Trapeze Quilt

Trapeze Quilt

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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.

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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.

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The Block

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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.

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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.

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The Quilt

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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.

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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.

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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!

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The beautiful quilting was stitched by Brooke Becker of Lady Belle Fabric and I used my favorite Hobbs Tuscany Silk Batting inside.

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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

Meet Brittany Tunison pattern tester for Trapeze quilt

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

Meet Christine Trotta pattern tester for Trapeze quilt

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

Meet Elaine Satterfield patter

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

I am an Amazon Associate site and earn from qualifying purchases on the products I’ve linked below. The helpful products selected are the same or similar to materials used to make the project(s) in this blog post or related items I think you may enjoy.

Sweet Home Quilt Along Finale Week 6

Sweet Home Quilt Along Finale Week 6

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It’s been so much fun sewing along with everyone and seeing all the beautiful Log Cabins and Bungalows being constructed! This is our finale week for the Sweet Home Quilt Along hosted by myself, Maureen Cracknell, and Jennifer Jones. This Quilt Along’s taken a bit of the isolation out of staying home to be able to connect with the Sweet Home quilt makers on our Instagram community as well as on our blogs. Thank you to everyone who participated! The quilts being made are so adorable—see what I mean when you search the #SweetHomeQAL hashtag on Instagram and see all the amazing quilts in progress and finished quilts.

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This may be the last official week of the quilt along but the blog posts and tutorials will remain up for anyone just starting their Sweet Home adventure. Before my big reveal of my Sweet Home quilt I thought I’d show a favorite photo from each week of my QAL posts. You’ll find links to those posts in the Highlight review if you need to read more, simply click on the aqua highlight “Week” title.

The quilt along ran six weeks total and covered a different aspect of piecing or finishing for each week. If you’re a novice quilter and want more instruction along the way—we have that too in the form of recorded Instagram tutorials over on my IGTV channel on Instagram. I’ve recorded step by step tutorials for you to access on my @sharonhollanddesigns IGTV channel on Instagram and the Sweet Home Quilt series covers fabric selection, Log Cabin block, and Bungalow block construction.

You can purchase the Sweet Home quilt pattern from my SHOP here.

A Look Back at the Highlights

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Week 1

The first week was about selecting your fabrics for your quilt and cutting out the pieces for the quilt. You’ll find Instagram tutorials from myself and Jennifer Jones on how to substitute your fabrics in the pattern.

View my IGTV Sweet Home QAL series

View Jennifer’s IGTV story

My fabric pull for this quilt consisted of Art Gallery Fabrics Terra Kotta collection mixed with a couple Pure Solids and one print from my Spirited collection. This kit is available at Fat Quarter Shop if you’d like to sew a quilt like mine.

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Week 2

Construction of the 10 Log Cabin blocks began and we learned about the many merits of chain piecing and how to control directional prints on Flying Geese units.

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Week 3

Week 3 was devoted to making the Bungalow blocks and utilizing all the skills we’ve learned during the Log Cabin construction. There’s also tips and tutorials for using up those leftover half-square triangle from trimming the roofs.

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Week 4

On week 4 we stitching up the Cornerstone Squares and adding sashing to your blocks to make a quilt top.

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Week 5

Week 5 was a big blog post about sandwiching a quilt, spray basting, quilting, and binding. That post is loaded with tutorial links to earlier blog posts and tutorials on my blog. I finished my quilt with Chenille-It Blooming Bias (faux chenille) binding and you’ll find a video tutorial for that on the Week 5 post.

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Week 6

Finale week is were all three hosts get to show off my six weeks of work and enjoying our fun Sweet Home quilts.

Here’s my finished quilt…

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This sweet little stone spring house at a local park made the perfect backdrop for my quilt. We weren’t lucky enough to have a sunny day but the wind calmed down enough to get some shots.

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Don’t forget to stop by Maureen Cracknell and Jennifer Jones blogs to see their big reveals and beautiful Sweet Home quilts.

This Friday will be the last Friday Giveaway for the Sweet Home Quilt Along and it will be our grande finale giveaway. Be following along on Instagram as all the giveaways will be held on that platform and winners will be randomly drawn the following Monday from the #SweetHomeQAL hashtag pool. The quilt along members that post their progress photos to public account on Instagram and use the hashtag #SweetHomeQAL will automatically be entered into every Sweet Home Quilt Along drawing! It’s that easy to enter, so enter often to up your chances!

And, while you’re on Instagram, take a look at the #SweetHomeQAL hashtag on Instagram and see what the other QAL Makers are using in their quilts—it’s an amazing resource not only to see fabrics but to make new friends!

I am an Amazon Associate site and earn from qualifying purchases on the products I’ve linked below. The helpful products selected are the same or similar to materials used to make the project(s) in this blog post or related items I think you may enjoy.

Sweet Home Quilt Along - Week 5

Sweet Home Quilt Along - Week 5

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Welcome to the fifth week of the Sweet Home Quilt along hosted by (me) Sharon Holland, Maureen Cracknell, and Jennifer Jones. It’s been fun to connect with the Sweet Home quilt makers on our Instagram community and here on our blogs. The quilts being made are so adorable—see what I mean when you search the #SweetHomeQAL hashtag on Instagram.

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If you’re just joining us you’ll probably want to pop over to the Sweet Home Quilt Along - Week 1 post to get caught up. You can purchase the Sweet Home quilt pattern from my SHOP here.

