Verity Vintage Studio

Anne of Green Gables Bookmark - Tutorial

 

I am a huge fan of the Anne of Green Gables books. I don't remember how early I read them...I've always grown up with them. I consider the last book, Rilla of Ingleside, to be a quite unique and special must read - it can be read as a standalone book if desired, and certainly taught me more about WWI than all my school books put together. I re-read the series about every year, and often re-read portions or books that I've been thinking about. A trip to PEI is on my dream bucket list. 

 

All of that to say...I'm a fan. So when I saw that Riley Blake Designs had a new Anne of Green Gables fabric line, I had to find a use for some of it!

My favorite is the scenic print with scenes from the book. The people were the perfect height to do some fussy cutting, so I made some bookmarks. Here is how. 

 

First I made my template. From a piece of cardboard, I cut a rectangle, and trimmed the top corners. Mine ended up about 3 x 5".

 

Then I cut a window in the middle. It doesn't have to be pretty, just big enough for you to see the center design. If you wish, you can mark seam allowance too. 

 

See how different it can look depending on which design you center?

 

I chose 3 of the pictures and cut them out carefully with my rotary cutter. Alternatively, you could draw around the template with a pen and cut it out with scissors. 

 

Next use the template to cut out backings for each. These don't have to be fussy cut, so you can do all at once if you wish. 

 

My pieces all laid out and ready.

 

Next I used some fusible interfacing scraps to stiffen one side of each bookmark. (Here you see I interfaced the back - I wasn't paying attention, because you should interface the front.)

 

Trim the interfacing.

 

One more step before we sew - decide what to use for a tassel. It will need to be placed on the right side with the strings as shown. 

 

Now place the back to front, right sides together, and sew around it, leaving the bottom edge open.

 

At the top, be careful to catch all layers plus the tassels!

 

Now trim corners if desired, turn and press.

 

Turn up the raw bottom edges to the inside and press them too.

 

Next take it back to the machine and top stitch very close to the edge all the way around. This will close the bottom gap as well as keep it lying flat and give it a more polished look.

 

All finished! Repeat for the other two bookmarks. 

 

As you can see, it's easy to switch up the look. 

 

These are all ready for reading adventures! The interfacing keeps them stiff enough that they hold their shape, but they are still flexible. Such a fun quick gift idea for a book loving friend!

 

Then just for fun, I made a zipper bag to go with it. 

 

The larger picture from the scenic fabric was a perfect appliqué for the front (incidentally I love how true to the book these illustration are!) I stitched it on with a tight zigzag stitch to keep from fraying, then covered the edges with the sweetest vintage dainty lace.

 

It's the perfect size for lots of things like sewing notions...

 

...or the new bookmarks of course. 

 

But I purposefully made it the right size to hold a book. I like to take books along when traveling, and it's easy to mess them up in the car. This little quilted bag will keep the book safe and protected between perusals. 

 

I still have some Anne fabric left, so maybe I will come up with more projects. But for now, I'm so happy with these sweet small projects - a nice quick break from dressmaking!

 

And of course they delight my kindred-spirit-to-Anne heart. 

1930s Easter Dress for 2021

Easter sneaked up on me this year, so I didn't have time to make an elaborate Easter dress. When I realized Easter was just next week, I quickly looked through my immediate to-do list to see if I could make one of those projects do double duty.

Sure enough! I realized this lovely floral cotton would be just the thing. Even more fun? It's from a new quilting collection by Riley Blake Designs called Faith, Hope & Love. How appropriate was that???

 

I love pink and blue together; in this print the touches of gold are the perfect highlight, and the watercolor floral was so springish. It comes in several colorways, so I highly recommend you check it out if you like it!

 

I paired it with a vintage mail order 1930s pattern I have long owned and never made. It doesn't open down the front, but my baby girl is weaned enough that I knew I could wear it for a few hours on a Sunday morning.

 

The front has some cute neck detail with the pleats and shoulder yoke, but overall it was definitely one of those quick and easy dress patterns that only take a few hours to make. Which was good, since Easter was rapidly approaching!

 

The front and back bodice gather into the skirt, so for a good fit I just made the skirt fit me, then gathered the bodice into the skirt. Easy peasy.

 

The illustration showed buttons on the neckline between the pleats, and I liked the idea. Instead of using matching ones, though, I chose several of my different white ones so I could use up some orphans.

 

Trust the 1930s for their attention to sleeves – this pattern did not disappoint. It also had a flutter sleeve option, but I love the darted V sleeves the most.

