Introducing: Inbound
My newest pattern is now out in the quiltiverse: Inbound!
About the design…
Since QuiltCon 2023, I’ve had a note in Google Keep (never have clicked with the native iPhone notes app) that just said, “log cabin with curves.” That year, one of the challenge categories was Log Cabin blocks, and I was inspired to do something that added a modern twist to this traditional block.
I did a lot of digital “sketching” in Affinity Designer, adding some quarter circle curve blocks in place of squares, and playing around with background and accent colors…eventually, I landed on a big and bold design that is now Inbound!
The log cabin blocks are BIG, which means minimal piecing (but maximum impact) and that the top can come together pretty quickly - I’ve pieced one in a weekend!
But Jenn, I hate/fear/don’t know how to sew curves!
I’ve got video tutorials that take you through 3 different ways to sew curve blocks - I’ve set you up for success! Depending on the layout you choose, you’ll make either 6 or 12 quarter circle curve blocks, making this a great skill builder pattern if you want to start sewing curves or make some progress on that skill.
AND: take a look at the design. The curve blocks float in the background color - there’s no place that they have to match up exactly to another design element, so if your blocks aren’t “perfect,” you probably won’t be able to tell :)
The negative space around the “arrow” blocks also provides ample room to experiment with your quilting. I’m a huge Jacquie Gering fan, and I looked to her Walk & Walk 2.0 books for inspiration in quilting my samples.
Make it your own
Because I personally like to have lots of options, I have come up with lots of options for YOU with this pattern! The baby size has two layout options, and both baby and throw sizes can be created using two or three colors - or more, if you’re feeling adventurous!
I made three samples while developing & testing this pattern…
Cover: Purple & Green Throw
The cover version is a throw, using PBS Painter’s Palette Solids in Raisin (color A), Woodsman (color B), and Moda Bella Solids in Green Tea (color C).
I absolutely LOVE purple & green together and these 3 shades together are ::chef’s kiss:: !
Baby: Bold Blue & Gold
My baby size sample using the Two-Arrow layout is made from all Kona solids in Gold (color A), Curry (color B), and Caribbean (color C).
I quilted radiating diamonds in the solid corners, and followed the horizontal & vertical lines of the design in the pieced corners. I love how the yellow really pops against the blue background!
Graffiti Print Throw
I wanted to make one more version in just 2 colors, but also with a print…and I was absolutely looking for an excuse to get my hands on some of Libs Elliott’s new Verdigris fabric line! Here’s my throw using the Parkdale Patina print for Color A and Kona Ivory for the background.
I went with radiating diamond quilting again in two quadrants. I had originally planned to do two more, but I got antsy halfway through and opted instead to do the remaining quadrants with some radiating curved lines. It was a gamble but I’m pleased with how it came out!
Speaking of prints, my guildmate Melissa (@meliwoodcrafts on Instagram) made a throw version using 3 Ruby Star Society prints (A: Salon Floral in Watercress, B: Decanted in Metallic Peach Cream, and C: Spark in Smoke - all from Elixir by Melody Miller) and I’m in love with it! She combined low volume with high contrast/large scale prints masterfully to create a gorgeous throw that is somehow both spring-y and moody.
Inbound is also available to color on QuiltInk, an online coloring tool where you can preview the design in your favorite fabric lines! I’ve created some mockups using Kona, Andover Century Solids, RSS Starry, Libs Elliott, and Art Gallery Pure Solids fabrics -check them out!
I can’t wait to see what you create with this pattern! 🥰
