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Let the Sunshine In - Please!

1/15/2024

Let the Sunshine In - Please!
This week with most of the country experiencing harsh winter conditions I
think we ought to take a look at fun quilts that provide some sunshine, or at least a preview of better weather to come.
I have to confess that I am a fair weather girl. I could live like a lizard on a hot rock in the sun and be happy. What I’m doing in the Great Frozen North of Utah is a discussion for another time.

This is a quilt that I planned for several years. I bought the fabric because
it SANG to me, but wasn’t sure what I would do with it. I saw another quilt that had used wonky strips surrounding a fussy cut center square and that got me started by isolating sunflowers, surrounding them with coordinating strips, then cutting them off kilter.  The main fabric consisted of a group of rectangular sections, a complete one that is seen right above the group of wonky sunflowers.  Each of these included the daffodils and several smaller motifs.

I decided to make all the sections one size (you can see the size clearly in the large green square with the tulips) and set to work mixing and matching different parts of the print and adding other fabrics here and there. The original section had a stripe with black and white checks, so I used a checkerboard print for the sashing. It’s pretty wacky, but it worked and makes me happy just looking at it. I am totally not a green person, but this combination just screams SPRING to me.
 

This is a picture of the back that includes a solid piece of the sunflower
fabric. You can get a better idea of how the fussy cuts were done.
 

Another option to get our minds off the cold is starting a fun beach themed
project.
This is a cute free tutorial that uses a lot of half square triangles. What
could be better than that?
 

Even a traditional pattern such as this Storm at Sea can evoke images of
days at the beach or on a boat.

 
 

For a design that surrounds you with sunshine this happy free project from
Windham Fabrics should do the job.
I would personally switch out the fabrics for stronger and brighter yellows
and oranges.
 

OK, one more that has me dreaming of Summer. Is this the funnest hot
weather quilt EVER? I’m putting this one on my shortlist. I can’t lie; the
polka dots on the back are the cherry on top for me.
It even has a helpful tutorial to walk you through making the curves.

My fondest wish for all of you is that you stay warm, stay safe, and we’ll all
have sunshine soon!

— Queen Bee

Today’s Tip - Summer Quilts

When it comes to creating summer quilts, there are a few tips and considerations to keep in mind. Here are some suggestions to help you make lightweight and comfortable quilts for the warmer months:

  1. Choose lightweight fabrics: Opt for lightweight fabrics that are breathable and suitable for warm weather. Cotton is a popular choice for summer quilts due to its breathability and ability to wick away moisture.
  2. Consider the batting: For summer quilts, you may want to consider using a thin or lightweight batting, or even skip the batting altogether. This will help keep the quilt light and airy.
  3. Use a simple design: Consider using a simple design for your summer quilt. This can help reduce the amount of fabric and make the quilt feel lighter. Simple designs like patchwork or strip quilts are great options for summer quilts.
  4. Consider the size: Smaller quilts are generally more suitable for summer use. Consider making lap quilts or throw quilts that are perfect for snuggling up on a cool summer evening.
  5. Use lighter colors: Lighter colors reflect heat, so consider using lighter-colored fabrics for your summer quilt. This can help keep the quilt cooler during hot summer nights.

Remember, these tips are meant to serve as general guidelines. Feel free to experiment and personalize your summer quilts based on your preferences and creativity.  Happy Quilting!

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