New Quilt Pattern: Envelopes.

First up is new Envelopes quilt pattern.

My new patterns seem to be on an E theme…

Envelopes, Ebb and Everglade–these are the new guys.

I’m a paper person and a letter person, which is exactly why it’s about time I made a move on an envelope-themed project. (In fact, here’s a fun trip down memory lane…)

Cards, letters and envelopes are great for many reasons. The paper, the colors and the graphics can make them visually enticing, and then the message, thought and gesture can reach out to us on a personal level as well. Plus, the physicality of them makes such a distinct impact when so many things in our lives are digital.

As a quilt, the simple envelope shape can take on just as much as well. Change up the fabric, change up the color, change up the quilting–or even add embroidery or something that you fussy cut (both of which are included in the directions)–the end result is whatever message you are compelled to convey.

I created 2 block sizes for this project, so you can go mini or big. Above is the mini. It’s a fun and satisfying sew, especially when you’re playing with many different fabric combinations…which is exactly what I did. I made it a big mixing and matching game with all the new fabrics in Carkai. (Background fabric is Interweave Chambray in Denim.) Plus, the smaller block is perfect for adding a set of initials…which I eagerly added.

The big envelope block is a great size for a larger message (or fun fabric). In this version (also with Carkai), I made a signature quilt with the ladies in my local quilt group. (By the way, that’s the larger-scale print from Carkai in the background. When cut up and sewn, it just becomes a nice texture. You can also take note of how I used the special selvage from another of the designs from Carkai for the border in both projects. It’s fun.)

I’ve always loved a signature quilt, and now that I’ve made one, I love them even more.  I had each gal in the group sign a block that I then embroidered on top of. Spending so much time with each of their signatures got me thinking a lot about signatures. They are so personal and unique to each person–each one really is like a portrait. Some were so polished and refined that I realized how sloppy my own handwriting has gotten, and so I’ve been on a little bit of a side mission to write more, especially in cursive. (You know what they say about practice…)

So here’s Envelopes. I had so much fun making the cover samples, that I even whipped out a mini as a gift for a friend.

I pulled as many fussy-cuttable fabrics from my stash along with many of my orange, red and blue fabrics (which I was surprised by how many I have! A good problem to have.), and in an afternoon I had the top all made up. It was one of those things where you just keep sewing, because you want to see how it’s going to turn out.

You should be seeing this pattern popping up in your local and online shops now, and the PDF version is in my shop.

#envelopesquilt

#carkaifabric