I love watercolor fabrics! When I see a new line, I envision all the quilts to be made using them. However, sometimes the fabrics are so pretty, you just don't want to cut them. Chickadee from Create Joy Project is one such fabric line. When I saw these gorgeous floral prints, I immediately said, "These fabrics are like works of art, they should be framed!" So that's exactly what I did, I framed them! The result is Fancy Frames, a new fat quarter quilt pattern.
Fancy Frames is the perfect quilt pattern for those fabrics that are just too pretty to cut! Using three sizes of quilt blocks (large 12" blocks, small 6" blocks and medium rectangles), I framed each print with a coordinating border. For my quilt, I used two different color frames, but you could use the same color for all the frames, or even several different colors spread throughout the quilt.
Between the blocks, I used a neutral print from the same fabric line. I auditioned the blocks on several different backgrounds, including white, off white, lavender and light green. I didn't want the background to be too busy and draw the eye away from the framed blocks. In the end I decided against a plainer background because I liked the way the pale green leaves looked.
Fancy Frames can be made with just 8 fat quarters, plus background/border fabric and 5/8 yard for the frames. Cutting diagrams are included for the fat quarters, allowing for a few extra blocks for variety when auditioning the block placement. The completed quilt measures 58" X 72", making it the perfect size to cuddle up with or lay over the couch.
Fancy Frames is available now as a PDF digital download here or as a printed pattern here.
Until next time, happy quilting!