 

Things are slow greening up this year, and no flowers are blooming yet here, so I wasn't able to get the kind of Easter photos I would have liked. But I didn't want to wait to document it and I have enough flowers on my dress to make up for it!

 

I love the longer length of this decade's fashions. I did a 2” hem and still had a nice graceful length to the skirt. BUT I did have trouble squeezing it all onto 3 yards. I ended up having to cut the sleeve cross grain as well as taking a big pleat out of the height to fit it on – but it turned out just fine. You would never know!

 

So another long-hoarded pattern finally sees the light of day! I am thoroughly enjoying my spring sewing thus far. It's a delight after several months' break to have lots of ideas and motivation.

 

Since I have started sewing, I've made 4 1950s patterns and 1 1940s pattern for Easter. It was definitely time for a 1930s style Easter dress.

 

Happy Easter!

 

His glories now we sing

Who died and rose on high -

Who died eternal life to bring,

And lives that death may die!

 

1950s Sailboat Dress

I have always loved nautical prints, especially those that are not obviously for children. When I saw the adorable tiny sailboat prints in the Set Sail America quilting line by Riley Blake Designs, I had to snag some for a dress!

 

I wasn't going for a sailor dress, so I looked through my patterns and found a 1950s one I've long wanted to make. It has a slender skirt, and a bodice that folds back to make a deep collar, with an insert.

 

It wasn't intended to open down the front, but it was super easy to simply sew the insert on one side and attach snaps to the other side so it's functional for nursing yet without the traditional buttons-down-the-front look. 

 

My favorite detail though are the buttoned pockets! I don't think I'll ever use the pockets as pockets, because who wants to unbutton 6 buttons to reach in their pockets? But the detail is so fun. Contrasting buttons would make it stand out more, but I wanted a more subtle look since this was a dressier style.

 

You could totally do the same thing without a pocket, just facing. I had a little difficulty figuring out the instructions at this point, because each side was done differently due to the left side also zippering. But after laying it out and studying it, it clicked, and was pretty easy to do after all.

 

There are several sailboat prints in this line, but the others were red, white and blue. I wanted to go with the blue, blue and white print so it wouldn't look strictly patriotic - though of course adding pops of red would make it perfect for 4th of July!

 

I triple top stitched the collar with thread that matches the light blue in the print.

 

 

This pattern went together fairly well, though I had a few hiccups in the process, mostly from me not paying attention and making a rookie error. 

 

I did end up being very pleased with the fit. If I do this pattern again I will be able to do a better job on the trouble spots, of course.

 

 

Obviously a sailboat print should be photographed at the ocean or some body of water. But the reality is that it will be worn on a farm, so I chose a more realistic background!

 

I know. Landlubbers. 

 

The rest of the quilting line is more geared for children, but I am so happy with this cute print, which is very vintage appropriate for adults as well. (There is a very vintage style novelty print which I'll feature soon as a baby dress too!)

I accented with blue and white, with just a touch of red because I had to pair with my vintage anchor button necklace by Timeless Trinkets. It will be fun to accessorize in the future.

 

Plus it's cool for the summer. The dark cotton needs no under layers.

 

My hair was a bit precarious this day but ended up looking better than I expected.

 

These vintage gloves matched perfectly with their navy blue top stitching!

 

So all in all I'm happy with the dress, and summer-ready now!

 

Photos as always by Elsie's Adventuring.

Aqua 1950s Slender Dress

I really like the bright happy colors and retro style of the new quilting line Oh Happy Day by Riley Blake Designs, but most of the prints were not quite vintage-specific enough for me. One exception was this fun circles print, which instantly reminded me of 1950s fabric.

 

So I used it and cut out a dress from a vintage pattern I have had since very early on in my sewing years...and never made until now. It has the slender 1950s silhouette, but with some unusual touches that I love!

 

The front is fairly straightforward, once you are accustomed to this style of pockets...something I only recently tackled, but found surprisingly easy, and have done frequently since then.

 

The bodice is typical of the time period, with a fitted torso, dolman sleeves, and a crisp collar. 

 

It also has unique construction, which I had done before and enjoy - where you sew the shoulder and neck/back collar seam in one swoop, then come back, fold and hand fell the front of the collar to that seam. No facings at all! And a very neat, professional finish for the inside, if that matters to you.

