How do you feel about mini quilts? I love them. There’s something extra special and satisfying about making a mini, which is why I decided to add in a (literal) little bonus when giving my Grove pattern a refresh. With a new mini tree block included in the pattern, now you can make Grove Mini Quilts. Personally, I’ve already made two.
There are many good things about a smaller format. Creatively, it’s a great way to try out a new color combination, print pairing or layout. There’s less pressure in terms of the time and material commitment. I find they always perk up a space without requiring a lot of space, and they make a thoughtful gift. If you aren’t into turning it into a quilt, you could always sew the smaller blocks into a bag, pillow, pincushion or other accessory too.
The new mini block conveniently required a new sample, which started off with a colorful dive into my scrap pile. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been finding comfort in color lately.
As I made the blocks, I threw them up on my wall, and I moved them around as I went. I find that I constantly simmer on layout while making blocks, and I really like that about the process. It’s very interactive.
Of course I ended up making more blocks than I needed, and so I divided them into two different quilts. They could have been sewn into one, but I liked the balance of having these two.
Grove Mini Quilt #1
The blocks are made from a pretty wide mix of colors from spice to tangerine to mint and yellow, but I think the sashing really helps cement the color statement. It was a big decision, but I loved this gingham and the color tone the best.
After deciding on the sashing, I was a little indecisive about going bold or blendy with the binding, so I did a little bit of both! The black piece is leftover binding from my TP quilt, and I love how it adds an accent. This is definitely a case of being enticed by something lying around that I hadn’t put away yet. (Don’t need to worry about putting it away now!)
I quilted all over with matchstick lines in the vertical direction. With there being all of the different colors and fabrics, I wanted the quilting to unify and add a dense texture.
Grove Mini Quilt #2
The blue one is pretty cute–if I do say so. There’s no sashing, it’s just 4 blocks sewn together with a border, pretty simple.
I tried to do something a little different with the quilting on this one, but still similar in the sense that it is an even, overall, dense-ish texture. This time it’s a rectangular grid, and I used an electric blue thread. That detail is subtle but fun.
You’ll find the new mini block included in the new grove pattern, as well as the specifics on the layout (sashing, border, etc) for the first version shown above.
Take this in whatever direction you’re feeling!
Pattern: Grove Quilt
Fabric: Mostly mine, plus a Robert Kaufman Crawford Gingham
I love it, did you do English paper piecing?
Thanks, Sandy! It’s foundation paper pieced. 🙂
You make a great point about mini quilts and them being a great way to try new techniques without the commitment. Both of these minis look terrific and the colour combinations are wonderful!
Thanks, Melanie! Yes, definitely a good place to try out the technique and any creative ideas!
I love minis too! Such satisfying little makes they are, and of course scraps need to be used before they take over my room!
Very true! I tell myself that I’m cleaning when I use up scraps. Haha!
Looking to purchase your latest CF fabrics… charms? “Fats” ? I have many of your older colors and designs but agree the red orange add the pop in looking for…. where can they be purchased?
I’m so glad you like the new stuff! The newest colors will start shipping to stores in July, I believe. You can ask your local shop to order them or be on the lookout for other shops to announce their arrival.
Hi Carolyn
This is a gorgeous pattern! Would scraps of about fat eights work for each of the trees ?
Thanks
Susan
Thanks, Susan! Yes, I’m sure you could use fat eighths, you just might need extra if you are new to the technique.