I'm so excited to officially share my newest fabric collection with Riley Blake Designs-Mary Catherine which will arrive in shops in September! This line is another sentimental one, as it's inspired by the 1950s childhoods of two important women in my life: my mom and my mother-in-law.
These two women were born at the end of the 1940's only a few months apart but on opposite coasts of the US - one in Maine and one in California.
I've always loved the charm of this vintage color palette so with Mary Catherine, I wanted to capture that storybook sweetness and nostalgia like the soft, muted color palette and mood that would be found in the illustrations of Eloise Wilkin and other artists of that era.
The Mary Catherine collection full of retro florals, pretty bows, and other vintage-inspired prints.
I collaborated with my sister, Laura Miller, again to include her darling watercolor artwork in the collection. This time she created this variety of charming bows.
Here's a closer look at some of the prints and colors.
I love to include a variety of "low volume" prints in my collections to give you lots of options for scrappy backgrounds.
I wanted to include a bunch of "blender basics" to offset the busier florals. And of course there is a gingham. This time it's a micro-gingham in faded red, robin's egg blues, and sage greens.
(Did you know that I've had a gingham print in every one of my fabric collections? This is my 8th collection with Riley Blake and the ginghams are always an homage to my first collection 8 years ago, Gingham Girls.)
The collection will be available in various precut options, including 2.5" Rolie Polies, 5" and 10" Stackers, Fat Quarter bundles, and yardage. Additionally, a 108" wide backing fabric and a charming cheater print are part of the lineup!
Here's a peek at the whole cloth or "cheater print" for this collection. This time I designed a mini lone-star block. Again, a block that I love, but feel intimidated to actually perfectly piece. So in case you're like me, you're welcome.😉
I only had a small piece of sample yardage of the cheater print so I made a quilted bag to take to a trade show last month. I'm so excited to get my hands on yards of this print and make loads more things
I used the Altoona Tote Bag pattern by Ma Tante Quilts, modifying the size slightly to use the limited piece of sample yardage that I had on hand.
Riley Blake Confetti Cotton Solids that coordinate with Mary Catherine are:
- Cloud
- Sage
- Pistachio
- Lodge Pine
- Canyon Rose
- Songbird
- Wedgwood
- Raindrop
- Stargazer
Quilt Patterns coordinating with Mary Catherine
Here's a look at the quilt patterns I'm making with and featuring Mary Catherine. Here is one of my favorite, traditional patchwork patterns, A Stitch In Time.
I'll be releasing an updated version of this Fat-Quarter-friendly pattern this summer, but if you're itching to make one sooner, you can find the original Stitch in Time Pattern here.
Fraulein (left) and Prep School Picnic (right) are two of my favorite pre-cuts friendly patterns. Fraulein works perfectly with Jelly Rolls (Rolie Polie's) or Layer Cakes (10" stackers). Prep School Picnic is a Layer Cake Quilt as well.
Both patterns use strip piecing techniques to speed up the process. Both patterns are available now and ready to go in my Pattern Shop. (Wholesale orders are also available to shops.)
I couldn't resist plugging these fabrics into the Regent Street Union Jack Pattern as well. This quilt is Fat Quarter friendly and also available now.
And finally, here is a brand new pattern that was designed to coordinate with the Mary Catherine collection. This one is called Briarcreek Blooms with a rosebud wreath in a medallion-style quilt setting. This pattern will be available at the beginning of August!
There will be shops kitting these quilts. As soon as I know which shops are kitting what, I'll definitely share as well as a list of shops who are stocking Mary Catherine.
So there you go! It's so fun to finally share out loud this collection that's been in the works behind the scenes over the past year. I can't wait to see what you all do with it!
Linda says
This fabric collection is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Linda says
Absolutely beautiful!
Rebecca says
So pretty! Ginghams always need to be included, and the the bows are perfection.
Diane McFarlin says
What a lovely combination of colors. This is just beautiful.
Jeannie Bartlett says
My sister who I cared for while she was sick for years passed away a few months ago. Her name was Mary Catherine and she was my biggest fan of anything I made. I can’t wait to purchase this collection and continue sewing in her memory. It’s just beautiful…💕
Amy says
Aww, I'm so glad this could be a tribute to another beautiful person. xoxo
Trish Smith says
Mary Catherine is beautiful!! I can hardly wait for it to be available., along with the updated pattern you sampled with this fabric.
Maryanne V. R. says
The light blues and low volume fabrics are some of the prettiest I have seen. The Briarcreek Blooms pattern is beautiful, another pattern to add to my stack of must makes.
Barbara says
This collection is so pretty! Thank you for sharing it so I can save my pennies to purchase when it is available!
Elaine Papworth says
Love, love, LOVE this new fabric collection! What I need is more fabric ha ha ha, and more unquilted quilts sitting around hahaha. Hugs!
Amy says
Hi Elaine!
Lisa says
Love your new line Mary Catherine!
Jill says
What a gorgeous collection! I can't wait to see it in person. At least I have time to think about what I will make with it. Thank you for so much inspiration.
Jane Windham says
I love this collection and can’t wait until it becomes available!
Mary says
This may be the yummiest fabric line I've ever seen...looking forward to September's release. You did a fabulous job!!!
Amy says
Aww, thank you so much!
