Category: modern quilts

modern quilts, monday morning designs quilt pattern, patterns, quilting, quilts, Uncategorized

Twinkly Stars Quilt Pattern

Deb Gehringer

Throughout my quilting years, over 11 now, I’ve noticed that the majority of quilts I’ve made have a light-colored background. Actually, most quilts do. But, being one who loves color, I wanted to design a quilt that shows mostly that—color! I also wanted it to showcase stars and as a result, my latest pattern, Twinkly Stars.

Twinkly Stars is the classic sawtooth star surrounded by various colored backgrounds bordered with the same color of the stars. Often times I go for bold and bright, but I wanted to lean toward muted colors for this one.

The plan was to make a queen size for my bed (another one?) using only solids. Since I’d need a variety of colors and hues, I raided my solids stash first.

A while back I’d purchased a Bountiful Blooms Coordinates fat quarter bundle by Moda, and this was the perfect project for them.

The pattern is designed for fat quarters, yet yardage works too, so I used both. I needed more than pictured above so I purchased a fat quarter bundle of New Century Solids by Andover Fabrics, and it is gorgeous!

The queen size quilt requires a whopping 72 blocks, so I had a lot of cutting to do.

Since there was quite a bit, I didn’t cut and make all the blocks at one time, I did them in batches of 5 or 6 stars.

The stars are made using flying geese so there’s plenty of opportunity for chain piecing to speed things up.

Here’s a look at a few star centers from the Bountiful Blooms Coordinates.

These were from my stash…

This was definitely a project that I worked on at my leisure. It was very relaxing because of the simplicity of the blocks. While I was in no hurry to finish, chain piecing the blocks made the process go faster.

Here’s a finished block in one of my favorite colors. 🙂

Once all the blocks were complete, trimmed and starched, it was time for layout. Because there were so many tone variations in addition to several different colors, I used this placement method for keeping like-colored blocks from one another:

To start, I kept approximate blank spaces on the floor for rows and columns. For layout example, because there were 2 same-colored blocks for most colors (stacked in pairs) I would lay out a block say ‘first in the first row’ and to keep it separate from it’s mate, I’d lay the second one say ‘sixth in the fourth row’.

I would continue with this process until I filled all 72 spaces. Additionally, I’d coordinate ‘next to’ colors with blocks already laid. For the most part, I didn’t have to make many adjustments once my layout was complete. Here’s the first row finished.

Here are more rows with sashing…

And so on…

Once my top was finished, I had the dreaded task of trimming threads off the back. Every quilter must dislike this tedious job, but it’s very necessary for a nice, crisp front. Take a look at my back all trimmed and ready for longarming.

For a nice soothing feeling, I chose a serpentine quilting motif. I really like the outcome!

I also chose a violet solid for the binding.

I love this quilt and it’s so nice to have it on my bed so I can enjoy it daily.

Twinkly Stars is a great pattern for quilters of all levels. The pattern is available for purchase in my Etsy shop. It’s written for 5 sizes: baby, throw, twin, full and queen. Definitely a fun make and a great stash buster too!

baby quilts, modern quilts, quilting, Uncategorized

Scrappy, Colorful Quilt Top

Deb Gehringer

My upcoming pattern, Breakwall (not released yet) lends itself to big blocks, bright colors and a modern design.

I’m known to use bright colors, and a lot of colors, and Breakwall does not disappoint! Although once finished, I had several leftover fabric pieces of the same height but varying widths. There were too many to store and some were just too small. I didn’t want to cut them to a standard size because of too much waste. I also had leftover white strips with the same issues for storage, size, etc.

What else can be done then? Make a quilt top! I knew I didn’t have enough color pieces for a throw size so I decided to make a baby/crib size. Not really having a plan, I basically sewed random leftover pieces to a short-end white strip. Making sure colors complimented one another, I kept the process going until I had around 43″ across or so. I kept going and going until I had 9 strips.

Looking too busy with no break in between strips, I added a white strip for somewhere for the eye to rest. I sewed 4 rows together with sashing, trimming the length to 42″. After sewing it all together and trimming, I had a nice size crib quilt top. It measures 42″ x 51 3/4″. It’s a perfect size for a toddler or small child.

Funnily enough, I have no need for anything this size, but figured there might be a quilter out there who does but doesn’t have time to make one. I also think if you’re learning to longarm, practicing your new skills on a quilt like this would be great.

For whatever need you have, this playful and fun quilt top is for sale in my Etsy shop!

Christmas, modern quilts, monday morning designs quilt pattern, PDF download, quilts

Winter Woodlands Finish

Deb Gehringer

In November last year I was so eager to release my Winter Woodlands quilt that I did so before it was completely finished. The pattern cover photo is just the quilt top, but now that it’s professionally quilted and a completed quilt, I’ve got a new cover shot for the pattern.

