With the Stellar BOM now wrapped up, that means that I’ve been working with AccuQuilt Australia for over two years… what?! Time flies when you’re having fun! It also means that it’s time for a new block of the month using the AccuQuilt Qube system.
The first BOM series was Patisserie, and inspired by all sorts of yummy pastries. The second BOM series was Stellar, and inspired by all things space. When it came time to thing of what to do next, I was sitting at my computer with EQ8 open looking out at our backyard when a pile of Liberty fabric on the table next to me caught my eye. Ah ha! How about something garden themed? Ooh! How about some flowers like the pretty Liberty florals? Could I possibly think up 12 different quilt blocks that are flower-esque in design?!
Challenge accepted.
But I am all about using different settings for sampler quilts, so I tried a few options out using the different layout options in EQ8. Like an on point layout option. Using a 3×3 layout creates space for 13 quilt blocks (like for my Milky Way Sampler quilt), so when using 12 quilt blocks, simply leave the middle space empty for an effective quilt top.
This quilt would only finish at around 51″ square though, and it would be nice to have a slightly larger, more versatile size. So, back to the horizontal layout, but this time in a 5×5 layout and alternating between background fabric and pieced blocks. This results in a 60″ square quilt, and that’s a cosy throw size. I also tried out a more colourful background… it’s very different for me, so I’m not sure about it! But the good thing about EQ8 is that it’s super quick and easy to change it around.
So what about a cream-type background? Recolouring some more, and here’s the result.
Ok, definitely liking the more neutral background, so perhaps a light grey? Use the Swap Color option and swap the background fabric for a light grey (Kona Silver from the Fabric Library).
Hmm, both options are good. So what did I go with?
You can find the first tutorial for the Petals BOM on the AccuQuilt Australia blog here.
A cream background. I found this print at Spotlight that has a white seed-like design printed on unbleached fabric. Subtle texture that pairs beautifully with the petals theme, and allows the Liberty fabric to shine.
Brenda says
I love the cream background. Thanks for sharing your process. Sometimes, EQ8 can be a bit intimidating! This looks like a fun block and even better using AccuQuilt!
Alyce says
It can be a bit, yes! But bit by bit, learn what you need when you need it, pick up the fun little shortcuts to make life much quicker and simpler… just like the AccuQuilt, ha!