Pretty Simple

I definitely enjoy complicated projects. Trying new techniques and working at the edge of my abilities energizes me, but I also enjoy a really simple make now and then. You know, one that you can do on autopilot?

Last summer I made a quilt top composed of 10” squares, using a layer cake I had on hand. At the time I just needed to sew squares of fabric together - simple and pretty. I also have this Soft & Bright batting I’ve been meaning to try and a tablecloth I’ve hoarded for about 15 years that really deserves to get a life.

Time to combine all those parts into a useable, finished form!

I’m thinking of this as a picnic quilt, since the tablecloth backing is sturdy like canvas and the batting is slightly puffier than low-loft cotton. It should be comfy on uneven ground and super easy to wash and dry.

How do you like the Meadow Flower block quilting? I could have gone so many ways with the quilting on such a simple quilt. I chose this design because the motif feels related to the flowers in these prints. Plus, it’s an open design that allows the batting to stay lofty.

Not that it’s super-lofty, mind you. Nothing compares to the loft of wool, in my experience. Soft + Bright (a synthetic batting) is definitely loftier and lighter weight than my go-to Warm + Natural or Quilter’s Dream Cotton Select, but not dramatically so.

Isn’t the backing pretty? It might be my favorite part! Oh, and I bound the quilt with one of those Uncorked blenders by Windham fabrics. This is the second time I’ve used one for a binding. It’s almost-solid, almost-stripy and with metallic accents. Heart!

Ahhh… welcome spring! Can you see the azalea starting to bloom outside the window? I do love this time of year. Here’s to many happy picnics on this quilt. I have just the friend who will love these fabrics!