Last Spring at Quilt Market I was flipping through the Riley Blake catalog of their upcoming collections and the first one that caught my eye was a modern collection in blues, browns and neutrals. Then I looked to see who the designer was: Deena Rutter. I wasn’t surprised – I’ve been a fan of Deena’s designs for a long time (see here and here). So when she asked if I’d like to make a project using this Knock on Wood collection I jumped at the chance.
You may remember when I shared these prints in my post about choosing fabric for a quilt. I think the thing that first spoke to me about this line is the great colors. Then the prints – love that wood-grain print and those modern, organic-looking crosses especially. All together it’s such a great combination that reads “boy” but not juvenile or baby.
I’ve been wanting (needing) for sometime to make a quilt for my oldest boy. He’s the only one without a ‘big kid’ quilt. These colors and prints were perfect – something that he could use and grow with.
This quilt is based on my Simple Stripes quilt tutorial. I’ve wanted to make a larger, updated version for a while, so this was perfect. This is a great quick for a fast assembly. This is the ‘twin size’ version (63″ x 84″). It requires at least 16 ⅓ yard cuts (I used all 18 print from the collection to give a little more variety.)
If you want to make it any bigger (73″ x 94″ Twin) I would suggest a 5″ border all the way around. Buy 1 ½ yards of fabric and cut 8 strips 5 ½″ wide x width of fabric.
I love this pattern because not only does it come together quickly, but it’s a great one for showing off large scale prints. From a distance many of these fabrics read blenders (making themselves versatile in lots of projects) and I love the way they make that busier, focus print pop, giving the quilt a modern, abstract feel.
I also used one of these strip-y prints prints on the back for fun, and because it might help camouflage any dirt from taking the quilt to lacrosse or football games.
I also love the little pops of gold and orange these prints give – providing a few ‘zinger’ spots in a relatively neutral quilt. 
To finish it off perfectly, Melissa from Sew Shabby Quilting quilted it with a wood-grain quilting pattern.
Knock on Wood Fabric is available from Pink Castle Fabrics and Fabric.com.
You can see more projects made with Knock on Wood this week over at Deena Ruter’s blog, including a tutorial for this modern, off-kilter T-shirt quilt made by Jennifer Selos. I think it’s such a fun variation on traditional T-shirt quilts.
I’m also TOTALLY smitten with this pattern Reclaimed made with the collection as well. It was one of my favorites I saw at Market. You can find the pattern in Deena’s shop.
If you’d like to see more projects with Knock on Wood, you can visit these quilters:
Wednesday, 9/14 Dara Tomasson, Stitched Quilting Co.
Thursday, 9/15 Jina Barney, Jina Barney Designz
Friday, 9/16 Amanda Niederhauser, Jedi Craft Girl
Saturday, 9/17 Deena Rutter
Jamie
This might be your best quilt ever! At first I wasn’t thrilled about the fabric but the way you put it together and with that backing fabric it is amazing!
Amy Smart
Thanks Jamie!
kirsten
I have recently made a quilt for each of my teenage sons for their 18th birthdays and had trouble finding the “right” design but this is such a perfect quilt pattern for a guy and I love the fabrics you have used!
Amy Smart
Thanks Kirsten! Finding a good “guy” quilt pattern and fabric is always tricky. I’m so glad Deena designed this fabric!
Karen Seitz
Beautiful! You’re right — that’s a quilt that works for all ages. I bet your son is happy with it.
Amy Smart
For the most part, yes. Although, he’d probably be most excited by one of those $10 super-fuzzy blankets from Costco. haha
Elana Goldberg
You’re putting me to shame. My 18 year olds are at college now without quilts, because I’m so behind on making each of them one. This fabric line is perfect. I have a bit of a pet peeve about all these gorgeous fabric lines with flowers and other girly images. As a Mom of 5 boys, it’s often tough to find fabric lines that are masculine, exciting and not dull. My kids aren’t into tractors, fishing or things like that, but would not want flowers in their quilts. Thank you to Riley Blake for remembering that there are young men out there with a desire for something sophisticated and filled with some color. And Amy, your son is a lucky guy with that gorgeous quilt that you’ve lovingly made him. I’m inspired to get back to work on my own boys’ quilts.
Amy Smart
Exactly what I loved about this collection too! Masculine with great colors and design. I’m glad you liked it too!
Janice Young
Elana;
Janice from Mo.here My first granddaughter picked out her quilt pattern and fabric. I could not envision the quilt out of her fabric pick so I made her a quilt i liked in her colors. Then knowing she had picked the quilt she wanted i did go on and make the quilt she picked out (it is pretty) so she got 2 quilts for graduation . I am now kicking myself because i set the bar that each grandkid (6) gets 2 quilts for graduation. No problem so far 4 quilts made but the next 2 graduate the same year a girl and a boy. Am planning on making him this pattern as one of his. Fun reading all the posts.
Janice
CherylB
Love it! And thank you for the link to her website! I’ve been looking for a t shirt tutorial !!!!
Amy Smart
Awesome! Glad to hear it!
Colleen
Wow, what a fantastic quilt. I learn so much by visiting your blog.
Amy Smart
I’m so glad! Thanks Colleen.
Peggy
Looks great Amy! It does have a very masculine feel to it – I’m sure your son must love his new big kid quilt.
Amy Smart
Thanks Peggy! I think he likes it. Although he says it’s still a little “too fancy.” He’d probably be happiest with a $10 fleece blanket from Costco. lol
Lea
Oh, I do like this quilt!! The design, the colors, the fabric, the quilting – all of it. It’s beautiful!
Amy Smart
Thank you. 🙂
Mary
Amy, that quilt is GORGEOUS! It has beautiful modern look to it. You have such talent to see a fabric line and do something spectacular with it!
Amy Smart
Thank you! That is the nicest compliment!
Robby H.
That’s such a great fabric line. You’ve really shown it off to advantage in your son’s quilt. There is an age where it’s pretty tough to please them, but he will appreciate the artistry in a few years.
Amy Smart
Yes – that is what I’m hoping. In the meantime, I like it and that’s what matters. 😉
Jenny
Is this beginner friendly? Love the fabrics! I think it would make a great quilt for a cozy family room.
Amy Smart
Yes. SUPER beginner friendly!
beckyroberts
Oh man! I love how masculine this turned out. And I’m just swooning over the wood grain quilting. What a great, inspiring piece. Thanks for sharing your work!
Amy Smart
Thanks Becky. 🙂
tierneycreates
This is an extremely awesome quilt!!! I love the design and the fabric choices!