 

Another time I will cut the overlap part up higher so the neck is higher, but otherwise the fit was very nice! It was supposed to have wing cuffs, but I find them unhandy especially when layering with a cardigan. Too much rearranging. So I just added white bands instead, using RBD Confetti Cotton in white for that pure white contrast.

 

The sleeve style is very comfortable to wear, without the arm restriction that often comes with this period. 

 

The back was extremely unique, with several layers of pleats and darts on top of pleats and darts to gather in all that fulness to a nice fit at the waist. I've never sewn anything like it, but it was fun!

 

I like how it gives plenty of walking and sitting room, yet retains the slender style overall. 

 

 

I will say that the straight front skirt is not my favorite. I still have to lose a little weight from my last pregnancy before I will look good in a skirt like this - but I totally would try piecing together a different skirt front with this same back, because it's that awesome!

 

I chose buttons that echoed the little dotted circle print.

 

When looking for vintage-suitable fabric among modern quilting cottons and aren't sure about prints, you are always safe with a classic stripe or polka dot, but geometrics are often easy to find as well - or in this case, circles. Plus, in a quilting line these prints usually come in several color ways, so that makes it perfect for finding a color that suits you! Almost like shopping in a vintage magazine with their fabric swatches. 

 

It is definitely early spring here now, so this cheery dress feels very appropriate, despite the lingering snow on the north slopes. 

 

It's the style that I like to wear for knockabout, or when I feel like dressing up a bit more for everyday. Not a church dress, but not a house dress either. Maybe town dress is the right name?

 

It was high time to give this pattern a chance to shine after all those years in my stash. I will definitely keep it around for the future!

 

Tutorial - Easy EPP Hexie Potholders 2 Way

This charming flower shape made with hexagons is a common and favorite motif for quilters. Called "Grandmother's Flower Garden", it's one of the easiest and most recognizable shapes to make with hexagons (usually using the English paper piecing method), and there are so many varieties possible depending on fabric choice and placement. 

 

Did you know that you can do Grandmother's garden flowers 2 ways? 

For these appliques I used fusible leave-in templates by Hugs 'n' Kisses, but the traditional card method would work too. I first chose some prints from the lovely Blue Stitch line by Riley Blake Designs, then fused 1" hexagon papers to the back. I fused 7 for one flower, and 6 for another.

 

Next I cut them out with an approximate 1/4" allowance.

 

Then folded the edges over and glued them down. If you use craft glue like I did, make sure it is water soluble.

 

Once all the hexagons are glued, they can be assembled. You can either do it by hand or machine. I did mine by machine because that was fastest, but the stitches aren't as neat - I do prefer to assemble by hand. 

Assemble the 7 in a flower shape, and the 6 in a ring, leaving the center open.

 

The open ring method not only saves time, but allows for some fun customization. You can see here that it makes a good chance to do some variety in placement if you simply appliqué on a floral piece of fabric, which would be a super quick way to finish.

 

I decided instead to appliqué on a plain white piece, and freehand embroider the center instead, drawing inspiration from one of the prints in this fabric line.

 

I placed each appliqué on a center of a square of fabric and a square of cotton batting, appliquéing through both of those layers. You want to use the blind hem stitch on your machine, with the straight stitches right beside the EPP, and EPP caught with the swing over of the needle.

 

The solid flower can be just appliquéd around the edges and you're done. The ring flower needs to appliquéd in the center as well. It makes such a cute frame!

 

Next they can be trimmed to size - I did mine 7" square - and then placed against a piece of backing cut the same size and bound, just like any other quilt project. 

 

It's ok to not quilt through the backing since it's such a small project, but if you prefer to add more quilting that's up to you! It would look great with some big stitch quilting outlining the flower shape.

It's so fun how they coordinate perfectly yet are different. 

 

As you can tell, it would be a great scrap project to use up small pieces. And how sweet for a housewarming gift? 

 

I like the one with embroidery - it seemed fitting to use blue stitches to decorate a line called Blue Stitch. :-) You get the same overall look as the solid flower, but with less time and effort, plus a little more versatility for decoration. 

 

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial of how to make one of the favorite beginner EPP shapes two different ways! Of course you can use the appliqués on anything...quilt patches, bags, pillows, etc. The limits are endless.

Goose Creek Garden Fabric Tour - 1950s Baby Dress

 

I am so excited to be part of the Goose Creek Garden fabric tour by the fabulous Poppie Cotton! I knew as soon as I saw the adorable goose print that I wanted to make a baby dress out of it. 

