Playing with Splendor

Autumn is well and truly in Adelaide and I am so happy, it truly is one of my favourite seasons. I love rain and always find myself at my most productive when the weather is overcast. It seems perfectly designed for a sewing day. After a long and difficult few months in Australia (and indeed the whole world!) we are slowly finding our way forward and I am so intrigued at what comes next. Life seems so much slower now and we are extremely lucky here to have largely kept Covid-19 under control. Restrictions are starting to ease a litte bit as a result and, while we know there is still a difficult path ahead we can also all see ourselves breathing out just a tiny bit.

I have been working hard behind the scenes on my Fussy Gussy Quilt pattern since I shared my Blossom and Moments quilt. I have to admit that I have struggled a great deal. It is such a simple design but with almost endless options, I plunged into a headspace of total overthought and then stressed myself out. Luckily the wonderful Angie from Gnome Angel offered a friendly ear and talked me over the hurdles I had built for myself. I reigned it all the way back in, simplified it even further and now I have a fabulous quilt pattern that is all set to go to testers this week – so exciting!

Here she is mocked up in all different sizes – simple, elegant and full of wow factor! I knew right away I wanted to use Splendor by Jen Allyson for Riley Blake Designs. The florals are perfect for fussy cutting and she has a wonderful mix of basics in the range that work so perfectly as frames. I went with all my floral favorites for the blocks themselves and each is just as beautiful as the last.

I love working with this colour pallet, it is so modern and striking. The addition of amazing florals you can fussy cut to your heart’s content was an excellent bonus – Jen really is so clever with her designs. I used the Tile prints for my frames after much deliberation and set it all against a lovely soft white background to allow the prints to really shine. The pops of yellow among the charcoal, pink and mint make me ridiculously happy!

Is anyone surprised I opted for wavy quilting? If you have followed me for a while you are probably no shocked at all – its been my go to for a while. I cant wait to wash this little lady and get the gorgeous crinkly softness happening. I am feeling a need to stretch my quilting legs creatively though so I think I might try something new next time – just to keep me on my toes.

Honestly it is so lovely! There is a reason I have made so many quilts already using this pattern – it is such a wonderful way to show off favourite fabrics. Like Lemon Squeezy it is a simple pattern and quick sew that looks amazing in any fabric you choose, I love that in a pattern. As a quilter I am always about the fabric first so it is no suprise that I design patterns with the same idea in mind.

Only downside of this weather? Definitely the lighting! I think I will need to get her back in front of the camera when bluer skies appear in Spring and allow those colours to really shine.

The good news about the pattern being ready for testing is that it is only a number of weeks away – I promise! If you would like to test I am looking for a couple of new creatives to add to my  testing group. I love watching what happens to my patterns when they land in the hands of different makers. It absolutely opens up my eyes creatively that is for sure. If you would like to be involved please email me at hello@piccolostudio.com.au and introduce yourself. A couple of photos of quilts previously made would be wonderful too. The testing group runs on Facebook but I am happy to work via email if necessary too.

Another week, another beautiful quilt shared and pattern written. There is also a couple of special projects nearing completion behind the scenes that it is almost time share with you all too, its always a busy time here especially when I am quiet.

And with that last pic I wish you all a wonderful day full of health, creative joy and peace

Sarah xx