Quilting has always been a source of creative expression for me, much like painting on a canvas. The “Blooming Blocks Wall Hanging” project embodies this artistry, transforming fabrics into a vibrant tapestry of blooming flowers. Inspired by the dynamic interplay of light and dark shades, this wall hanging uses abstract prints to create a stunning visual effect. The Garden Medley collection by Susie Johnson for RJR Fabrics, with its harmonious blend of yellows, pinks, purples, and greens, serves as the perfect palette for this project.
One of my earliest quilting memories involves experimenting with different fabric patterns and colors to create visual stories. The “Blooming Blocks Wall Hanging” takes me back to those experimental days, reminding me of the joy found in combining seemingly unrelated prints to create a cohesive and beautiful piece. This wall hanging is a testament to the endless possibilities of quilting and the creative freedom it offers.
Capturing the Essence of a Blooming Garden
Abstract Florals and Harmonious Hues
The “Blooming Blocks Wall Hanging” captures the essence of a blooming garden with its carefully pieced blocks that mimic the look of flowers in full bloom. The use of light peach, yellow, blue, and purple prints against a backdrop of darker shades creates a balanced and striking contrast. This project not only enhances your quilting skills but also adds a touch of artistic flair to your home decor.
The combination of colors in this quilt is carefully chosen to reflect the natural harmony found in gardens. The interplay between the soft pastels and the rich, dark prints brings a sense of depth and dimension, making the flowers appear as though they are blooming right off the fabric. Each block is a unique composition, contributing to the overall abstract and artistic feel of the quilt.
Materials and Preparations
Gathering Your Supplies
For the “Blooming Blocks Wall Hanging,” gather the following materials:
- Assorted light peach prints: 3⁄4 yard total (blocks)
- Assorted light yellow prints: 1⁄2 yard total (blocks)
- Assorted light blue prints: 3⁄8 yard total (blocks)
- Assorted light purple prints: 1⁄4 yard total (blocks)
- Assorted dark prints: 2-5⁄8 yards total (blocks)
- Yellow print: 1⁄2 yard (inner border)
- Purple floral: 1 yard (outer border)
- Dark purple print: 1⁄2 yard (binding)
- Backing fabric: 3-1⁄2 yards
- Batting: 61×71″
- Finished quilt size: 53×63″
- Finished block size: 10″ square
Ensure all fabrics have a usable width of 42″. Measurements include 1⁄4″ seam allowances, and sew with right sides together unless otherwise stated.
Full Pattern: Click Here
Cutting the Fabrics: Preparing Your Canvas
To begin, cut the fabric pieces in the following order:
- From assorted light peach prints, cut 8 sets of:
- Four 3-1⁄2×5-1⁄2″ rectangles per set.
- From assorted light yellow prints, cut 6 sets of:
- Four 3-1⁄2×5-1⁄2″ rectangles per set.
- From assorted light blue prints, cut 4 sets of:
- Four 3-1⁄2×5-1⁄2″ rectangles per set.
- From assorted light purple prints, cut 2 sets of:
- Four 3-1⁄2×5-1⁄2″ rectangles per set.
- From assorted dark prints, cut 20 sets of:
- One 4-1⁄2×10-1⁄2″ rectangle per set.
- Four 3-1⁄2″ squares per set.
- Four 2-1⁄2″ squares per set.
- From yellow print, cut:
- Five 2-1⁄2×42″ strips for the inner border.
- From purple floral, cut:
- Six 4-3⁄4×42″ strips for the outer border.
- From dark purple print, cut:
- Six 2-1⁄2×42″ binding strips.
Organizing and cutting your fabrics accurately is crucial to ensure a smooth quilting process. Each piece plays a vital role in bringing the abstract floral design to life.
Preparing for the Quilt: Tips and Considerations
Before starting the construction of your wall hanging, consider these essential tips:
- Pre-wash Your Fabrics: Pre-washing helps to preshrink the fabrics and prevent color bleeding.
- Press Fabrics Before Cutting: Ironing your fabrics ensures they lay flat, allowing for more precise cutting.
- Use Quality Tools: A sharp rotary cutter, a reliable cutting mat, and a clear ruler are indispensable for accurate cuts.
- Consistent Seam Allowance: Maintaining a consistent 1⁄4″ seam allowance is key to ensuring all pieces fit together seamlessly.
- Organize Your Pieces: Keep your cut pieces sorted and labeled. This organization will streamline the assembly process.
Crafting the Blooming Blocks Wall Hanging
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Creating the Blocks:
- Begin by sewing the light peach, yellow, blue, and purple rectangles to form the central parts of each block. Join four rectangles to make a 10″ square block. Repeat for all the sets.
- Add the dark print rectangles, 3-1⁄2″ squares, and 2-1⁄2″ squares around the central blocks to frame them. Ensure each block has a balanced mix of colors to achieve the desired abstract floral effect.
- Assembling the Quilt Top:
- Arrange the completed blocks on a flat surface or design wall. Experiment with the placement to achieve a harmonious balance of colors and prints.
- Sew the blocks together in rows, ensuring the seams are pressed consistently. Join the rows to complete the quilt top.
- Adding the Borders:
- Attach the yellow inner border strips first. Measure your quilt top and cut the border strips to the correct length, then sew them to the edges.
- Next, add the purple floral outer border. Again, measure the quilt top with the inner border attached to determine the length of the outer border strips. Sew these to the quilt, ensuring neat and straight edges.
- Preparing the Quilt Sandwich:
- Layer the backing fabric, batting, and quilt top. Smooth out any wrinkles and baste the layers together using your preferred method (spray, pins, or hand basting).
- Quilting:
- Quilt as desired, either by hand or machine. Follow the lines of the blocks or create custom designs that enhance the abstract floral motif. A neutral or complementary thread color works best.
- Binding:
- Prepare the binding strips from the dark purple print. Fold and press the strips in half lengthwise.
- Sew the binding to the quilt’s edge, starting at one side and mitering the corners for a polished finish. Fold the binding over to the back of the quilt and hand-stitch it in place.
Additional Tips
- Chain Piecing: This technique allows you to sew multiple pieces in a continuous chain without cutting the thread, saving time and ensuring consistency.
- Press Seams Carefully: Pressing seams as you go helps to keep the quilt top flat and reduces bulk at seam intersections.
- Stay Flexible: Don’t hesitate to adjust your layout or design if something doesn’t look right. Trust your artistic intuition.
The “Blooming Blocks Wall Hanging” is more than just a quilting project; it’s a vibrant piece of art that adds a touch of nature’s beauty to your home. Each block is a testament to the joy of combining colors and patterns to create something truly unique. As you complete this project, you’ll not only improve your quilting skills but also create a stunning wall hanging that reflects the beauty of a blooming garden. Happy quilting!
