Ready for some pretty quilt-eye-candy?? I just finished the binding on my RBD (Riley Blake Designs) 2021 Quilt Block Challenge Sampler Quilt, and I'm so happy with the final result. The navy background turned out SOOOOOooooo pretty. I love the way the blocks and the sashing pop!
This quilt was a free quilt-a-long hosted by Riley Blake Designs. I started this quilt back in February as 3 new quilt block patterns were released each month through June. You can see all 16 of my individual blocks here.
All of the blocks play so beautifully together. This time I went with a much more limited color palette and fabric selection, and I think it worked out really well. There are still different shades of the reds, whites, and blues to give some visual interest and a scrappy feel, but the tight palette keeps the quilt from feeling too busy - and makes the individual blocks the stars of the quilt.
You can find the free PDF patterns of all 16 individual blocks + the quilt sashing and finishing instructions here.
You can find the fabric requirements for the original Riley Blake version of this quilt here.
Here are the fabric requirements for the version I made:
- Oxford Blue instead of Le Creme (and added an extra outside 5" border) - about 6 yards
- Red Gingham instead of Chive for sashing + outside binding - 1 ½ yards
- Songbird (Aqua) blue instead of Curry for sashing - 1 yard
- 10 or so assorted ¼ - ⅜ yards of the other red, white, and blue prints + the remnants of the fabrics above to make all of my blocks.
- Backing - 4 ½ yards
As you can see, I added a wide outside border to my quilt. The original RBD design finishes at 62" x 62". I added a 5" border (cut 8 strips at 5 ½" x Width of Fabric) to frame the design and to make the quilt a little bigger. My quilt finishes at 72" x 72".
The quilting was done by Melissa of Sew Shabby Quilting. I chose a Baptist Fan over all design to compliment the classic sampler quilt layout. It gives some nice texture to the quilt without distracting from the quilt design.
The gorgeous blue background fabric on this quilt is a new solid for Riley Blake called Oxford Blue. It's the prettiest warm shade of navy.
The rest of the colors and prints are red, white, and blue prints from my Notting Hill fabric collection paired with an assortment of Riley Blake Confetti Cottons in Cloud, Songbird, Tea Rose, and Redwood.
For my backing I used the aqua print with dots and mini Union Jack flags. I think the red and blue tartan plaid (available from Etsy or the Fat Quarter Shop) would make another fantastic backing.
For the binding I cut the red mini gingham print on the bias. Because I can't resist a sweet bias gingham.
Hooray. Always feels good to have a finish.
(And bonus points for finishing it the same year it was started! 😉 )
Little Quiltsong
This quilt is so beautiful! Your background fabric really sets off each block - and the heart......well, it just adds a special something to the whole quilt!
Jane Sprague
Absolutely beautiful, Amy! The Baptist Fan quilting really sets off the piecing without fighting with it. You do gorgeous work, and I thank you for sharing it!
Claudia G T
Beautiful quilt, Amy! I am currently living in England right now (my spouse's job brought us here) and this fabric collection is, of course, really speaking to me. English but refined (as the English like to be). The bunting panel is especially winning-they DO love their bunting here.
Linda Rattie
Very pretty quilt.
Sharon
Hi Amy
What is the best way to do the cutting for all the block when you buy a kit.
Not sure if to cut bigger pieces first or do blocks with smaller pieces.
Please advise.
Sharon
Amy
I will include cutting instructions with my recommendations. I think cutting the borders, sashing, binding etc first and setting those aside will be the best way to start. I'll put it all in a guide. 🙂
RW-in-DC
Do you like any of the cutting devices, e.g., Accuquilt/Cricut for standard piece shapes?
Louise
Thank you for making the kits. I just ordered mine along with the backing. The dark background is so gorgeous!
Bear Creek Quilting Company
Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
Gina
Your finished quilt turned out so perfectly beautiful! I love everything about it!
Gemini Jen NZ
Super fabric/colour choices - it looks really cohesive even though it is made of different blocks; really lovely!
jeannie
Really pretty quilt. Colors and design would be perfect for a veteran's quilt.
RW-in-DC
+1, although a US veteran might prefer the Stars & Stripes…. 😉