 

My baby girl calls it her "guck" dress - she thinks they are ducks instead of geese!

 

I chose a 1950s baby dress pattern that had cute tab detail and an enormous skirt. The pattern called it "bouffant" and it sure is! 

 

I used up my entire piece of the goose print, cutting the sash and also 2 rectangles the width of the fabric - twice! That makes roughly 84 inches in this skirt circumference. 

 

It's gathered literally as tightly as possible to cram all the ruffles into the tiny little waist on the bodice. But it stands out nicely even without any under layers. 

 

The sweet coordinating stripe was a perfect match for the bodice. 

 

It was fairly simple to make, with the cute puffed sleeves that I edged by hand with a band of the goose print, and a basic bound neckline instead of a facing - which I loved in the stripe. 

 

The tabs add some cute detail, and also help keep the sash in place. 

 

This back opening was a bit different than the other baby dresses I've made so far, but I didn't have difficulty figuring it out, and it was actually pretty easy to do. 

 

This was a size 2 pattern, so it's a bit big for my 18 month old now, but she should be able to wear it for a long time to come. 

 

The pattern said to hem the skirt up about 4 inches, to make the traditional short full skirt popular for baby girls back in the 1950s, but I left it long so she has lots of growing room. Also I top stitched it since there was no way I was hemming that width of skirt by hand!

And of course she loves the "gucks" on the skirt. :-)

 

It's fun to make baby dresses...they are such quick projects, so very rewarding!

The cotton was a pleasure to work with. There are so many cute projects made with this fabric line, I hope you take a moment to check out some of the lovely participating blogs below.

Monday, March 8 - http://www.linenbouquet.com

Wednesday, March 10 - https://verityvintagestudio.typepad.com/my-blog/

Friday, March 12 -  http://blueribbondesigns.com

Monday, March 15 - http://prettybyhand.com/

 Wednesday, March 17 - http://www.abrightcorner.com/

Friday, March 19 - http://mywanderingpath.com/

Monday, March 22 - https://www.nannygoatquilts.com/blog/

Wednesday, March 24 -  theredfeedsack.blogspot.com

Friday, March 26 - http://www.happyquiltingmelissa.com/

 

 

1930s Draped Rayon Blouse

Ever since making my red Christmas dress, I have been wary of trying to sew with rayon challis again. That one was so difficult to work with. But I had the opportunity of trying out Riley Blake Design's rayon challis, and when it arrived, I was instantly impressed by the feel of it. 

 

It didn't take too long to pair it with this 1930s blouse pattern (a reprint from McCall's) that I've had a long, long time and never tackled. 

 

It certainly was interesting to make. In the first place, I don't enjoy working with modern patterns, and also the front pieces were so strangely shaped it was not intuitive at all - I had to very closely follow the instructions (not something I usually do). 

 

But I took it slow, step by step, and after a bit I could see how the pieces worked together - then it became easier. 

 

The rayon was a dream to work with. A nice weight, dense grain, cool feel, and while it has some widthwise stretch and more drape than cotton, really wasn't much harder to work with than cotton. 

 

Riley Blake has only a handful of solids and prints, so I hope they come out with more colors and vintage-appropriate prints, because I highly recommend working with it if you're looking for a good rayon for your vintage sewing. The abstract style of print I thought could work well for 1930s, which had its share of wacky novelty and abstract prints. This print also comes in burgundy, but I chose the blue since it's a better color for me. 

 

I was intending on making this a sleeveless blouse, to wear under jackets and sweaters, but ended up deciding to put short sleeves on it instead, to make it more versatile. I chose a sleeve pattern from a vintage 1930s pattern I own, and the pattern combinations went together quite smoothly. 

 

When I first tried it on, the draped neck was too low - definitely lower than the pattern photo shows. So I played around with the drape a bit to make it higher. Still lower than I prefer, so I may fiddle around with it some more. Another time I will take some fullness out of the drape, or otherwise see if I can figure out how to make it higher.

 

 Instead of working buttonholes, since it easily slips over the neck, I just sewed the buttons on through all the layers. I like the subtle blue-on-blue touch they add to the shoulder. 

 

The back collar piece is fun too!

 

Even though this is an earlier 1930s pattern, since that is not my era, I ended up mixing eras a bit. I paired it with a true vintage skirt from my late '40s skirt suit (had a similar skirt style and length to the mid 1930s). 

 

Then because I had just bought a new hat, I wanted to wear them together, so while I think the hat is a later date than the blouse style, I wore it anyway. 

