Here comes something fun! It’s pattern release day. You’re going to love sewing my newest pattern - - -

Circus Cabin!

I enjoy sewing all kinds of quilts from fussy cut to ruler-free, from paper pieced to simple squares. Sometimes you just want to sew something easy, something that comes together fast, but nevertheless has that '‘wow” factor. If that’s how you’re feeling, Circus Cabin is the quilt for you. It’s simple and stunning - ideal for quilt beginners too!

Do you love scrappy quilts? Me too! You can see that this pattern can make use of your long, thin fabrics scraps, but that’s not all. As part of my Color Mentor pattern series, Circus Cabin teaches color design concepts. In this case we’re using seasonal palettes to bring energy and focus to your scrap quilting. Use the provided spring, summer, fall or winter palettes to begin your scrappy journey and follow the quilt design to beautify your scraps. The pattern combines a healthy dose of solids with fabric repetition to create harmony from your wildest scraps.

Circus Cabin quilt begins with the classic log cabin block with its light vs. dark contrast and the traditional red square center. I adore how the light/dark contrast makes mountains and valleys. My layout makes four perfectly framed low-volume on point squares. The custom border keeps everything centered and punctuates the design with four large squares at the corners.

Two quilt sizes included:

• Throw 64”x 64”

• Baby 36” x 36”

Shown right is a mock-up of the baby-sized Circus Cabin. This version still shows off a framed, on-point, low-volume square and includes the custom border.

If you’re short on time, you can have your fun with the compact baby version and still sew-along!

I’ve dubbed this design Circus Log Cabins, for the stripey log style that reminds me of circus tent stripes. Of course, the circus feel also has to do with this summer-inspired palette and wild, multi-colored scraps. During our January sew-along I’ll be sewing a new version inspired by another season. Maybe it’ll have more for a fall carnival vibe or spring flower festival feel? We shall see!

I can’t wait to dive into my scraps for my next Circus Cabin quilt. Next week I’ll talk more about the sew-along and explore options for augmenting your scrap collection, including some giveaways from my sponsors. You can get started now by reading through the first few pages of the pattern, regarding color and fabric. I wonder, which season will you sew?

Sew-Along Coming Soon!

Check back Monday for the sew-along master post. We get started January 2nd! Until then you can - - -