Judy Holman says
[email protected] , this is jewelry in Fabric's & fabulous!!!🥳😍
Tonia says
Love Briarcreek blooms...and the collection! I hope a crib size will be available.. lots of babies coming this summer and fall!
Amy says
Yes! There will be a crib size version!
Jill Regan says
Once again you e hit it out of the park. ❤️‼️
Lisa Sweet says
Mary Catherine is a lovely collection! But, now you’ve got me thinking, and I’ll spend way too much time looking for photos of colors used in my early years (born 1946). I certainly don’t remember any hot pink or electric blue. I think you nailed it with the faded colors.
diane motley says
what a gorgeous line...the pinks and sage are so calming and appealing to me...and of course, the naming of this line warms my heart, Amy.
hopflower says
What a wonderful new line of fabrics! I will have to get some; they are so soft and attractive. Love the vintage vibe.
Margery Pinnetti says
Another gem, Amy. Love your designs. Thanks for the time you invest for us.
Helen says
Love the vintage prints and who doesn’t love gingham.
Amy says
Right?!
Sandra says
Born in 1947, Mary Catherine brings back memories of growing up in simpler time. I can hardly wait to get my hands on this collection. My mind is spinning with project ideas. My paternal grandparents were born in England and immigrated to Utah to work in the coal mines so I'm smitten with using it to make a Union Jack version.
Kate says
Gorgeous! Gorgeous!! I love these fabrics, and especially the "cheater" fabric.
Amy says
Thank you. 🙂
Marsha says
The fabric is beautiful. My mother's name was Mary Katherine!
Amy says
I love it!
Janet Taber says
Oooooohhhh, your new line really pulls my heartstrings!!! Love the soft, vintage look and cannot wait to handle and explore it! Yay!!!!
Donna Lee says
What lovely fabric! I'm curious, is one mom Mary and the other mom Catherine?
Chris says
love the colors. my SIL is Catherine Mary born in 1948. I need to find this line of fabric. Is it available near Pittsburgh Pa.
Betsy says
Beautiful new line, Amy!!!! Your fabrics are always gorgeous!!!!
Mary Rachel Kolb says
The Briarcreek Blooms pattern is so sweet in your Mary Catherine fabric line! Definitely a hit!!
Adriene says
Congratulations. It's lovely. I love Eloise Wilkin's work and this pallete is so sweet.
Lisa Rose says
This collection is spectacular!! The colors are just my style and the Briarcreek Blooms pattern is just the sweetest!
Donna says
I love your new line - and I spy colors so close to your Portsmouth line - which I love and am working on right now.
Blessings!
Beth says
Congratulations! I just love this line. And I have always wanted to make a Regent Street quilt, maybe its time to use this line to try it!
June says
Beautiful. Hope I can get it here in England.
Cheryl McEwan says
Wow! I think this is my favourite of all your designs, it's beautiful. The vintage looking florals are absolutely adorable. They remind me of my childhood - it was the 60's and 70's but we had a ton of old hand me down stuff. I need this fabric!!!
Mary Payne says
How truly delightful the "Mary Catherine" fabric collection is! It makes me feel 10 years old and having ice cream before going to bed late in the summer heat! Thanks for such lovely offerings.
Jan says
Beautiful colors Amy! Love it!
Gwyn says
Definitely feel the Eloise Wilkin vibe with your color palette!
Leslie K says
Absolutely love this collection! I obviously love these colors because I have almost all of the coordinating solid colors already! I'm glad I have the entire summer to determine which quilts will be made out of this collection.
Robin says
Hi Amy… Your heart has to be so full!! I absolutely love how you choose the name of your new fabric line!!! Beyond perfect!!!
The fabric is just beautiful beyond words!!! I can’t wait to get my hands on it!!!
Thank you for all your hard work!!!
Madeline Styron says
I love your new collection and am excited for it. I know exactly who Eloise Wilkin is and have a few Little Golden Books with her illustrations from my childhood. I’m 64 this week, so those books are from the early 1960’s. Good luck with your collection and other projects. I love reading your emails. It’s fun to see what other sewers are up to!
Happy late summer!
Linda says
WOW!!!!!
Linda Kyle says
Ohhh, Amy,
This is my favorite of all your prints (so far)! I have a huge collection of Eloise Wilkin books. She was the illustrator of my most loved Little Golden Books. Can't wait to start sewing with Mary Catherine!
Amy says
Awww, thank you so much!
Bonnie says
When will Mary Catherine be available?
Amy says
It's arriving in stores this month (September). I'm getting anxious for it to get here!
Joanne P Dowdall says
Beautiful fabric collection, Amy. I love it. You have a great talent.
Thanks for sharing so much.
Carol McLinko says
Love the softness of this collection. over always been partial to teal & gingham had always been nostalgic to me.
How do we find out where this line will be sold?
Amy says
If you have a local quilt shop, check with them. I'm waiting to see who has it in stock when it comes out, but I do know that Fat Quarter Shop will be carrying it. 🙂
Cindy says
In love with this collection.
Marge says
I love the Mary Catherine line of fabric! it's beautiful!
Dianne Ingram-Bishop says
I would love to be notified when this Riley Blake collection is available.
Amy says
It's available in shops now! Here's all of the updated information: https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/mary-catherine-fabric-collection-available-now/
Thanks so much for your interest!
Amy