cotton | Red Pepper Quilts 2016

Both these quilts are for sale and have been listed in my Etsy Store.

See the listing details here:

Big Block Baby Quilts ~ Kona Cotton | Red Pepper Quilts 2016

These two quilts were so fun to make. It is a change from my usual scrappy quilt style but I do enjoy working with solid fabric and I like that there are still many of my own preferred design elements including the quilting and the use of traditional patchwork blocks. A great way to start the year.

Big Block Baby Quilts ~ Kona Cotton | Red Pepper Quilts 2016
Thank you for stopping by,
Rita

RELEVANT LINKS:
Red Pepper Quilts Etsy Store
More Kona Cotton projects

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30 comments:

  1. These quilts are stunners, Rita! I love the pops of color and all those beautiful quilting lines.

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  2. They are gorgeous! What batting did you use?

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  3. Oh, how fun! I love these quilts - bold and beautiful. Thank you for sharing them.

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  4. I was curious to see how much these were listed for, but they were sold before I could even click over to Etsy! Beautiful things sure go super-quick!! :)

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  5. These are so bold and graphic. I love them. Great photos,too!

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  6. You always amaze me with your quilts! These are stunning...so crisp and clean and exciting! Good for you!

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  7. What a super fun pair of quilts :)

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  8. Love these quilts, very bold and bright.

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  9. Sweet design ~ big block patterns are the best!

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  10. love the grids .. its so wonderful

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  11. Really Pretty!! Love your grid quilting

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  12. Gorgeous and stunning color combinations.

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  13. Stunning is the perfect description! Did I miss what size they finished at? I can't choose which one I like the best. Please make more!

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  14. I love, love, love the quilting on these!

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  15. What an impact these make! I've got the book -- now I, too, need to do something with it.

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  16. They are stunning Rita, they look like they could hang on the wall together as an art piece.

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  17. Those are lovely! I enjoy your color choices, I always try to pick too many colors for things and I may try a more minimal approach next time!

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  18. Very modern and crisp!! Love!!!

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  19. Very modern and crisp!!! Love!!! 💗💗💗

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  20. Love black and white with any color! Both beautiful!

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  21. WOW! That is so beautiful, really love the red and yellow and black and white.

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  22. Very very attractive. MY BABY, (lol, my grandbaby) loves the quilt i made her, it is colorful, but she really is attracted to her black and white plastic books, with the little splashes of color.
    These sold like hot cakes. I know you enjoyed making them!

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  23. Stunning is definitely the word. Your quilts and photography set a bar of excellence for the rest of us. I can hardly wait to see your next quilt, and the next. Thank you for sharing all the beauty you create with the world.

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  24. These are so cool! I love the idea of a big block quilt.

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  25. Those quilts look great. I love the design.

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