I’ve been going through some Essex linen lately. The texture is really nice, Robert Kaufman just added a bunch of new colors, and I’ve been loving the versatility of it. It works for clothes and quilts. Plus, it is fun to appliqué and quilts up beautifully.
Win win win.
For Market, they asked if I wanted to submit an essex quilt, and I knew that I’d pick an appliqué project. I love pairing linen and appliqué, because there’s something nice about how the linen turns under for you. It’s meatier body results in smooth curves, and the added texture gives it so much more interest.
I decided to make another Post quilt, a quilt full of curves and colorful possibilities.
I prewashed and dried all my fabrics prior to sewing them. The essex doesn’t really shrink, but I think it’s a good plan to prewash when you can, especially when working with other substrates. Also, I added more rows to this version and slightly less to the border than I did in my original quilt. During the planning phase, I was indecisive about which colors to use, and so I figured adding another row would allow me to incorporate more fabrics. Win.
And the digital pattern is now up in the shop. (Yay!)
Along with Austin.
Slowly but surely…
brigitdermott says
So beautiful! I love how you placed the design, and that pop of green is so pleasing!
susan says
This is so beautiful. I’m working through my second aerial grove quilt top and am now applique-ing cotton on to 100% linen. It is turning out so beautifully. I can’t wait to see how it finishes off… I quilt by hand so it will take a while. I am so glad that you’re leading the way for more slow sewing. I personally enjoy the process of making as much, if not more, than the finished quilts. thank you for the inspiration!
Susan