NEW PATTERN Fig Leaf and Flowers

Pattern Cover

We are pleased to announce our new appliqué quilt pattern, Fig Leaf and Flowers.

The pattern is a reproduction of a 19th century quilt quilt in our collection.   The quilt finishes at 80" square.  The original quilt is not perfectly aligned by today's standards - but the pattern is!  The outer edge has a bit of a wave - the pattern does not.

For now, it is a digital download only, available on the pattern page here and on our Etsy shop.  It is designed to print on your home printer - no enlargements needed.  The full size pattern includes registration lines, full sized pattern and cutting instructions.

My center with some of the medallion vine in process

Since I can enjoy the original red and green quilt I decided to make mine with deep indigo vines and a multitude of reproduction fabrics.  There's a nod to the original with red tulips and green leaves.

I was amazed at how quickly the center appliqué went - each petal is simple with no point or inside curve to work with.

Charm Selection

To start, I cut 200 2.5" reproduction fabric squares.  It gave me a colorful pallet to contrast with the indigo I used for the curving vines.

There are no repeats in the center petal fabrics.
It was fun to work with so many of my favorites fabrics.  Something like a box of chocolates...which square will I pick up next?

In case you are wondering - about 750 total petals combining the center and four borders.

In Process Border

I back baste, then needle turn appliqué.
I basted the center not duplicating any of the fabrics, setting the remainder of each charm square aside for use in the borders.

I basted the border strips with the rest of the charm fabric pieces.  In most cases I got three petals from each charm square.  That's about 500-600 petals from 200 charm squares.  In some cases I just had to selective cut - and I certainly have more fabrics to work into the border - SO FUN!  Going back into the stash is an opportunity to cut more charms.

The Indigo vine in the center and outer border ties all of the variety together.

BTW:  I've had the entire quilt basted together to test all the measurements and markings.  You'll be able to get to stitching right away.

Dargate Jellies from Reproduction Fabrics

I had considered other colorways that I think are equally lovely.

I think the Dargate Jellies would be great - maybe with the blue for all of the petals?


I also think several of the new Moda's would be gorgeous.  Maybe an aqua or sea foam?

I think the outer appliqué border could be traded for a wonderful patterned fabric.

Oh, the possibilities!

I did some research on Fig Trees and discovered there are several varieties that grow across many planting zones.

The maker is unknown, as is her inspiration and motivation to make the quilt.  We can only speculate.

 I am captivated by her layout and composition; using the fanciful and real shapes.

Our antique quilt

I made a few changes based on personal preference.

I changed colors in several places.  (The pattern includes the original color labels),  I left off the tops of a few center stems, and balanced the use of green in all four corners.

Happy Stitching!!

Dawn





LINKS:
Etsy Pattern HERE
Charm Sets HERE
Blog Pattern Download HERE