I’ve been wanting to make a new Aerial quilt for quite some time. It was one of my early patterns, and one I’ve been eager to get back to. Here is my Aerial update.
The Design
The design is inspired by an imaginary view from above. It’s a fairly simple idea with loads of horizontal sections divided by diagonal slices and blocks of differing sizes.
Technique and Fabric
The project is made using foundation paper piecing, which makes everything super easy and clean. You can work from 2 1/2″ strips. Bring on the scraps, yardage or whatever you have! I worked from the roll up of my newest CF Grid Group and a special Kona Cotton roll up that I put together to coordinate with it. To me this is a great example of how grayscale doesn’t necessarily mean lacking in color. Don’t you think?
Working With Other Substrates
Aerial works really well with solids and textural prints. It’s also great for working in other substrates, which was a big focus for me in my first version. Sewing onto the paper foundation stabilizes a variety of fabrics, making it easy by limiting stretch, drape or any other imbalance between the fabrics you are using. If you are new to foundation paper piecing and/or working with a variety of substrates, this is a great way to go.
Tip: Pre-wash and dry all fabrics when doing this to equalize any differences that might occur when laundering in the future.
The Aerial Update
I’ve updated the pattern to include the new sample. I made some tweaks to the blocks, and I changed out some of the project sizes so that the pattern includes four different size options; Throw, Runner, Wall and Baby. The pattern has six different blocks and coloring pages to map out your own version.
Planning
In planning this project, I don’t tend to make an overall plan, instead I start with the fabrics and then I think about groupings of three fabrics for each block. I find that this helps break down many choices into something more manageable. Plus, it gives cohesion to each block and the quilt as a whole, while also making the sewing experience entertaining as I tried coming up with new three-fabric combinations for each block.
There’s an optional “Block Yardage” listing in the fabric requirements that you can use to add cohesion or to provide extra wiggle room if you are new to paper piecing.
Project Details
Pattern: Aerial Quilt Pattern
Fabric(s): CF Grid Group and Kona Coordinates
Bonus: Aerial was also a design I used in my couch! Here’s part 1 and part 2.
Parts of the quilt looks like geese flying across the sky. Thanks. lots of work…inspirational.
I can see that, Rebeca! Always fun to see what others see. 🙂
Such a beautiful quilt, a great way to showcase such a wonderful fabric collection. This is a terrific pattern. You are so talented!
Hi love your work – I never saw the blog about covering your couch before – so so helpful!
I am covering 6 pillows for an old wooden Scandinavian bench (slagbænk) – I was doing the “front” panels in your Everglades patterns each different – colours complementary – but I was seeing each as a single picture! Like you I am quilting front and back panels – to give structure – thank u for your reassurance that it works –
Now I am inspired to finish my “back” panels – which might well become the front as they will be cut out of one piece as you did!
Since I only started quilting this year – I am taking on cushions etc getting used to quilting, textures etc! Your blog has been so helpful with sewing and layout tips – even your comments about wadding have been so useful
Thank you again – and ofcourse beauty inspires
Yeah, this will be great! It’s always fun to try out on idea on something you can actually use. Best of luck with your project!
I’m working on my aerial pattern and am having a hard time getting the two templates in 1A to match up edges. I think it is probably something simple but I’m not “getting it”. I’m a very experienced paper piercer. But frustrated right now😉