 

That shape and the taffeta polka dot ribbon! It was a little more than I would have liked to pay, especially since the ribbon is visibly worn, but it was so unique and "me" that I ended up splurging and getting it anyway. 

 

This was also a perfect opportunity to wear my favorite 1930s reproduction shoes from Remix Vintage Shoes. This style they had made a long time ago, and I saw photos of it and longed for a pair, but never found any in my size on eBay. Lo and behold, last fall they brought these shoes back - you better believe I snapped up a pair during their sale!

 

My new blouse is very comfortable and easy to wear. The rayon doesn't feel like a synthetic against my skin, but has a lovely drape and coolness that I enjoy as a change from cotton. I need to get a solid color soon to make one of those detailed dresses that need something solid and drapey!

 

It was fun to make this pattern - definitely a unique one, out of my ordinary rut - and I can see myself wearing it with sweaters and jackets as well.

 

Since it is a dark color, but short sleeves, it will be season transitional. Since it is more slippery, I have trouble keeping it tucked in, so another time may make it more fitted and add a side zipper. But if you like pullover tuck-in blouses with a bit of shaping, this pattern is a good one. It also crosses over to modern very well, so could be a versatile wardrobe builder.

 

So much for my revised opinion of rayon challis! I'm sure there will be more adventures in the future with this lovely fabric. 

 

Photos as usual by the talented Elsie.

Tutorial: Quilted Crochet Hook Caddy with Poppie Cotton

I have a bad habit of making all sorts of new and exciting things that I use occasionally, meanwhile wearing something I use all the time to tatters because I technically could make a new one but just don't get around to it. Finally a need became something exciting! Meet my new crochet hook caddy.

 

I'm so excited to be able to share some projects with you during the next few months, partnering with Poppie Cotton for some blog tours. I have a lovely stack of their prints to play with, and my first project was quick, easy, and practical!

 

I've needed new crochet hook storage in my crochet bag for a long time. (That same tattered and threadbare crochet bag is a separate issue...) Combine that with the prettiest prints from Poppie Cotton's new Dots and Posies fabric line, and it was the perfect way to showcase a few of my favorite prints and meet a need.

 

If you're in the same boat, here is how I made this adorable roll-up caddy in just a few hours. Handy tip: if you don't crochet, it can be used for paintbrushes, or a pencil case instead.

It would be the perfect gift for a special crafter in your life.

 

For this project I cut two pieces of fabric to measure 19” x 8 1/2”. One will be the outside, one the inside. (If you are making a caddy for something longer than crochet hooks, cut these panels as high as your tallest article, plus a couple inches.)

From a third print I cut a piece measuring 19” x 10”.

 

I cut some cotton quilt batting the same size as to the first panel and made my quilt sandwich.

 

I highly recommend spray basting for this step.

 

Once basted and smooth, press the larger 19 x 10” piece in half lengthwise. This will form your pocket.

Lay it along the bottom of your sandwich on the inside, all raw edges matching and the fold toward the center.

 

You could pin it in place if you like – I didn't have trouble with mine shifting.

Next I marked the center with a vertical line in a water soluble pen.

 

On each side I marked again lines at 1” intervals, until the whole piece is covered with vertical lines.

 

Now stitch these lines. This does double duty of both quilting and making your pockets.

I started in the center and stitched every other line first, to keep it in place, then went back over and stitched the between lines.

 

Square up if needed.

 

Next cut a 4” piece of elastic (I used elastic lace because it is prettier) and pin it to the center of one end with the raw edges together. This will be stitched in with the binding and make a button loop for closure.

 

Bind just like any other quilt project. The binding will both finish the edge and stitch closed the bottom of the pockets. Make sure to catch the elastic ends and all the layers when you stitch this spot.

 

I needed to cut 2 2 1/4” strips WOF to have a long enough piece of binding. I stitched with the pocket side facing, but since both sides of this project are basically the right side and will be visible, it's up to you.

 

On the other side I made sure to take small invisible stitches to keep it as finished-looking as possible, since like I said there is no real wrong side to this project.

 

Fill with your crochet hooks and roll it up before you decide where to place the button.

 

All done! So nice that I can see them all at a glance. The smaller hooks can even be doubled up in the pockets if necessary, but when rolled up they are fairly secure and don't fall out easily.

 

Since I crochet quite a lot, I love that now I can handle some of this pretty fabric frequently, as well as have a solution for my crochet hook storage!