As I normally do, I had it quilted with thread that blends into the background; in this case, white. The edge-to-edge quilting motif is Becker’s Winter Wonderland by Urban Elementz.

The snowflakes are really detailed and are perfect for this treed pattern. I especially like how they are ‘correct’ snowflakes, having 6 points. I see a lot of 8 pointed snowflakes out there, but, ummm, they’re not right! And I’m speaking from decades of living in a snowbelt region. 😉

Because this pattern is designed for 2 1/2″ strips, I used strips from the jelly roll for the binding. It’s a nice transition from print to print, which coordinates well with the stripey trees.

The backing is a really fun print called Frosty Merry Mints by Wilmington Prints. I just love these snowman gents! The quilt top fabrics are Bella Solid White and Moda’s Merry Little Christmas by Bonnie and Camille.

Winter Woodlands is a one size throw quilt pattern and is great for the confident beginner quilter. And in celebration of my finish, I’m offering the pattern 20% off for the entire week.

It honestly doesn’t take too long to make as it’s a cozy size (55″ x 60 ½”) and it’s an excellent choice for the holidays and chilly winter nights!

Christmas, modern quilts, monday morning designs quilt pattern, quilts

Scrappy Holiday Hemlocks Kits

Deb Gehringer

There’s plenty of time left to sew a holiday quilt, right? If you’re with me on that, why not check out these beautiful kits from Batiks Plus More.

Julie put these together with, you guessed it, batiks, and what lovely, rich colors. 🙂 She’s still got a few in stock so now’s the time to go shopping. 😉

I released this modern quilt pattern a couple of years ago, offering it in two versions. The original, Holiday Hemlocks and a scrappy version, Scrappy Holiday Hemlocks.

Either version is suitable for the advanced beginner quilter, and it’s so fun to watch it come together.

Both patterns are available for purchase in my Etsy shop.

Whether you sew a kit or use your own stash, Holiday Hemlocks is a great quilt to make for getting into the holiday spirit!

baby quilts, fabric project, modern quilts, Uncategorized

Half Square Triangle Quilt

Deb Gehringer

When organizing fabrics a while back, I rediscovered a box of 2 1/2″ half square triangles I’d saved from various projects throughout the years.

I’m sure my intentions were good when I took the time to square them up and save them, but fast forward some years…I don’t have any projects in mind for their use.

That said, I decided to sew them all together, at random, and make a quilt top. Based on the box contents, it seemed there’d be enough for a nice baby/crib size top but I did have to add a few plain squares to have enough to finish.

Because all the HST had color on one half and a light solid (white, off white or tone on tone) on the other, no matter the position or color, it was bound to make a pretty, colorful top.

I began by chain piecing pairs together. I really enjoy making projects like this where anything goes! As quilters, we’re used to following patterns (of course) but it is nice to take a break and just let yourself create as you go. 🙂

So to me, random meant color and position. Sometimes I matched colors, sometimes not, altogether trying to make sure colors complimented one another. As far as the unit shaping went, some pairs were flying geese while some triangles were in the same or opposite direction. I tried to keep all varieties equal.

The quilt top has a lovely array of colors and fabrics from Art Gallery, Moda, Andover, Windham, Kona and more. Many of the fabrics are discontinued which makes it kind of neat as a throw-back type quilt top.

So, after a several hours, here’s the completed quilt top!

The finished size is 36″ x 41 ¾”, perfect for a baby, toddler or small child—it just needs a quilter! Since I don’t have any little ones, I’m hoping a quilter who does can make a complete quilt out of it. It’s for sale on my Etsy shop.

That’s another project down for the year, again using what I had on hand.

I’ve just finished a new pattern that’s ready to send out for longarming. I’m not sure what’s up next but I’m sure I’ll find something!

modern quilts, monday morning designs quilt pattern, quilts, sewing

2023 Project Recap

Deb Gehringer

At the beginning of the new year, I like to take a look back to see what projects I completed or am close to completing, for the last 12 months.

Earlier in the year, I wanted to decorate with toss pillows. Given that I have quite a few fat quarters on hand, it made perfect sense to use them for small chair pillows.

I also had some yardage so I made 16″ square pillows for my daybed.

The one in the middle back was made using the pillow sham that came with the comforter. I didn’t want to set out a bed-sized pillow so I put it to good use otherwise.

This little mini was made from cut-away squares from the ghost quilt. I didn’t want to throw them away, but the small size of the HST made for a sewing challenge!

I really enjoy making a colorful Stitches & Stars quilt, so I decided to make a baby version and have it for sale in my Etsy shop. It’s a fun fat eighth friendly pattern and it’s very versatile.

