Quilting Adventures Unveiled: The Making of 'Parquet Party'
Hello, quilting friends, and welcome to a behind-the-scenes journey into the creation of my Quarter Log Cabin Block variation pattern – Parquet Party!
In Quilting Adventures, I mention using the book as a launch pad for something totally different than what’s contained within its pages, and that’s exactly what happened when I designed Parquet Party!
I thought it might be fun (and maybe a little bit helpful) to delve into the process inspired by the book, walking through the steps I took to bring the design to life.
From determining layouts to crafting an optical illusion, join me in a trip down memory lane on the creative adventure that brought the Parquet Party to the quiltiverse!
1. Selecting my Layout
I started this adventure knowing that I wanted to play with the idea of a repeated block pattern. I had been working on some other quilt pattern designs that were larger allover designs and I honestly just felt like switching things up.
The Quadrants Layout from the book, Quilting Adventures
Knowing this, I figured that “Patches” and “Quadrants” would be the best Quilt Top Layouts for my plans. And as I was a little worried that Patches would tempt me to come up with multiple star layouts (I didn’t think I could resist!), I went with Quadrants because of its larger underlying structure.
In addition, in the Case Study patterns, my Quadrants Sample played with the idea of the blocks connecting across the patchwork and I wanted to continue to explore that idea.
Once I settled on my quilt top layout, I pulled up PreQuilt to start playing with my blocks!
Don’t forget to check out all the different resources in the book’s digital download section — whether you’re using PreQuilt, Adobe Illustrated, Canva, or going analog and cutting out the blocks, all the materials for your design exploration can be found here.
2. Deciding on my Blocks:
I’d been on a Log Cabin quilt block kick recently and I wasn’t quite ready to switch gears, so I focused in on all the L-Shape blocks of the book. Specifically, I zeroed in on Block 07 and Block 13. From there, I just started to play, switching different blocks in an out, focusing on connecting the blocks visually across the patchwork.
And then I went off-script…well, off-manuscript!
The blocks that started it all…
3. Creating New Block Variations
With Block 13, I really loved the mix of log widths and I wanted to layer more logs to expand on that idea. Between it and Block 07, I had both the starting inside of a Quarter Cabin block and the outer corner, but I just needed to extend them! Nothing was an exact fit to create a perfect “connection” across the patchwork, so I started modifying a couple of blocks.
I took Block 02 and extended the length of the squares (I also could have also taken Block 01 and doubled the width of the stripes).
Then I took Block 13 and added in another “inner” square to create a traditional even and balance Quarter Log Cabin quilt block.
My final selection of blocks, including two direct from the book and two updated versions
4. Building Larger Four-Block Units
With the original Blocks 01 and 07, plus my updated Blocks 13 and 02, I now had enough variations to play with, and layer and rotate. And from playing around with the different combinations, I came up with my two blocks variations (what would become Block A and B in Parquet Party).
The final Parquet Party quilt blocks
5. Rotating Blocks for Optical Illusion
At this point, I was still using the Quadrants layout as my underlying structure. But as I rotated my blocks this way and that, I thought “what if I broke this up and created the optical illusion of layered squares?” I gave it a whirl and immediately fell in love with the layout.
The underlying Quadrants Layout
Slicing, rotating, and layering the blocks
The filled in Quadrants Layout
The final version!
6. Layering in more Color options
When beginning this process, I started out using only two colors. This limited color palette really helped me to focus on the underlying patchwork pattern and it is generally how I like to work.
But once I had my layout set, I started to play with the colors. And then I thought to try adding in more fabrics to the “outer” logs and alternate with a single color to create the sense of a background fabric. It was pretty psychedelic to my eye and I couldn’t resist including it in the pattern alongside the original two-color version!
The Original Two-Color Parquet Party
And the Multi-Color Parquet Party Version
7. Time for some tidying (and the math)
Once I had my layout, I started to “tidy up” the patchwork to make the cuts and seams more efficient, then I dove into figuring out the math and more…but that’s another story for another time!
The birth of 'Parquet Party' was a wild ride inspired by the patchwork journey of Quilting Adventures. From layout decisions to optical illusions, every step was a dance of creativity guided by the spirit of experimentation and variation.
So, whether you want to try going off-road using Quilting Adventures as a launching off point or whether you’re up for busting out a patchwork dance move with making your very own Parquet Party, let your creativity run wild!
You can also get unsigned copies at most major US book retailers.
In this design-it-yourself quilt book, the quilter is in the driver’s seat, empowering you to decide what size, layout, and combinations of blocks you want to use to create your own one-of-a-kind quilt. Unlike a traditional book of quilt patterns, this book does not prescribe a design. Instead, Quilt Your Own Adventure gives you a range of block options that all work together so that you can pick and choose and mix and match those blocks to create your own unique design. The book encourages and supports you, the quilter, as you explore designing your own pattern, providing all the tedious legwork (a.k.a. the math) so that you can focus on creating a final design that is all your own. In addition there will also be a suite of pre-designed patterns as inspiration for anyone who prefers a little extra structure to start.
Quilt Your Own Adventure includes:
30 modern quilt block designs
7 quilt top layout formulas
7 patterns that you can follow or use to help inspire your own design
Instructions that are easy to follow for beginners and advanced beginners
Whether you're a beginning quilter or an experienced maker looking for a fun, new challenge, Quilt Your Own Adventure will give you the confidence to create beautiful, modern quilts that are uniquely your own.
Create a striking quilt project with the Parquet Party Quilt pattern, featuring large 16" quilt blocks that come together quickly for a unique and modern design. This patchwork pattern combines the classic charm of quarter cabin block construction with a fun optical illusion effect, making it perfect for quilters looking to explore fresh design ideas.
Whether you choose a vibrant multi-colored palette for a psychedelic vibe or a two-tone color scheme to highlight the layered squares, this large block quilt is sure to turn heads. The bold arrangement of squares gives the illusion of depth, making it an eye-catching addition to your collection of modern quilts. Perfect for those who love fast and impactful quilting projects, the Parquet Party Quilt pattern offers a modern twist on a classic design with large quilt blocks that make piecing a breeze.
Pattern Highlights
Quick and easy quarter log cabin block construction
Two different color variation layouts, for four fabrics or two (with robust cutting instructions included for both)
NEW: expanded Quilt Back Assembly instructions, complete with diagrams!
Digital coloring sheets, so you can plan and visualize your quilt before cutting into your fabric
Details
Instant download PDF
Quilting skill level: Advanced Beginner
Standard American terms and measurements
Includes Crib, Rectangle + Square Throw, Twin, Full/Queen, and King size quilt patterns (fabric requirements can be found here)
© 2024 Broadcloth Studio. All Rights reserved. Resell of finished product with pattern credit allowed.
You May Also Enjoy These Quilting Tips and Guides:
