Trapeze Quilt
Pattern Release
There’s a new quilt pattern in my SHOP and it’s called Trapeze! The name may not imply it but this quilt design was inspired by the geometric patterns found on wool blankets.
The Fabrics
In keeping with wool blankets, I purposely kept the number of prints/fabric controlled and instead of every block being different I went with an every block being the same to create an overall pattern.
I chose a completely different color palette then I normally work in and selected Art Gallery Fabrics Denim Blue Pure Solid for the background and prints by Maureen Cracknell’s Soulful and Garden Dreamer collections mixed with my own prints from Spirited and Signature to create the Trapeze - Sky palette.
The Block
The Trapeze quilt pattern is labeled as an Intermediate skill level because there’s a lot of moving parts and some squaring up and trimming involved—but don’t let that intimidate you. All the steps are broken down into manageable sections with fully illustrated instructions. I’ve also created a helpful tutorial on this blog and included the link in the pattern for how to square up half-square triangle and Flying Geese units if you don’t have specialty rulers like these Bloc_Loc rulers.
The large quilt block is beautiful on it’s own and would make a great toss pillow but the real magic happens when the blocks are combined and make the overall quilt pattern.
The Quilt
The pattern comes in two sizes: 75-1/2” x 87-1/2” which is labeled as a Twin/Full size but I’ve put this on my queen-size bed with the length running the width of the bed and it covers a queen nicely! The other size is a large crib or throw size at 51-1/2” x 56-1/2”. You’ll see examples of the crib-size in the Meet the Testers showcase further in this post—keep reading.
Kinda nice to actually see a quilt on a bed, right? I’ve not got one of those super thick mattresses so that also gives me more drape over the sides of a queen bed. This will also give you an idea of scale of the block design.
I love how this looks on my bed but I can’t keep it because it’s a wedding gift to my oldest son who just got married on October 13th! My new daughter-in-law loves the color blue and my son’s always loved the look of woodsy wool blankets so it’s a perfect marriage of their styles.
And, here’s the full view of the quilt and how much fun this repeating pattern is! The secondary geometric designs created is the reason why I call this pattern Trapeze. The diamond rings look like they’re floating on the background and the name fit the airy feeling of space between the geometric shapes.
Brooke at Lady Belle Fabric has Trapeze quilt kits available for the same Trapeze - Sky palette and fabrics used in my blue and cheddar quilt. Order early because these kits always go fast!
The beautiful quilting was stitched by Brooke Becker of Lady Belle Fabric and I used my favorite Hobbs Tuscany Silk Batting inside.
Meet the Testers
I’m so lucky to have talented quilt testers to work with. These ladies give their all to create gorgeous quilts from my patterns and give valuable feedback so you can have the best quilting experience when working with one of my patterns.
All my testers use Art Gallery Fabric in their quilts and decide on their own fabric pulls and color palettes. There were nine testers for this quilt because it was so popular with my pattern testing group and the results are astonishing. Most stitched the small version of this quilt but you’ll notice 1/3 of the quilts are the large size like my own. You’ll also notice many of the testers finished their quilts using the Chenille-It binding method as shown on my video tutorial.
The following collages are just a peek into the incredible quilts made by these ladies. You’ll want to use the links provided in their captions to learn more about each maker and their quilt makes.
Brittany Tunison
This is Brittany Tunison’s second test quilt for me and she once again wows us with her fabric selection and color play. Brittany has used prints from several AGF collections that include prints by Maureen Cracknell, Amy Sinibaldi, and myself (Sharon Holland). I love her style and you can read more about Brittany’s own work as a quilt pattern designer and for more about her Trapeze quilt make on her brand new blog White Plains Quilts and you can read more about her tester quilt HERE. You can also find Brittany on Instagram @brittanytunison
Christine Trotta
Christine Trotta has also pattern tested for me before and I love her enthusiasm for everything quilting and sewing. She’s an amazing addition to my tester group and so supportive of all the makers. Christine’s all ready for the holidays with this Trapeze version made with prints from Maureen Cracknell’s new Cozy and Joyful collection for Art Gallery Fabrics. Her addition of Chenille-It binding on the edges instead of traditional binding is the icing on the cake! Follow Christine’s Instagram account @serendipityinlovecreations and for even more fun, stop by her blog HERE.
