I can hardly find the words to tell you about the quilt I'm sharing for Bloggers Quilt Festival this time around. I am so excited to share this quilt with you all for a zillion reasons, but here's the top 3:
1. This is my first real quilt pattern. I have written a full PDF pattern, available here, so you can make your very own Fabricland!
2. This quilt is based on some doodles my late father used to draw. It reminds me of him, and makes me feel close to him, even though he's been gone for several years now.
3. I am really loving solids these days, and the solids I used here are Free Spirit Solids, which are super buttery soft!! I really enjoyed working with these solids, I will definitely use them again!
My dad was a really big part of my life. He died in my early 20's, and as an adult, I often think of him and wonder what he would think of what I'm doing. When it comes to my quilting, I know he'd be super proud of me for finding something I enjoy so much. And he would be super proud of this quilt, I know it would make him smile. My dad worked two jobs for most of my childhood and both involved a lot of time on the phone. One job was in sales and the other in the telephone survey industry. My dad was the kind of guy who liked to use his hands...all the time. If you went into his office, more often than not, if was on the phone, he'd have a pen in hand with a notepad, and would be doodling a pattern similar to this quilt. I've found myself doing the same thing in the last year or so, and that was my inspiration for this quilt.
I started with a bunch of quilty math and diagrams, talked to the lovely Brenda at Pink Castle Fabrics about my fabric needs, and thus, a quilt was born. This quilt is comprised of 1,420 little squares, placed just so to create a fabulous repeating pattern. I chose a light, medium, and dark value variation for each of the colors I was working with, which creates a neat, sparkling kind of effect to the quilt.
And now for the shameless self-promotion...you can purchase my e-pattern at my new pattern shop or you can purchase a kit for this quilt right here at Pink Castle Fabrics. The Fabricland PDF pattern includes all of the information you'll need to make this quilt, including color photos and complete piecing diagrams to follow, as well as requirements for batting and binding. The finished size of this quilt is 70" x 80". The kit includes all of the fabric you'll need to complete the quilt top, as well as the e-pattern.
Quilt Stats
Name: Fabricland
Fabrics: Various Free Spirit Designer Solids, available in a custom bundle here
Pattern: Original design by me, available for purchase here!
Binding: Free Spirit Designer Solid Pastel Gray
Size: 70" x 80"
I hope you are enjoying Bloggers Quilt Festival! Last fall was my first Bloggers Quilt Festival. I was a fairly new blogger, but I was positively smitten with the quilting community online, and BQF really sealed the for me. Not only did I love the opportunity to share this hobby that I was quickly falling in love with, but it was really clear to me that this community is so open and giving and welcoming. I know I'll be checking Amy's BQF linky post frequently over the next week so I can see all of the other amazing quilts that will be shared there. If you haven't written a post and shared a quilt yet, do it. Even if it's not a quilt you just finished, share it. I know I'd love to see it!
Name: Fabricland
Fabrics: Various Free Spirit Designer Solids, available in a custom bundle here
Pattern: Original design by me, available for purchase here!
Binding: Free Spirit Designer Solid Pastel Gray
Size: 70" x 80"
I hope you are enjoying Bloggers Quilt Festival! Last fall was my first Bloggers Quilt Festival. I was a fairly new blogger, but I was positively smitten with the quilting community online, and BQF really sealed the for me. Not only did I love the opportunity to share this hobby that I was quickly falling in love with, but it was really clear to me that this community is so open and giving and welcoming. I know I'll be checking Amy's BQF linky post frequently over the next week so I can see all of the other amazing quilts that will be shared there. If you haven't written a post and shared a quilt yet, do it. Even if it's not a quilt you just finished, share it. I know I'd love to see it!
elizabeth, (several generations in my family have that as first names, so love it!!) your quilt is just fantastic--love when it's hanging from the tree--really great. and sweet story--miss my dad, too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story to your quilt and well done you for writing and getting the pattern out there :)
ReplyDeleteI love the story behind your quilt, Elizabeth! Congratulations on your first pattern! You have had lots of fun things to finally be able to share this week! Do you feel a little lighter now that you could spill the beans?
ReplyDeleteI love Quilts with solids, yours is amazing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful quilt and what a great way to honor your father! Very, very nice! Congrats on your 1st pattern.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful quilt! And the story behind it makes it extra special. The solids look great and the design is fresh and exciting. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful quilt and a great tribute to your dad!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your first pattern, Elizabeth! What a great quilt, and a wonderful tribute to your dad :)
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely inspiration! The quilt is wonderful! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to remember your dad - yes, I'm sure he would be very proud of you. Congratulations on your first published pattern !!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt, and a great design - kudos to both you and your dad!!