I released two kitten related projects last year, which is kind of funny because I don’t even own a cat! Because they’re such cute blocks to make I guess I couldn’t resist.

On the left is my Spooky Kittens throw quilt. It’s beginner-friendly and the pattern offers two options, yardage or fat quarters. It’s fast and fun!

On the right is my Cozy Kittens mini. It makes a nice wall hanging or table topper, and it’s designed for the confident quilter and above.

Because I wanted to give appliqué a try and couldn’t find a tree pattern, I designed (with some technical help) my Big Tree and Little Tree PDF outline patterns. Big Tree is great for a wall hanging, advent countdown or decorating in your own style. Little Tree is a fun, whimsical tree for appliquéing onto a pillow, clothing or whatever else suits you!

Much like my Pinwheels Galore quilt (seen below), I wanted a leisure project so I made a postage stamp like quilt. I’ll write a blog post about it once finished, but here’s a look at piecing four patches, getting the quilt underway.

This quilt was one that just came to me, so I decided to make it and release the pattern. It’s a nod to Wee Three Trees, it’s like Wee Tree Trees grows up. 😉

It’s called Winter Woodlands and is geared for a jelly roll and makes a quick finish. I made mine using Merry Little Christmas by Bonnie & Camille. You can see it’s only a quilt top…I’m waiting for a local quilt shop to open and will take it there for longarming if they offer it.

I always make a handmade pillowcase for my husband in bird fabric. Last year’s was no different!

Lastly, my Pinwheels Galore finish! I started this in 2022 as a quilt with no timeline. I finally got it pieced and ready for longarming in the spring of 2023. For no good reason, I didn’t send it out until late summer and finished it in late fall.

It’s queen size, and it makes the second one of that size I made for myself. I’d like to be able to switch quilts throughout the year so this will give me the option to do so.

That wraps up 2023!

To date, I have three patterns for release, two quilts and a holiday table runner (a first for me). I hope you’ll stop back and see what’s in store for 2024.

modern quilts, monday morning designs quilt pattern, PDF pattern, quilting, quilts, Uncategorized

Classic Plaid Quilt Pattern

Deb Gehringer

I like to start off every year with a new pattern release and this year it’s Classic Plaid. I finished this pattern (and quilt) nearly 5 years ago but kept pushing it back because I’d get a new idea then start that, etc., etc.

The main reason why I designed this quilt is because I feel we quilters need a quilt pattern geared toward the masculine side. While this one is very versatile, it’s a perfect choice for a man, after all, men need quilts too!

So…here it is!

Classic Plaid is designed specifically for the beginner quilter, but you don’t have to be a newbie to make it; it’s suitable for quilters of all levels. It’s oh-so-easy as there are only two blocks to make. Assembly is really fast because you’ll use techniques such as strip piecing and chain piecing, making it go together in a snap.

There are three sizes to choose from: throw, twin and queen. Only four different colored fabrics of yardage are needed. Easy, right?

Often times the most simple designs make the most interesting quilts and this one is definitely a great example.

For quilting on mine, I chose a 1 1/2″ grid to coordinate with the quilt’s design. Basic, yet it makes a statement.

Here’s a look at Barbara’s quilt. She made a throw size using blue and red bandana fabrics. They’re an excellent choice, and I’d like to mention that she’s an excellent quilter.

Barbara had her quilt longarmed in a cowboy/western motif of boots, spurs and stars. I love how she also used a darker thread for quilting, it really brings out the details. Great job Barbara, it’s a beautiful finish!

Joanna, another awesome quilter, made a throw size quilt. We all loved her version; she fussy cut the background square. I honestly have to say that I never would have thought of this which is why I love getting testers’ take on patterns. This is such an adorable quilt, excellent job Joanna!

Lastly, I have to share this photo. I had my husband hold my quilt up in front of a beautifully painted mural (in NW PA). Without realizing it, the people’s heads in the mural are poking up from the top and look as if they’re holding up the quilt or hiding behind it, which I thought was pretty funny.

Classic Plaid is available for purchase in my Etsy shop starting today!

Christmas, modern quilts, monday morning designs quilt pattern, PDF download, quilting, Uncategorized

Winter Woodlands Quilt Pattern

Deb Gehringer

To end this year’s quilt pattern releases, I’d like to introduce my Winter Woodlands PDF pattern, now available for purchase in my Etsy shop.

Winter Woodlands is a nod to my best selling pattern, Wee Three Trees mini quilt. For quite a while I’d been thinking about making the mini into a larger version and here it is! Just think of it as Wee Three Trees grown up. 😉

For my quilt, I used Moda’s jelly roll Merry Little Christmas by Bonnie and Camille.

