What can you do during a Pandemic and you are stuck at home in lockdown? An indoor picnic of course! Prior to the lock-downs and stay at home orders, I purchased some Riley Blake I’d Rather be Glamping fabric to make a picnic quilt. I fell in love with this fabric the first time I saw it and have made ‘Glamping’ tote bags for my friends and family who camp.
Tip for new quilters: If you are nervous about what fabrics will work together, buy from a collection of fabrics – this takes the guessing out of what will work together.
I am not really a camper, but I love a good picnic, and this fabric was fun with the vintage vibe that I love! I am not an accomplished quilter. I have maybe four quilts under my belt, so I err on the side of easy with regards to quilting patterns. Because this quilt’s soul purpose will be to go on picnics, I went with an on-point quilt. This diagonal square pattern just says picnic to me, while being easy enough for a novice quilter like myself. I had purchased a selection of fabrics from this collection and cut them down into 8 1/2” squares.
For the back, I chose a solid Kona color that matched the front fabrics. I could have gone with one of the plaids from the collection (which are super cute), and aesthetically it might look better, but I was thinking about the realistic use of the quilt and not wanting to worry about putting it on the ground or grass and getting stains on it.
The finished version is just so happy and fun, I can’t wait to use it – even if it is only in my living room or back yard!
Hoping you are staying healthy and well in this unprecedented time. It is not an easy time, so go easy on yourself. 💕
Art & Sew 