ReplyDeleteYour quilt is fabulous!!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day. :o)
Sincerely, Trish
LOVE this! So fun and whimsical with all the different colors. Definitely going on my list :)
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic! congratulations on your first pattern, you did a beautiful job.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful, love the pattern and colour combo. I'm sure your dad would love it.
ReplyDeleteGreat quilt Elizabeth! So eye catching!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great quilt! The pattern is terrific. You are really on a roll lately! Thanks for sharing the great story; there's nothing quite like the feeling that Dad would be proud.
ReplyDeleteLove! If I wasn't so scared of so many squares I would attempt it... just stunning!
ReplyDeleteVery special story... thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteYou quilt is youthful, modern, vibrant, lots of movement, and it came out amazingly! I'm sure your dad is very proud.
Fantastic quilt E! And what a nice story behind it. Your dad would be so proud. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth! That is so so beautiful and such a sweet story! I love it, and I know your Dad does too! :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! So fun and I LOVE your inspiration. A most wonderful quilt :)
ReplyDeleteYour first pattern is wonderful! No surprise! Love the inspiration story behind it. Congrats!!
ReplyDeleteI love the story behind the pattern, Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteAnd this quilt is just gorgeous, you must be so happy with it!
Also LOVE that you've put together a fabric bundle/kit to go with it - I might have to think about that!
Gorgeous quilt and a lovely story. Well done!
ReplyDeleteOh elizabeth, thats such a lovely story. And I love the quilt, and congrats to you for your first pattern... go team E!!!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth - CONGRATULATIONS! What a an accomplishment and a beautiful quilt at that.
ReplyDeleteBut now I really really want to call you Betsy... Great quilt, very graphic, lots of interest and movement. I'm sure your Dad is smiling.
ReplyDeleteCome see my entries: #29 miniature reproduction quilt and #31 antique 1850 Star quilt
Ha, I read your post title and thought "why is she in Canada?" We have a fabric store here (very similar to Joanne's) which is called Fabricland. Anyway, love the quilt!
ReplyDeleteWow!! I absolutely love this! Congratulations on your first pattern and yay yay yay because it is so incredibly fabulous! Thanks so much for sharing the story behind it, I too am sure your dad would be incredibly proud of all your quilty endeavors :-)
ReplyDeleteWow. Wow. Wow. Sorry - I think I'm otherwise speechless. This is outstanding!! Congratulations to you - very well deserved!! (and, btw, love your new profile pic.) :)
ReplyDeletecongrats, it's really love! i especially like the photo of the back where you can see the top peeking through.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! Your first pattern! I love the story behind the design. It's a great way to remember your dad.
ReplyDeleteYour quilt is beautiful and what a lovely sentiment behind the design.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your first "real" pattern, and what a fantastic way to start! Fabricland (the pattern and the sample) is gorgeous! Well done :)
ReplyDeleteI love hearing the story behind your design, Elizabeth! It's a great pattern! I love the photo of the back. Did you use the background color for your binding? Very cool effect!
ReplyDeleteThat. is. Fabulous!
ReplyDeleteYour first quilt pattern is an absolute beauty, and the lovely story of inspiration behind it, only adds to its beauty. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your first "real" pattern! I love its simplicity and fresh look.
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious back story to your first quilt pattern. Your new pattern/quilt is lovely!
ReplyDeleteWow what a great quilt. I hope it sells well for you. A real tribute to your dad.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your first pattern! A lot of hard work and a beautiful result. Thanks for sharing the great story behind it!
ReplyDeleteI love it all...the quilt, your inspiration, your 1st pattern...congratulations! No doubt your Dad would be proud!! Smiles~Beth
ReplyDeleteElizabeth your quilt is amazing: congratulations! being a doodler myself I was really touched by your dad's story: and look forward to making it myself! Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeletehow awesome! i love the story behind the making of this quilt and pattern. thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great quilt - I know a newbie quilter who would LOVE this - I'll pass the info onto her - thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this pattern Elizabeth, so much! I added it to my Christmas wish list! It is seriously cool and has such a great story behind it. Congrats on your first pattern, it's been a big week for you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story about your dad. I'm sure he would be really proud of you! And the quilt is AMAZING, I just love it. Congrats on your first pattern! What a great way to join the pattern biz! : )
ReplyDeleteBTW, the picture of it from the back with the sun shining through? Incredible!
yay for your first pattern! I love it! Congrats! I want to sell some of my own patterns one day too. =)
ReplyDeleteThis quilt is amazing. I love everything about it.
ReplyDeleteYou are just filled with secrets and good news! It's another stunner--love your use of solids!
ReplyDeleteWOW! That is amazing!!! Beautiful! You honored your father very well with this quilt! What a wonderful, touching story! I lost my dad a few years ago as well, and also just finished up a quilt in his memory... Feels good, doesn't it? Well done!!
