In my last post I introduced my latest fabric collection (Spring 2024) Albion, produced by Riley Blake Designs. In this post I thought I'd share some of the projects that have been made already featuring prints in the Albion collection as well as some of the new projects I'm working on - including catching up on my RBD Quilt Block Challenge blocks!
One fun new aspect to this fabric collection is that it was my first time designing a "cheater print" quilt. A "cheater" print is a pre-printed quilt top that mimics the look of pieced-patchwork.
I decided that if I was going to create a printed quilt, I wanted to create one in a design that I love, but that is tricky to piece. I was inspired by these vintage periwinkle quilt blocks that I've loved for years. This "cheater" print saves you lots of fussy piecing!
I used this print to make a quilted tote bag using Anna Graham's (Noodlehead) Wool & Wax Tote bag pattern (also found in her Everyday Essentials book). I'm not a super confident bag maker, but I have to say, every single time I've used one of Anna's bag patterns (like this Divided Basket) the project has turned out amazing. Her patterns are awesome.
I paired the Albion cheater print with an natural linen/cotton blend and used Confetti Cotton solid in Loge Pole for the green base.
Before I pieced the bag, I quilted the cheater print to make it look like I'd made the bag from a vintage quilt.
I'm working on a tutorial for practicing machine quilting using cheater prints. Riley Blake is producing a nice variety of cheater prints in the coming months, including wide back (120" wide) versions!
Make a Cheater Print Quilt
Speaking of cheater print quilts - check out this large quilt that Lesley Weedon made!
Lesley also has a great tutorial for seam-matching a cheater print so that you can piece a wider quilt top. You can also see her technique in this Instagram video tutorial.
Foundation Paper Piecing with Albion
Last fall for my Quilt Market booth, Liza of Liza Taylor Handmade used a couple of her foundation-paper-piecing patterns to make these charming wildflower blocks.
When I first saw her blocks, I knew they would be perfect companions to this wildflower-inspired collection.
You can find the Daisy Quilt Pattern here. (Includes both blocks in multiple sizes).
And here's another bag + more foundation paper piecing by Charise of Charise Creates.
Is that bag so adorable or what?! You can find the tutorial for the free tote bag here and you can find the Cozy Cottage FPP block pattern here.
Check out the adorable details on this bag including the fussy-cut covered button and the extra embroidery enhancement on the florals. SO CUTE!
Finally - I'm trying to get caught up on this year's Riley Blake Quilt Block Challenge blocks. I'm pretty behind (to be fair, my fabric only just arrived a couple of weeks ago.) Here's what I've got so far:
You can find all of the free patterns + details (including my free Daylesford block aboe) for the 2024 Riley Blake Quilt Block Challenge here.
I'm thinking of mixing in with prints from last year's Portsmouth collection which plays super nicely with Albion. I had a reader ask if I would show how the two collections look together, so here's a view of the reds, blues, and Ash/Pewter prints together:
I'm thinking I need to make another washed-out, beachy quilt mixing all of these prints together! (Speaking of Portsmouth, if you're looking for hard to find prints, I've listed a lot of my stash in my shop.)
So there you go! Lots more Albion (and friends) inspiration for you! You can find more details and pictures of the Albion prints as well as links to shops stocking Albion right now!
Grace
That cheater print is gorgeous! And I love that Portsmouth and Albion go together.
Amy
Thank you! I love seeing them together too.
Lori
I really, really, really like the bags you made with Albion!! I hate to admit to piracy even before it happens, but I will be stealing your Anna Graham works. Legally, of course. Just gorgeous!
Amy
Copy away - that bag pattern is so great. I'll consider it a great homage. 😉
Gwyn Welliver
Thank you for showing me a Albion/Portsmouth pairing!! It's a lovely washed out beachy vibe.
Amy
You're welcome! I'm so happy you like it!
Shelagh
Just wish I didn't live in the UK then I could shop for these fabrics.
Laura
Hi Amy - I love the colors and prints in your new collection. How fun that you collaborated with your sister. The cheater print is absolutely so clever and the quilting you did on the bag makes it totally convincing! And if anyone in my household happens to ask what I might like for Mothers' Day, the Cascade Falls pattern is top of the list!
Julie Lyon
Just received Albion . Love it. Now to find the perfect pattern. My bestie and I sat in her car and fondled my fat quarter bundle! I believe we were both drooling, a bit.