The making of the Zephyr quilt from Alderwood Studio's new book, Modern Heirloom Quilting.
When Amber of Alderwood Studio reached out asking me about making one of the patterns in her upcoming book, Modern Heirloom Quilting, I knew the Zephyr quilt was right up my alley. The sawtooth star block is one of my favorites and I love when traditional blocks have a slight modern twist. I often do that with my own quilt patterns I design. I was happy to support a fellow Quilt Pattern Designer as she releases her first book, which is full of 12 lovely patterns. So let me tell you all about the Zephyr quilt that I selected to make.
About the Quilt
I chose to make the baby size Zephyr quilt since I didn't have much extra time with running my own quilting business and I was also needing a very small lap quilt to keep in my car. The pattern comes in three sizes: 36" x 42", 60" x 72" and 90" x 108" and in options for a two color or ombre version. I decided to go with a two-color version and of course, in one of my favorite earthy orange colors. The quilt is made up of two blocks: Snowball Blocks and Half-Square Triangles (HST's) and is a great pattern for a confident beginning quilter. Or a quilter at any skill level who wants to whip up a quick and easy quilt.
I used the Stripology Ruler for really quick cutting time- it's a staple in my studio! I cut all of my fabrics before my trip to my first Quilt Market so I would be ready to piece it together upon my return.
I used my 6.5" Bloc Lock Ruler to trim up my HST's, which is handy because it has a grove on the back to help lock your fabric in place for less slippage. Then it was time to press the HST's and Snowball Blocks. I actually used my Mini Oliso Iron rather than my larger size iron since these were smaller pieces of fabric plus another staple in my studio, Magic Quilting and Crafting Spray. It leaves no flakes on my fabric and is unscented. Another tip: using a wool pressing mat helps you get flatter seams. You can get any of these items through Fat Quarter Shop. I pieced the top in one afternoon!
Assembly
I didn't quite have enough batting, unless I wanted to open a new package, so I decided to make 'frankenbatting'. That is when you sew or like me, use Heat Press Batting Together, to piece batting together to create the size you need. This keeps me from having to pull out my other machine that has a zig zag stitch. I also use a design wall to baste my quilts which is easier on my body.
Finished frankenbatting and my design wall.
Baby Lock Sashiko Quilting
If you've been following me for very long, you know I love my Baby Lock Sashiko to add 'extra' to my quilts and quilty makes! Sewing Machines Plus is running a Black Friday Sale on it right now along with FREE shipping. It's a spurge, but if you use it regularly, it's worth it! So, for this Zephyr quilt I used mine and picked a thread color to match so those big stitches would pop. I stitched in the ditch with my regular domestic machine using sturdy Microquilter 100wt silver thread (less visible) to anchor the quilt prior to using my Sashiko.
I was so pleased with how the quilt turned out! It's a simple pattern and a quick make, just make sure you label your fabric pieces really well before getting started. I have a limited number of my custom Seams Sew Me Jumbo Alphabet Clips in my shop to help (if they are sold out, no worries- I make batches throughout the year).
Bonus Block
A cool perk to this pattern is that you will have 16 left over HST's from cutting your snowball corners. I trimmed mine down to 3" and created another version of a sawtooth star block (10" finished) and turned it into a cute tote bag! I used Art Gallery Fabrics and then cork fabric on the bottom and handles to keep it from staining as easily.
So, save those HST's and make them into something fun!
Hop on over and purchase your copy today. She sells the hardcover only on her website. You can purchase a soft cover copy of her book on Amazon.
If you would like to see all of the other beautiful patterns in Ambers new book, hop on over to the blog articles from other quilt pattern designers who made many of the beautiful quilts too:
As a quilt pattern designer, I feel happy and excited for my fellow designers when they do big things. Self-publishing a book is a BIG thing! Congratulations Amber- the book and quilts are beautiful.
Until next time quilty friends.....
Make lovely things,
Belle 🔔
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