Let It Bloom- New Light Quilt

Hello Quilties! Pinch me right now that I am a guest blogger for RILEY BLAKE DESIGNS. What a life!

I’m Karlyn, sole-proprietor of Charlie Bear Quilts. To put it simply, quilting has been my saving grace in times of stress and unexpected challenges. It may sound dramatic, but this craft has truly been a remedy for me in so many ways. I feel like my truest self when I am being creative. So, in a nutshell, “therapy” (AKA quilting) was the gateway to this cozy quilty universe that fills my cup with joy. Every single day.

Get ready to fall head over heels for the cutest quilt pattern on the block. Just in time for Love Month, this new light-hearted design will have you diving into those treasured scraps or cutting into that gorgeous bundle sitting on your shelf like an art installation. CBQ is all about nostalgic designs that bring you back to the good old days (when you didn’t have a mortgage). 

Let It Bloom by Little Forest Atelier spoke right to my heart. I immediately started sketching out new quilt designs to showcase this charming collection. The floral prints are so “memory lane” for me- the carefree vibe takes me back to picking flowers around my childhood home (most of which were weeds, but I digress…) In these peaceful moments life was simple. I actually think this collection inspired my 8 year-old self to step out and make all the big decisions…. the first being “What should I use for a background?” Without hesitation, the answer was Apricot Blush Blossom! A bold choice from younger me, but I’m so thankful she went for it. Typically I like to go with a low volume, lighter background, so this was a real treat!

Let’s Make a Block

The New Light Quilt features curved pieces that make up whimsical flowers with dainty heart centers. The pattern offers the option of using templates or the Creative Grids Circle Savvy Ruler. Aside from curved piecing, the pattern incorporates half square triangles and an hour glass block in the centre. I like to complete the curved piecing first. The throw size New Light pattern showcases six different prints that make up the Flower Units.

Secondly, you will construct the Heart Center Units for the middle of the New Light Block. The hour glass unit uses an efficient technique to make the most precise blocks. Choose two contrasting fabrics so your hearts stand out.

The last step in a New Light Block, is creating the Leaf Units with HST. Using the 8-at-a-time HST method, it makes for quick work.

Now here we are at the most satisfying stage of the process… you’ve done all the careful work of squaring up and pressing each unit (it’s okay to say you don’t enjoy this part) BECAUSE IT’S TOTALLY WORTH IT when everything comes together! I love playing around with the blocks on my design wall to see which layout I like best.

I will forever be drawn to pink palettes! Just delicious.

Now, prepare yourself for adorability x 1000 (Is adorability a word??)

The quilting. Not only does it add that squishy dimension that completely transforms the quilt… the swirly hearts echo the playfulness of the quilt’s design. I’ve used my tried and true pantograph, Smitten by Urban Elementz.

As quilters, I think we all have those at-the-sewing-machine-daydreams about the future life of the heirlooms we create. A source of comfort for the following generations. But right now, nothing beats the heartwarming feeling of wrapping our loved ones up in a cozy quilt.

Confession time. I have already admitted how enamoured I was with this collection… so this is why I had to make a second one!! This time ’round, I wanted to feature the sage and lilac prints. Lori Holt’s coordinating print with delicate lavender cross stitches was a home run! (Hello AGAIN 8-year-old me… yes, I was an old soul who cross stitched in her free time…)

And is it just me, or does this New Light quilt have an Alice in Wonderland feel??

So, whether you are Team Bubblegum or Team Lilac, the finished product will deliver on the nostalgic charm.

Here in Manitoba, we are experiencing a mild February (a bit of a reprieve from our frigid temperatures) so I decided to take my New Lights out for a little field trip to the country…

Make your own New Light Quilt

The New Light Quilt Pattern from Charlie Bear Quilts is available here: New Light Quilt Pattern *15% off until the end of February*

I would love to see your versions on instagram! #newlightquilt

Have a wonderful weekend (hopefully you’re sewing!)

Karlyn, Charlie Bear Quilts