ReplyDeleteTerrific quilt; congratulations on your first pattern!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty, I like quilts also using just solids sometimes, they can become faviorites. Those colors are very delicious. Congrats on your pattern.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your first quilt pattern!! That is so exciting for you!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on getting your first pattern published. It's such a happy pattern. Love it :)
ReplyDeleteThis is really a great, fun quilt. I love the grays against the brights. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteI love your patten. I will add it to my Need to Make list!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat work woman!!! Your dad and everyone around you is proud trust me!
ReplyDeleteJust love this quilt and have bookmarked for the pdf - just would love to make a solid quilt and this is just so powerful. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe quilt is beautiful! Just so fun and cheerful! I love the geometrics of it! I may just have to eventually get said pattern and create it for my hubby, who loves to doodle in a similar fashion!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Elizabeth on a beautiful quilt and on your first pattern! Hurray and go you!
ReplyDeleteWow, that is beautiful! congratulations! what an exciting time it's been for you recently!
ReplyDeleteYour quilt and pattern are gorgeous! I totally want to make one... I think I'll ask for the kit for Christmas. :D
ReplyDeleteWow. You are right...no words. This is one of the prettiest quilts I have ever seen. Not sure I have the patience for all those squares, but I might just have to have the pattern anyway......
ReplyDeleteSuper-duper fabulous! I cant believe how much I have missed blogging and reading blogs, you have been busy!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new pattern! The quilt is truly splendid. Thanks so much for sharing it and its story. :)
ReplyDeleteFabulous quilt! Thanks for sharing the story behind it!
ReplyDeletecongratulations on your first pattern. The quilt is amazing and i love your use of colors. Well done and keep it up
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!! I love it :)
ReplyDeleteWow! That's awesome! I love it!
ReplyDeletewonderful quilt, and I'm so glad you shared the story behind it--it just makes it even more special. Has it only been a year? Seems like I have known you for longer than that. I'm excited to see what things you will be doing in the upcoming months.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Love your quilt and the story behind it! I am a relatively new quilter myself and am so inspired by your creation. LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteThat's so seriously gorgeous.. but the story makes it so much more perfect <3 it!
ReplyDeleteGreat pattern and I really love the colors.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful quilt, Elizabeth! Very nice work and congrats on the first pattern.
ReplyDeleteI really like this quilt. I like the gray against the bright colors. Nice job.
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful and it does sparkle! I am so pleased for you that it is a pattern as well.
ReplyDeleteoh i just love this pattern. congratulations. it's such a beautiful quilt.
ReplyDeleteThat quilt is absolutely phenomenal! Wow!
ReplyDeleteWow! Love this quilt, and such a great story! Congrats on the pattern!
ReplyDeleteIt's a stunning quilt, and the background meaning makes it even more beautiful.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Elizabeth! A beautiful quilt and lovely memories :) Saving up my pennies to buy the pattern!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeletelove this Elizabeth
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the design and what a heartfelt story behind it!!
ReplyDeleteVery nice color selection and pattern layout! I might need to make one of these! My solids stash thinks it was a quilt store!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a fun quilt. I just may have to buy that pattern!
ReplyDeleteThis is really beautiful, so happy and cheerful!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely love it!
ReplyDeleteIt must be such a buzz to see a pattern made that you've designed. Your quilt is so wonderful!! I love the photos of it blowing around!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool quilt. I love that you can see each square lit up from the back. The memory of your father is what really makes this quilt special.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what your beliefs are, but maybe he does know you've found something you really enjoy. And maybe he is proud of you now. :)
Very cute! It must be very gratifying to publish your own quilt pattern. Congratulations!
ReplyDeletep.s. Fabricland is the name of a chain of fabric shops here in Canada ;)
It is an excellent remembrance of his father. I really liked its design. I congratulate
ReplyDeleteAn absolutely gorgeous quilt and a gorgeous post!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE IT! totally going to buy this!
ReplyDeleteI love it and all that inspired you to do this pattern. It is Great!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely way to remember your father!
ReplyDeleteThat is just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing the pattern.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool quilt!
ReplyDeleteGreat quilt done in a lovely palatte.
ReplyDeletebeautiful quilt!
ReplyDeletelove your quilt.
ReplyDeleteKaren
Fabulous - love the way the light shining through the back makes it look like a crossword puzzle!
ReplyDeleteI opened this and thought, "wow, I love this and have to make it." Now that I've read your post, I got a little teary eyed and started thinking of my grandfather, who I think of as often as you do your dad, I believe. I was touched you created this quilt and as soon as budget allows, I'm coming to get that pattern.
