I have been collecting a large stash of
prints that imitate hand dyed fabric, especially the Moda Mates, and
set out to use these in the floral sprays in each block. I wanted the
flowers to look like they had been painted on canvas similar to the botanical
prints that were so popular in the Victorian age. It has fooled many
people into thinking that I have used my own hand dyed cottons. I even
went so far as to use a canvas like print in the oval background, (a
P&B fabric from the Pine Garland
collection by Karen Montgomery- a quilt shop owner here in Pittsburgh).
This design really has two separate frames. On
the one hand there is the center oval with a bow and swag, a very traditional
motif in art and furniture of the time, and then there is the setting frame that
uses a companion stripe to the floral background to set each block apart in the
quilt. Can you tell I am excited about this design? I have to admit, I think
it is one of my better designs.....
Each pattern includes a full size pattern of the motif and frames, yardage amounts for one block and the whole quilt in either setting. There are three pages of instructions for assembling the various frame units and basic applique hints to help you complete your block. The outer border design for the quilt is also included in every pattern for either version of the quilt setting.