Elaine Satterfield
This is the first time I’ve gotten to work with Elaine Satterfield for testing one of my patterns and let me tell you, she’s incredible! I’m in love with her AGF Terra Kotta fabric pull and these colors! Such a beauty of a quilt and made in the small crib/throw-size quilt. Perfect look for fall. Elaine lives in northern California wine country and dreams to longarm and quilt for others someday and maybe even have a little fabric shop. You can follow Elaine’s quilt adventures on Instagram @elaines14
Eleri Kerian
When Eleri Kerian signed up to test Trapeze for me she couldn’t decide which palette to use because at that time she didn’t know if she was having a girl or a boy—so she made two quilts! Both her makes are the crib/throw-size but one is more decidedly a boy quilt and the other more suited as a girl quilt. Both quilts use an assortment of AGF collection fabrics. Both are finished with Chenille-It binding, and both quilts are spectacular! Which is your favorite? Follow Eleri on Instagram @elerihandmade for daily inspiration and quilting goodness along with the answer if it’s a boy or a girl!
Joyce Ulm
This is Joyce Ulm’s third test quilt for me and another stunning example of this talented lady’s work. She made this crib/throw Trapeze quilt for her new granddaughter and I love that she selected AGF fabrics in non-traditional colors for a quilt to grow into! Just look at that quilting that Joyce does herself. Here’s another example of Chenille-It binding finish that’s sublime. See more of Joyce’s work on Instagram @evamaecustomquilts, Etsy shop, and on her Facebook blog HERE.
Marija Vujcic
Another all-star pattern tester is Marija Vujcic. Marija has so much sewing experience and is so kind to share it with the testing group, on her Instagram @mvquilts, and on her blog Mara Quilt Designs. Marija made the full-size Trapeze quilt and I’m obsessed with it! She used my AGF Spirited prints with AGF Pure Solids for a bold and beautiful quilt. The gorgeous quilting was all free-motion quilted my Marija and you can see her process by following her Instagram and blog pages.
Mary Gove
There’s just something about Mary Gove and her fresh, modern take to quilts that is so exciting! Believe it or not, Mary is very new to quilting and tackled the full-size version of Trapeze in this scrumptious palette of AGF Terracotta Tile Pure Solids and AGF Terra Kotta collection prints. She just got her top back from being long arm quilted and didn’t get it bound and photographed in time for this post so be sure to follow her progress and stunning photos on her Instagram account @thecurlyquilter. There’s more amazing things to come from this quilter—I just know it!
Sara Marie Gardner
It’s with great pleasure that I had a chance to work with Sara Marie Gardner on a test quilt. A nicer person you just couldn’t meet and her beautiful quilt reflects her beautiful style. Sara Marie chose AGF Trouvaille collection and it’s a show-stopper! Here’s another new comer to the world of quilting and she’s taking the world by storm with her stunning work. See what I mean when you visit her Instagram account @sewlucille and her blog at Sew Lucille Handmade and Etsy shop by the same name, HERE.
Terri Neil
It’s a real treat to work with quilters like Terri Neil. Terri recently returned to quilting full time and surprised herself with purchasing a long arm machine then surprised herself again and started a long arm business called Quilting Rubies. Terri quilted her Trapeze quilt made in adorable AGF Pacha prints, Pure Solids, and blenders. The stunning black Chenille-It edging is the perfect finish to this baby quilt. Follow Terri on Instagram @quiltingrubies and you’ll be in awe of all the beautiful quilts she makes and quilts for others.
Are you inspired? I sure am and have plans to make this quilt again with my new fabric collection, Kismet coming any day now to shops. Brooke Becker at Lady Belle Fabric will have Trapeze - Kismet kits available once she has the fabrics in stock. So be watching for that and I’ll also make sure to post about Kismet and quilt kits on this blog and my Instagram account @sharonhollanddesigns.
I can’t wait to see your Trapeze quilt makes popping up on social. If you’re on Instagram and use my fabrics or make something from my patterns, be sure to tag me @sharonhollanddesigns so I see your lovely creations!
Happy sewing,
Sharon
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