It is an occupational hazard―I see patchwork quilts everywhere.
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My kitchen-inspired chevron
patchwork pillow. |
I look down at hardwood floors, and see a strip quilt pattern underfoot. Walking past the stone walls in my neighborhood, I can hear feel free-form appliqué quilts calling my name.
When I drive on the gridded streets of a city, you guessed it; I imagine how their patterns could be translated to a piece of modern patchwork. There is no getting past it, quilts are part of my life and they influence how I see and relate to the world around me.
Last week, as my kitchen tile was getting a much needed face-lift, I saw a quilt in the making. This time, it was made of ceramic subway tiles.
Our friend who installed the tile is a master craftsman and a true artist. It was interesting to see how he and his assistant used many of the skills experienced quilters use to plan their work. They measured, estimated materials, and arranged the design on the floor first before patiently piecing together their final "quilt." And after careful consideration, they suggested adding a central design motif to break up the monotony of the backsplash.
The herringbone design insert behind my stove got me thinking―why not design a modern patchwork project inspired by this traditional design? This past spring it was the chevron―not the herringbone―that was ubiquitous in the halls of the Kansas City Convention Center at Quilt Market. So I got busy cutting 2½" x 6 ½" rectangles and the rest was history.
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| Piecing and cutting the patchwork design. |
To make this fast (and I mean fast) and easy chevron design, I made a traditional "Prairie Braid" pattern using two fabrics and simply alternated the fabrics as I pieced the rectangles together. I trimmed the long strip to measure 6½" wide, then cut the strip into thirds. Then I pinned the pieces to match the seams and sewed the three strips together. Easy indeed!
I can see a trio of chevron pillows on my bed or even a chevron accent on a seat cushion for my updated kitchen. How about you? Do you like to repeat the patterns you see around you in your home décor? Leave a comment below!
