Beginning right now, quilt shops will be able to order my fabric line from Blank Quilting Fabrics. The actual bolts will ship in December. So what does this mean for you?
As a quilter, I designed these fabrics with making quilts in mind. My process included everything from making sure there were backgrounds, patchwork options, applique options, borders, backings and bindings! I scaled the floral wreath print perfectly for fussy cutting for hexies, and I made sure there were large, medium and small scale prints for every need. The patchwork print is also perfect for fussy cutting for applique or using as a backing. (If you've ever seen my trunk shows, you know I love a good cheater fabric for my backing!)
My Inspiration...
If you look closely at the large scale print you will see the daisies from my Crazy Daisy quilt that appeared on the cover of my first book,
Scrap Quilt Secrets. It is such a fun and playful motif, I added lots of dots and stitches and layered patterns. I wanted the daisies to star in the different prints in various forms and for prints to work well on their own or together.
Beginning with the end in mind...
As a quilter, I thought about how I would cut up the fabrics I was designing. I wanted the spacing to work for fussy cutting and the scales to vary from print to print. I also wanted lots of options because I like lots of fabrics in my quilts! While I didn't want it to be a sewing print, I wanted some stitches in the prints as a gift to quilters and sewers.
The Borders...
The large floral print has all of the colors of the line in it. It has the main daisy in lots of sizes and variations along with lots of dots. One can never have too many dots! I wanted it to look hand drawn and slightly imperfect with lots of variation to avoid a 'computer printed' look. I also wanted it to feel cheerful and fun. Layering other designs in the background adds a bit of interest. The space between the groups of flowers is also meant to allow for fussy cutting or cutting of repeats.
The Backing...
The patchwork print or 'cheater print' can be used as the patchwork in the Crazy Daisy quilt from my book along with the text print as the border. This isn't the only use for it though! It would make a perfect backing for any quilt made from this collection. It also can be used by cutting it into four patches or rows for piecing into a quilt or as a panel for a fun playmat. I'm thinking it will make adorable curtains for my laundry room! I also think it lends itself to table runners and placemats for a bright cheerful look. I can't wait to see what folk use it for!
The Binding...
The 1/4'' stripe is meant to be the perfect binding, and I think it is, but it could also make a fun sashing, or inner border. It could be perfect for bag handles (on a patchwork tote) or as a lining or backing. Every quilt needs some stripes so here they are!
Low Volumes...
These background fabrics are perfect for both wide open spaces and for piecing into blocks or units. The stitched circles will appear as a solid (with interest) and the busier prints can be backgrounds or included in the patchwork. I just love that each piece has so many options.
Quote me...
The text prints were fun quotes I chose to include for both inspiration and giggles. And one can't have text without emojis, so I drew custom emojis to go with the quotes and sayings. They make a wonderful energetic background but also have enough interest to stand alone as a border or backing. I hope you have fun reading the quotes and I really hope it makes you smile!
Brights...
Because I like LOTS of prints in my quilts, I decided to combine 6 warm prints on one bolt and 6 cool prints on one bolt. The print strips are 7'' wide, so they can be cut into strips or charms or applique pieces. This gives your 12 prints for the price of 2! What could be better than that? The prints are similar but not identical in both color ways to add even more options.
Selvage Surprise...
If you've ever met me, you know how much I love a cute selvage. While I don't have a photo of these yet, I am assured the daisies on the selvage are adorable. I can't wait to see them!
Free Patterns...
I've designed 2 free patterns for the fabric line, being offered on the Blank Quilting Fabrics website. I designed one that is beginner friendly and one that is more intermediate level. They are both fun to piece and I hope you will enjoy putting your own spin on them!
Block of the Month Options...
Because the fabrics ship in December, I've been asked if I will have Block of the Month options available and the answer is YES of course! I have designed a fun quilt that can start with simple units and move onto different shapes. It can include applique or you can just add more patchwork. I love lots of options!
Bundles and Kits...
Fat quarter bundles will be available and they will include all of the fabrics. Each bundle will have 2 fat quarters from the multi prints bolts to makes sure you get every print! I will also be offering bundles and kits on my website beginning in January.
Where to Buy...
So if these fabrics don't show up in quilt shops until December, why am I talking about them now? So you can SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FAVORITE QUILT SHOP and make sure they order the line! Also send them to me with any questions and I will be happy to custom design a program or event just for their shop!
Thanks so much for sharing this CRAZY Daisy Talk excitement with me. I can't believe it's actually happening!
Diane