This collection is so festive and is a perfect choice for this quilt. I love the traditional red and green and that teal is also included.

Since the pattern is written for a throw size quilt (finishes 55″ x 60 ½”) you can make it all from a jelly roll, including the binding!

Winter Woodlands block made from Moda’s Evergreen Collection

I know I say it a lot, but my testers all agreed this is a quick make! It’s geared toward confident quilters; yet if you’re a quilter looking to build your quilting skills, give it a whirl.

It’s the perfect time with the holiday season upon us, so I hope you’ll get your copy and add a festive quilt to your home for this coming winter.

halloween, modern quilts, monday morning designs quilt pattern, quilts, Uncategorized

Making My Spooky Kittens Throw Quilt

Deb Gehringer

My last entry was about the release of my latest pattern, Spooky Kittens. Since this quilt has gotten quite a bit of interest, I decided to post a write-up with photos for a more in-depth look at my process.

I’d like to start by mentioning that not only is this pattern beginner friendly, it sews together fast and instructions include 2 fabric choices, either fat quarters or yardage. And also for beginners, there are no half square triangles which can sometimes be a challenge!

To make my quilt, I used yardage since I had most of the solids I wanted to use on hand.

Kona Cottons from L to R – Morning Glory, Black, Citrus, Quicksilver

Once my colors were chosen, it was time to get started. In a nutshell, this pattern consists of making two mirrored kitten blocks, adding sashing then putting it all together. All testers agreed—it’s a quick make.

And here’s why…throughout the pattern there are several places where you can chain piece: when assembling the kitten heads and again when attaching sashing strips. It’s no secret that chain piecing is an excellent time-saver. 😉

You can also chain piece when attaching kitten heads to background pieces, as I did here…

And again when sewing the kittens blocks together making finishing blocks a breeze.

Once the blocks were sewn and my layout was complete, it was time to sew the blocks and vertical sashing strips into rows. At this point, everything was coming together as I envisioned so I was pretty happy about that. 🙂

With rows completed, the last thing to do was attach the sashing. Here’s a tip for handling the sashing strips; once they’re sewn into long strips, wrap them around something sturdy so they will unfold nicely when you’re attaching them to rows.

I used comic book cardboard backing boards for wrapping and it worked great. (I happen to have a whole pack for wrapping and storing my solid fabrics). If you don’t have any on hand, cardboard or anything sturdy will work just fine.

Once my quilt top was complete, I had to pause a while waiting for a fabric order. I wanted something Halloween themed for the backing and I found the perfect fabric. It’s from Free Spirit’s line Spell Bound and it features black chains on a festive orange background. It was the perfect compliment to the quilt front.

With my quilt top complete, my backing fabric cut, sewn and pressed, it was time to sandwich and pin baste my quilt. Not a favorite part of the process but I managed to get through it easily enough. 😉

After basting, I needed to decide on a quilting pattern. Since the kittens are shorter blocks, I thought the quilting would showcase best by running horizontally. And because the kittens are a bit ‘spooky’, I decided the quilting should give that sort of vibe, too. That said, I chose a three-stitch zigzag with the lines spaced 1 1/4″ apart.

I used medium gray Aurifil thread (2605), and was pleased with the results.

Since the binding is the finishing touch—I consider it ‘framing in’ the quilt, kind of like choosing the right frame for a piece of art—I wanted something to set it off.

I also wanted to use a common Halloween color so I went with purple.

So here it is—my version of Spooky Kittens complete!

One last thing…I had my test block leftover so I decided to make it into a mini quilt. For this, I used the serpentine quilting motif sewn with a lighter gray thread. I also used Kiwi Kona cotton for the binding. It’ll make a great wall hanging in a small area.

There you have it, easy and quick! And a great quilt to add to your Halloween decor. I hope you enjoy this fun Halloween quilt and you try one out for yourself.

halloween, modern quilts, PDF pattern, quilts, Uncategorized

Spooky Kittens Quilt Pattern

Deb Gehringer

It’s nearly back to school and that means back to the sewing machine! With Halloween just a mere 78 days away, you’ll have more than enough time to whip up my latest quilt pattern, Spooky Kittens. It’s now available for purchase in my Etsy shop.

To all the Halloween lovers out there, this quilt’s for you. Spooky Kittens has a lot to offer…first of all, it’s beginner friendly. The pattern is written for throw size; it consists of just two mirrored blocks, sashing, and presto, it’s done!

Another bonus is that the pattern comes with two fabric options—yardage or fat quarters.

I made mine using yardage. For the back, I went with a really fun print with black chains on an orange background. With all the seasonal fabrics out there, you’ll surely find something to make yours unique!

I’d love to see your version of this fun and easy quilt! With either fabric option you choose it’s sure to be a Halloween favorite. 🙂