Quilting has always been a way for me to connect with significant moments in my life and the lives of those around me. When I first made the quilt “Jared Takes A Wife!” as a wedding gift, it was a labor of love, combining special yardage and scraps to create a unique and memorable piece. The experience was so enjoyable and meaningful that I decided to make another one in greens, golds, and purples, which I kept for myself. This quilt holds a special place in my heart, not only for its beauty but for the memories it evokes.
Being a member of the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Choir in Columbia, SC, has been a transformative experience for me. The choir, which has become like family over the past year, is led by our talented director and organ master, who is getting married on October 13th, 2007. Singing at the wedding is an opportunity I will cherish forever. One day, while perusing fabrics, I came across some music-themed prints that were perfect for this quilt. They seemed to leap into my arms, and I knew immediately they would be the focal point for this special project.
Harmonizing Colors and Patterns: The “Jared Takes A Wife!” Quilt
The “Jared Takes A Wife!” quilt uses the traditional “Blackford’s Beauty” block, but with a twist that makes it uniquely mine. The original was created as a heartfelt wedding gift, and I replicated it in a different color scheme to keep a piece of that love for myself. The quilt features a blend of special yardage and scraps, combined in a way that highlights the beauty of each fabric.
The focal point of the quilt is the music-themed fabric, which adds a personal touch and ties into my love for singing. The sheet music fabric has a tea-stained appearance with a hint of glitz, and the black/gold note fabric adds an elegant touch. To complement these fabrics, I chose an antiquey green, which plays beautifully against the music prints. The use of scrappy green and neutral strips adds a layer of complexity and charm, making the quilt truly one-of-a-kind.
Crafting the “Blackford’s Beauty” Block
The “Blackford’s Beauty” block is at the heart of the “Jared Takes A Wife!” quilt. This traditional block is transformed by the careful selection of fabrics and the use of scrappy elements. The quilt consists of 30 blocks set in a 5×6 layout, with each block measuring 12″. The addition of 2″ finished sashing and cornerstones gives the quilt its finished size of approximately 82″ x 95″.
Materials
To create the “Jared Takes A Wife!” quilt, you will need the following materials:
- Assorted green and neutral scraps for the 4-patch blocks and cornerstone squares
- Sheet music fabric for the sashings (cut 240 rectangles, 2″ x 3.5″)
- Black note fabric for the star points (cut 240 rectangles, 2″ x 5″)
- Gold fabric for the inner star points (cut 240 2″ squares)
- Additional 2″ neutral squares for the background of the star points (cut 240 squares)
- Black fabric for the inner border (cut 1.5″)
- Green fabric for the outer border (cut 5″)
- Sheet music fabric for the diagonal stripe binding, cut on the bias
The key to this quilt’s charm is the use of scrappy 2″ squares for the four patches and cornerstones, creating a dynamic and textured look. The star points, made from black note and gold fabrics, add a striking contrast and a touch of elegance.
Getting Started: Tips and Considerations
Before you begin piecing your quilt, here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Organize Your Scraps: Separate your green and neutral scraps to make it easier to piece the 4-patch blocks.
- Precision Cutting: Ensure all your pieces are cut accurately to maintain consistency in your blocks.
- Chain Piecing: Use the chain piecing method for efficiency, especially when creating the 4-patch units and star points.
- Press Seams Correctly: Pressing seams towards the darker fabric or as indicated in the instructions will help your blocks lie flat and fit together neatly.
With these materials and tips in hand, you’re ready to create your own “Jared Takes A Wife!” quilt. Let’s move on to the detailed step-by-step instructions.
Full Pattern: Click Here
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the 4-Patch Units
- Piece the Strips:
- Seam green 2″ scrap strips to 2″ neutral strips. Press towards the darker fabric.
- Subcut into 240 2″ sections.
- Assemble the 4-Patch Units:
- Match pairs of sections and sew continuously to create a long chain of 4-patch units.
- Trim between the units and press the 4-patches open. You should have 120 4-patches. Set them aside.
Adding Sashings and Cornerstones
- Cut the Sashings:
- Cut the sheet music fabric into 240 rectangles, 2″ x 3.5″.
- Attach Sashings to 4-Patches:
- Add a sashing rectangle to the right side of each 4-patch.
- Sew a cornerstone (2″ square) to one short side of each remaining sashing rectangle.
- Create Modified 9-Patch Units:
- Assemble the units as shown, ensuring all chains face the same direction.
Creating the Star Points
- Prepare Star Point Rectangles:
- Cut 240 rectangles from the black note fabric, each 2″ x 5″.
- Cut 240 2″ squares from the gold fabric and 240 2″ neutral squares.
- Sew Inner Star Squares:
- Lay the gold square on top of the black note rectangle with right sides together. Stitch diagonally from corner to corner. Repeat for 120 rectangles.
- Change the direction of sewing for the next 120 rectangles.
- Trim and Press:
- Trim the excess approximately 1/4″ from the seam line and press towards the inner star points.
- Sew the neutral squares on the diagonal on the other end of the star point rectangles, matching the angle of the inner star seam. Trim and press.
Assembling the Blocks
- Sew Rectangle Pairs into Units:
- Create pairs of star point rectangles, ensuring they slant in opposite directions.
- Cut Block Centers:
- Cut 30 3.5″ squares for the block centers.
- Assemble Blocks:
- Lay out the block units in a simple 9-patch layout.
- Stitch the units into rows, then sew the rows together to complete each block. Make 30 blocks.
Completing the Quilt Top
- Add Sashings and Cornerstones:
- Set the quilt with 2.5″ cut (2″ finished) sashings and 2.5″ cut cornerstones.
- Add Borders:
- Add a 1.5″ cut black inner border and a 5″ cut green outer border.
Finishing the Quilt
- Layer and Baste:
- Layer the quilt top, batting, and backing. Baste the layers together.
- Quilting:
- Quilt as desired. The busy prints will mask detailed quilting, so feel free to experiment with different patterns.
- Binding:
- Use the sheet music fabric cut on the bias for a diagonal stripe binding.
Additional Tips
- Scrappy 4-Patches: Use a variety of green and neutral scraps to give your quilt a rich, textured look.
- Precise Star Points: Take your time when sewing the diagonal seams on the star points to ensure they align correctly.
- Pressing Matters: Pressing seams correctly at each step will make assembling the blocks and quilt top much easier.
- Chain Piecing: This method saves time and keeps your pieces organized, especially when working with so many units.
Creating the “Jared Takes A Wife!” quilt is a delightful journey that combines traditional quilting techniques with personal touches. This project celebrates both the beauty of fabrics and the joy of creating something meaningful. As you piece together each block and see the design come to life, you’ll find a deep sense of satisfaction in your craftsmanship. Quilting is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to create lasting memories and gifts that come from the heart.
