Modern Aztec Quilt | Briar Hill Designs' Bequest Maker’s Tour

Hello! Today is my stop on Briar Hill Designs' Bequest Maker’s Tour. And I’m thrilled to have you pop in for a visit!

If this is your first time here – welcome! I’m Shannon! The fabric lover and quilt designer behind this little spot on the internet 😉

Allow me to share a little ditty about Jack and Diane – um, I mean, about pretty fabric turned into a quilt! You may not realize it while you’re in creation mode, but have you noticed there’s usually a story behind every quilt made? This is a fun one.

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BEQUEST FABRICS

Now, I know I'm known for colour. Bright and bold colour. And so, it was funny when some of you were surprised to see me working with these fabrics. I just wanted to clarify that I’m an equal opportunity fabric enthusiast. Meaning, I don’t think there is a fabric or colour I would forever say no to working with. I love dabbling in all forms of textiles and prints and classic blue and white florals are definitely no exception. Especially when they’re as pretty as these!

Don’t they remind you of the blue and white china? Such classics that remind me of my mum!

So, when Julia and Caverly reached out to invite me to participate, I was super happy to collaborate and help support their latest Bequest fabric collection  for RJR Fabrics. 

MODERN AZTEC QUILT

I started off thinking I would make a quilted table runner. Simply because my schedule was pretty full, and I didn’t want to overcommit myself.

But then the fabrics showed up.

And I showed them to my hubz.

And he was all “Wow, those are stunning!”.

To which I concurred, and he said, “they’re going to look amazing in a quilt”.

To which I responded “Oh, I’m actually making a table runner”.

And he flat out looked at me like I was cray cray and said I “Had to go BIG’.

Ha! Anyone else’s significant other have strong feelings about what their creative makes?!

I love that he shares his thoughts with me. Making can be quite lonely sometimes, so it’s fun to bounce ideas off him. But this was unsolicited advice – for the record, there IS a difference 😉

In any event, he was SO right! (Which was just a tad annoying!)

So, off I went to contact Julia and Caverly to see whether we could make a larger version work. And let me tell you these ladies were fab! Between the additional background fabric that Julia sent me and the second shipment for backing fabric from RJR, I was set to go BIG!

And big I went.

Well, a generous lap size in any event 😉

But I’m so thrilled we were able to pull it off because the Bequest Modern Aztec quilt is just STUNNING! I mean I know I’m a little biased on the topic, but she’s been getting lots of love from everyone who’s seen her.

Plus, these fabrics are just stunning with such lovely details when you’re up close and personal. It’s hard to go wrong with whatever you choose to make with them.

But I particularly love the juxtaposition of the whimsical and organic nature of the floral prints paired with the very geometric design of the Modern Aztec quilt pattern.

It’s that contrast and play off different elements that I think makes for a fun outcome.

To enhance the movement inherent in the design of the quilt, I opted to quilt straight lines following the movement of the chevrons which help pull your eye from the dark center to the outer edges of the quilt.

Did you notice how the shades of blue come into play to help enhance the movement of the design? It’s all these elements that really add up to a quilt with so much added interest.

And, it dawned on me, this is officially the first blue and white quilt that I’ve made! I can see returning to this classic combo in the future!

Considering the last-minute change in design direction, this project came together relatively quickly. I had the top pieced within a day, then basted and quilted within 2. The prep was spread out over several days since I was waiting for fabric shipment, but all in all she’s a fast finish. Even the last-minute photo sessions worked out. Phew! I don’t like being late!

QUILTED DOUBLE CHEVRON PILLOW

I’m not sure how this little pillow really came to be. I know I had set aside some leftover HSTs on my sewing table. And then found myself pulling them out at one point just to play. And that play time lead to the central chevron blocks and before I knew it, I had this pretty pillow!

I used to make pillows all the time, but I’ll admit, I don’t make them that often anymore. Maybe I just made TOO many at one point?!

I even had to bust out my old Singer to be able to get the job done.

Now THAT was a reality check! 

It’s been a really long time since I sewed on her and it was a total trip down memory lane! And a renewed appreciation for just how much I love my Juki (read my review here)!

She’s way clunkier than my Juki, but I had purchased the invisible zipper foot for her and, so, out of necessity she came out.

I’m happy she’s tucked back away and I’m left with this fun impromptu quilted cushion 😊

Sometimes it’s the unexpected projects that lead to fun outcomes!

MATERIALS USED

Here’s are round-up of the Bequest fabrics I used in the Modern Aztec quilt:

Looking Glass – Sky

Looking Glass – Lace

Tapestry – Velvet

Tapestry – Blueberry Scone (how awesome is this name?!)

Hope Chest – Blueberry Scone

Music Box – Quiet Evening

Music Box – Lace

Little Basket – Quiet Evening

Little Basket – Lace

Cup and Saucer – Sapphire

Cup and Sauce – Bluebird

Cup and Saucer – Lace

Loom – Frost

White Thread 50wt – piecing & quilting

Blue Thread 50wt - binding

Batting

Modern Aztec Quilt pattern 

And here's what I used for the lumbar pillow:

Little Basket – Lace

Cup and Saucer – Sapphire

Cup and Saucer – Lace

Trellis - Midnight Breeze

Invisible zipper

White Thread 50wt – piecing

Blue Thread 50wt - quilting

Batting scraps

Unbleached cotton (for the lining)
Modern Aztec quilt pattern or the Double Chevron pillow pattern

MAKER’S TOUR

And for more inspiration working with this gorgeous collection, check-out the other designers participating in the Bequest Maker’s Tour: 

Nov 12^th

Jemima Flendt @tiedwitharibbon shared her beautiful Confetti Cushion. 

Nov 13^th

Caverly & Julia @briarhilldesigns shared their stunning hand stitched creation. 

Nov 14^th

Stacey Lee O’Malley @slostudio who made such a pretty plaid lap quilt. 

Nov 15^th

Jacquie Schluter @jacquiesews sewed up a gorgeous little girl’s dress and bonnet. Seriously beautiful work. You gotta check it out!

Nov 16^th Wendy Mierke @sewknotcrochet Wendy stitched up such a pretty sewing machine cover, a pair of slippers, nesting bowls and an ottoman! I could really use that poof!

Nov 19^th

Lisa Hofmann-Maurer @sewwhatyoulove made this gorgeous quilt and will have a pattern for it in the Spring of 2019. 

Nov 20^th

Carla Peicheff @cpeicheff Carla made the cutest little drawstring bags. I can see these being perfect for gift giving this season.

Nov 21^st

Jen Orme @lilmaisiedaisy Jen made a cute version of Suzy Quilts’ Star Hollow quilt – see it here. 

Nov 22^nd

Shannon Fraser @shannonfraserdesigns – hi! That’s me 😉

Nov 23^rd

Jess Zimmerman @coralbunnyandlo

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The Bequest collection is shipping to your local quilt shop as we speak. Hurry and add these classic pretties to your stash!

Oh, and the Modern Aztec quilt pattern? That’s now available here!

Happy quilting!

xo

Shannon

PS Pillow instructions are available in both the Modern Aztec quilt pattern and the standalone Double Chevron pillow pattern.
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