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous on its own and with the history behind it, well, that just bumps it to stunning.
thank you for sharing.
félicitations pour ce quilt très réussi
ReplyDeleteAs always your quilt is stunning! The story behind it really puts it over the edge! Your father would be so proud of you, I just know it!
ReplyDeleteGraphically lovely!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt and a lovely story.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your 1st quilt pattern! I'm a real beginner and have posted my 3rd quilt ever on the festival. :) I love the way the colors show through from the back in the photo on the tree. Very pretty!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great quilt pattern and a lovely quilt. I love the bright happy colors against the white, and the graphic quality of the pattern. It's very appealing. And your sweet story makes the quilt even better!
ReplyDeleteWonderful quilt, and a wonderful story, too! Really like your pattern that you designed - congratulations on designing and publishing!
ReplyDeleteThat is a very pretty sight with the light streaming through, never seen another quilt do that, it quite dazzled me! Love that it is made of lots of squares too! The "Go" might be helpful with this quilt pattern. My DH helped me realise I was a pattern matcher which is why I think I was attracted to quilting as a hobby, I wonder if your Dad was too, and maybe you too!
ReplyDeleteWow Elizabeth what a fab quilt! Congrats on your first official pattern, it's amazingly gorgeous and what a lovely story too :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful quilt. The pattern and the fabrics are wonderful. I like the shot taken against the sun.
ReplyDeleteYep, your dad would be proud. That is one cool quilt.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Elizabeth. A wonderful story for a fantabulous design. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a great story behind this quilt Elizabeth!! And it has turned out beautifully with the solids!
ReplyDeleteDarling quilt -- bright and happy! I love the story of your name and the sewing machine! :)
ReplyDeleteThis quilt is stunning! I am starting to use solids more and think the pattern and color choices in this quilt are really lovely! I just started a brand new blog this month so maybe you are right, maybe I should enter a quilt. Thanks for the encouragement! Beautiful quilt! I love that it is for your Dad. He would be thrilled!
ReplyDeleteLove your quilt Elizabeth! I love it when a quilt has a story!
ReplyDeletelove your quilt...love the colors...good luck w your pattern!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat quilt
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of your beautifully designed quilt in honor of your dad. The colors are inspiring and I love the way it is set off with the gray and white values. BTW, your photography is amazing and I love the shot of the back with the light coming thru it. It reminds me of a colorful crossword puzzle. WELL DONE in so many ways!
ReplyDeleteStunning quilt and beautiful story - love it Elizabeth xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful quilt in memory of your dad. I am sure he would love it. Great pattern too, congratulations on it!
ReplyDeleteI really love this quilt it is amazing!
ReplyDeleteyour friend in stitches
Margaret
http://adayintheworldaroundme.blogspot.com/
Love, love, love this Fabricland quilt.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun quilt Elizabeth- its a real beauty- I love the graphic design of it. I have not used many solids in my quilts but do admire those that like creating with them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your touching story. Enjoy the festival.
Regards,
Anna
lovely quilt design and i adore the story behind it. speaking of behind--i LOVE the photo from the back of the quilt. i'm still swooning.
ReplyDeleteReally love your beautiful quilt inspired by your dad's doodling. Great story. Congrats on you first pattern, looking forward to many more in the future.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore this pattern! And your photos are as beautiful as ever :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth-- I'm your newest follower. Found you through the blogger quilt festival. I love your blog. I'd love it you came and saw me at my place!! Look forward to seeing everything you do!! Hugs
ReplyDeleteLove love love this! You are so talented and inspiring! Love looking at the sun shine through on the back, such a terrific quilt!
ReplyDeleteLOVELY story! I could hear the happiness oozing out of the words! How wonderful to get a chance to connect with your dad!
ReplyDeleteholy crap. 135 comments/ Well, it's a beautiful quilt!
ReplyDeleteWow! Such a fun quilt, and so colourful--right up my URL, so to speak! It's a wonderful story too.
ReplyDeleteHazle
Great color play with this... although 1400 little squares... would send me over the edge... and I'm pretty close already!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your quilt pattern and a beautiful quilt pattern for sure!
ReplyDeleteVery clever quilt, and thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely quilt and a lovely story of what inspired it! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a cool quilt! I love the design and that it is solids! Love it!
ReplyDeleteOh, my - what a beautiful quilt...The design is so pretty...Great job.
ReplyDeleteLove your quilt. So generous of you to share!
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the quilt. Love the bright colours.
ReplyDeleteFabulous quilt, Elizabeth and even more special that it has sentimental value too. I love it! And congrats on your first published pattern too. You are a talented designer - I know there will be many more beauties!
ReplyDeleteI love this quilt, what a great pattern and a great story behind it too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful quilt and a heart-warming story behind it. I miss my dad too...died when I was 28. He would have been proud that I am quilting...like my grandmothers. Love your quilt.
ReplyDelete