TyQuilts Designs

Every year for the past several, I design a BOM Quilt for Quilt Cove. For 2008 I designed a scrappy sampler done in warm batiks called Autumn’s Splendor. We pick out the fabrics each month for the current block which means that I have to work one month at a time. I have a tester, but have been doing this quilt myself as well. I have spent yesterday and today catching up on piecing the blocks. Seems like a perfect time to do it as Autumn temps have hit our area. I love Autumn. It is my favorite time of year. I love the changing colors and the crispness in the air. To me Autumn is more of a time of new beginnings than the traditional Jan 1 or spring.

Minnesota is having it’s second annual state wide shop hop starting today. Several months ago, I was asked by Quilt Cove in Eagan, MN to design a project to showcase the shop hop fabrics (designed by Holly Taylor for Moda) that they could kit for the hop. Today I am unveiling that project. It is a table runner called Minnesota Crossroads.

The fabrics

Do you find your fabric first and design around it or design a quilt and go find the fabric to fit? I find that I do it both ways. Usually if I start with a design first I adapt the design a bit to fit the fabric I chose. While I admire those who are free enough to just start in without a complete plan in place, It is rare for me to design as I go, usually I have to have finalized concept down before starting. Most of my changes are done on the computer before starting to actually stitch and cut the fabric.