The quilt along will run six weeks total and we’ll cover a different aspect of piecing or finishing for that week. Some of you are working ahead and that’s wonderful—it’ll give you more time for the quilting and finishing portion. This quilt along is very relaxed. If you feel like completing the top in a week—go for it! But, if you’re a beginner and want more instruction along the way—we have that too in the form of LIVE and recorded Instagram tutorials over on my IGTV channel on Instagram. I’ve recorded step by step tutorials for you to access on my @sharonhollanddesigns IGTV channel on Instagram and so far the Sweet Home Quilt series covers fabric selection, Log Cabin block, and Bungalow block construction.

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Assembly and Finishing

We’ve got a lot to cover this week as we assembly our quilt sandwich, quilt, and bind our Sweet Home quilts. Luckily, I’ve covered different aspects of how to quilt a quilt on my other Sew Alongs and Tutorials so as you continue reading, be watching for the highlighted links to take you to those previous posts and tutorials.

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Basting

If you’re planning to do your own quilting for this quilt I recommend spray basting. I’ve tried a few different brand and hands down I love Odif 505 brand the best. See the step-by-step instructions for how I sandwich my quilt layers and apply the spray baste in the Basting tutorial as part of my Sewcial Bee Sampler Quilt Finishing post.

For all the quilts shown in this post I used Hobbs Tuscany Silk batting inside and love working with it if I’m the one quilting but since I’ve sent my quilts to Lady Belle Fabric with Tuscany Silk batting to use she now carries it as a batting option in her shop because she also loves working with it too!

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Quilting

Even if you’re not planning to do your own quilting you’ll still need some inspiration for just how to quilt your quilt. A good long armer will help you decide what may look best.

I personally love an overall design that may not have anything to do with the quilt design at all but that it adds another layer of goodness to the entire finished piece.

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It’s certainly not my best work ever but I have my quilt finished and did the quilting myself this time around. I went with one of my favorite quilt designs, the Fan or Baptist Fan design. I’ve a tutorial for how to mark out a quilt and stitch in a continuous line. Read more HERE.

For more information on how I quilt using a mid arm machine and some easy looping stitches read more HERE.

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The two Sweet Home Quilts I made in the spring I sent off to Brooke Becker of Lady Belle Fabric to be long arm quilted. The blue quilt above has an overall geometric pattern called Abacus.

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This quilt was made for my grandson who love stripes so the diagonal lines of the quilting were just perfect to highlight all the lines already happening in the quilt. I also bound the quilt with light blue Chenille-it Blooming Bias.

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For my granddaughter who loves pink and flowers I had Brooke use the Daisy Chain design for the quilting.

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Chenille-it Blooming Bias was also used to edge this pretty Sweet Home quilt and I used the natural color for this one. It’s really the perfect finish for this fun quilt.

Binding

The Sweet Home quilt pattern includes information for traditional strip binding as well as how to attach Chenille-it Blooming Bias tape for the binding. I’ve tutorials for both!

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Regular Double-fold binding is the most common type of binding and done by cutting width of fabric strips. The Sweet Home quilt pattern includes my method for attaching traditional binding and you’ll also find step-by-step instructions for traditional and bias binding HERE and even more instructions and step-out photos HERE.

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Attaching Chenille-it Blooming Bias tape to your quilt for binding is a little different and possibly easier than traditional binding. Faux chenille binding does not fully encase the raw edge of the quilt like traditional binding does so the first thing you’ll want to do it to zig zag or serger the edges of your quilt.

I’ve made a YouTube video that shows you exactly how to apply this fun product to your Sweet Home Quilt.

For my quilt along Sweet Home make I used the Cinnamon colored faux chenille for my binding. Binding is applied in double layers to both the front and the back of the quilt. Below is how the Blooming Bias looks stitched to the edges and before 'blooming' in the laundry.

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To “bloom” the bias tape you can run your quilt through a gentle cycle wash in the laundry. Blooming can be done by hand but is more successful if the quilt is laundered.

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Toss the quilt into the dryer on a low, gentle tumble. I have dryer balls I use in the dryer that also help to fluff the quilt and dry it faster. I prefer to leave my quilt just a touch damp for reshaping and a light press but you may love a dryer-crinkled quilt so wash and dry like you would normally with your quilts.

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Next week it’s all about the big reveals! I’ll show off my lovely Sweet Home quilt with it’s Art Gallery Fabrics Terra Kotta prints and my co-hosts will have their quilts to show off!! I’m excited to see your quilts.

I’m enjoying seeing your postings to Instagram and following along on your progress—you’re all are doing amazing and beautiful work on your Sweet Home quilts—there’s even some finished quilts showing up already!

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Don’t forget that this Friday will be a new Friday Giveaway with fabulous prizes from our sponsors. Be following along on Instagram as all the giveaways will be held on that platform and winners will be randomly drawn the following Monday from the #SweetHomeQAL hashtag pool. The quilt along members that post their progress photos to public account on Instagram and use the hashtag #SweetHomeQAL will automatically be entered into every Sweet Home Quilt Along drawing! It’s that easy to enter, so enter often to up your chances!

And, while you’re on Instagram, take a look at the #SweetHomeQAL hashtag on Instagram and see what the other QAL Makers are using in their quilts—it’s an amazing resource not only to see fabrics but to make new friends!

I am an Amazon Associate site and earn from qualifying purchases on the products I’ve linked below. The helpful products selected are the same or similar to materials used to make the project(s) in this blog post or related items I think you may enjoy.