Today is the day! The Blanco Quilt Pattern is available NOW in my Etsy shop! If you having been following along with me on Instagram or TikTok, then you know that I have been working away on creating my debut quilt pattern.
Blanco Quilt Inspiration
My inspiration for this pattern came from a vintage quilt I saw while antique shopping in Blanco, TX with my parents. It was a two color pink and white quilt, and it featured a quilt block I had never seen before. I snapped a quick picture because I found it very intriguing and thought it would be fun to give it an updated & modern twist. One thing I regret is not buying the original quilt while I was there last January, and the next time I’m in Blanco I will go see if it’s still there. 🤞
My Pattern Design Journey
I’ve always doodled quilts and quilt blocks since I started quilting almost a decade ago, however I never attempted anything serious in terms of designing. Then 2020 happened and everything changed. Last Fall I signed up for “The Business of Writing & Selling Quilt Patterns” course taught by Elizabeth of Quilter’s Candy. I literally signed up on the last day enrollment was open because I knew I needed something to channel my anxiety that had been brewing during 2020. I’ve worked from home the past five years, so I was no stranger to the shift the world took last March when the pandemic started.
However, the weight of the pandemic nearly broke me, and I needed an outlet that would shake up the day to day routine of always being home. Learning the ins and outs of pattern design from Elizabeth did just that. I encourage you to take a look at the #QuiltPatternAlumni tag on Instagram to see all the gorgeous quilts my fellow students have created as well! My parents always joked I’d be a career student if I could, and to be honest the opportunity to learn something new has always helped me immensely.
Blanco Quilt Pattern Details
The Blanco Quilt is a traditionally pieced quilt pattern that can be made from yardage or fat quarters. To stay true to my inspiration, one version of the pattern features a two color design. The Fat Quarter option allows us to make use of all the fat quarters in our fabric stashes. The quilt features three sizes: Baby (42″ x 56″), Throw (69″ x 69″), and Queen (84″ x 96″).
The version I am sharing today is the queen size. 👑 Taking photos of this beast was quite the adventure. In designing this block and quilt I did a bit of research to see if I could find the source of the original and I came up short. I even consulted my new copy of Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns and I could not find the exact block. There are a few variations of a Kings Crown quilt block that are close.
Within the pattern itself there are detailed instructions, several diagrams, and even little tags for labeling your cuts of fabric. The quilt I made features two prints from the Posy fabric collection by Annabel Wrigley for Windham Fabrics. The scale of the Butterfly in Pink print is absolutely perfect for the scale of my quilt block, and the Little Roses in Burgundy make a perfect binding fabric. I love all of the little butterflies & flowers, and I already told my hubby that we are going to drag this quilt to the Cockrell Butterfly Center in Downtown Houston for photos one day.
My dear friend Pam of Pam Quiltaholic longarm quilted this quilt for me. This quilt is queen sized which is too big for my domestic machine quilting skills. Pam and I decided on all over swirls in a pale pink thread that perfectly matches the fabric. I highly recommend Pam as a longarm quilter if you are ever in need.
Thank you ❤
Beware, I’m about to get emotional and a little sweary… It has been a long time since I have truly felt proud of myself for accomplishing something. Hell, I don’t even think I felt this proud of myself when I ran my two half marathons. It feels pretty f*cking amazing to put this out into the world. I hope you love it. I can’t wait to see all the versions that are created, and I can’t wait to keep going & keep designing. It has been the light and the fire that my soul needs. 💗
Thank you Leslie for being my amazing friend, tech editor, and brutally honest critic (you know I need it 😉). Many thanks to Tina, Marisa, and Carol for hyping me up and all the zoom sewing parties. Thank you to my amazing team of testers you were a huge help in this process. Alright, that’s enough gushing for today. I promise I’m done, you can go buy the pattern now.
Happy Quilting!
Materials Used
Quilt Pattern: Blanco Quilt
Fabrics: Butterfly in Pink by Annabel Wrigley
Binding: Little Roses in Burgundy by Annabel Wrigley
Backing: Story 108″ Wide Spackle Newsprint by Carrie Bloomston
Thread: Aurifil 50wt in Dove #2600
Pieced & Quilted on my Janome Memory Craft 8900