 

The elastic loop works perfectly to hold the roll secure with a little give if I don't roll it quite exactly the same tightness. Also this is a great way to use up one of those orphan vintage buttons!

 

I just love the giant rose and polka dot print, as well as the aqua polka dots...so happy to be able to use them a lot and give them a place to shine. This is just the prettiest line of vintage-inspired fabric!

 

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and will share photos if you try one yourself. Now I'm off to crochet!

 

Baby Fashion - Green 1950s Dress

I'd forgotten how fast and easy baby dresses are. They have all the fun and style lines of adult garments, but at a fraction of the time and fabric! Little short seams add up so quickly.

 

So it was easy for me to choose a baby dress as my second project using Rocky Mountain Wild by Riley Blake Designs. I love the scattered, delicate floral and it had a vintage feel, so I paired it with a contrast fabric from their basics for the faux bolero, and cut out a 1950s baby dress for my little girl.

 

I love the little widely flared skirt! And those lantern sleeves are enormously poofy and fun. They remind me of older sleeve styles from the 1800s.

 

It did have a few headaches though, since I couldn't get the front to go together as the instructions said, so ended up winging it largely.

 

Also the fit did not turn out to be very good – but thankfully on a baby dress it's easier to fudge on those things, especially as she can wear it for some time and grow into it. Also a tie belts help quite a lot!

 

This was my first time making this cute pattern. Another time I know I will change a few things to make it a better fit, and also have some ideas for easier construction. Trial and error is a large part of a seamstress's life!

 

But as it is, the dress is definitely wearable, and oh-so-cute. The green and blue are both good colors for my little redhead, and she already is fashion conscious and loves pretty clothes.

 

(Incidentally, it's quite difficult to get good pictures of a wiggly toddler! Thanks to Elsie for being a secondary photographer.)

 

The petite mountain flowers on the adorable floral print fit in very well with our surroundings here at home - can't wait for wildflower season here! I'm sure this sweet little cotton dress will get a lot of wear this spring and summer.

 

 

Simple Squares: Romantic Pastel Patchwork Runner

This is a simple project that brought me a disproportionate amount of happiness. :-) 

 

Last summer I picked up a baby quilt at an antique shop. It was just a lot of squares pieced together randomly, and hand quilted. I hung it over my baby's crib and enjoyed picking out my favorite 1930s prints while I rocked the baby.

 

I realized there are a lot of possible patterns that could be made just by color placement in a simple patchwork design like this, so when I saw Riley Blake Design's new Rose & Violet's Garden fabric in its dreamy pastels and romantic florals, I knew exactly what I wanted to make. 

 

I cut out a bunch of easy 2 1/2" squares. I had quarter yard cuts to use, but of course a precut 2 1/2" strip bundle would work for this perfectly. (For those interested in the details, I ended up using 35 pink squares, and 95 other colors to make a runner 14" x 36".)

 

Then I laid out just the pinkest squares in an Irish Chain design, filling in the rest with the other colors. It was very relaxing and simple! No complicated blocks or pressing headaches...I would lay out 3 rows at a time, not even stressing out about directional prints or thinking too much about print placement, then chain piece them and join them in short rows.

 

It grew quickly, even with working on it only ten minutes or so at a time.

Once it was large enough (and the design was finished out), I gave it a good press and quilted it just like my inspiration quilt - in crosshatch diagonal lines across the squares. 

 

I just eyeballed it, and didn't even bother switching to my walking foot. Perfection was not the goal - rather just fun sewing. I had recently finished a more complicated quilt top and was feeling a little burnt out, so this more mindless pleasure quilting was exactly what I needed.

 

And I was so pleased with the result! The pink design is subtle, and all the fabric prints are so lovely. I usually gravitate toward brighter fabric, but when I first saw this collection coming out, I was captivated entirely by it and wanted so badly to make something with it, especially since it is the exact right color palette for my baby girl's room. Thanks to Riley Blake that dream came true!

 

All those gorgeous toiles, polka dots, handwriting, roses, colors...just perfection! Reminds me of Victorian gardens.

 

It goes so perfectly on her vintage 1950s pink ripple-front dresser!

 

The original inspiration and my version. I used larger squares as you can see.

 

More projects for the nursery out of this fabric line will be upcoming, I'm sure...but for now this runner makes me smile every time I walk past. And it's a great reminder that you don't always have to make something elaborate. Sometimes simple is best (and more enjoyable) after all.