A quilt pattern made from a vintage watering can? You betcha!
My fun, sweet, adventuresome neighbor travels from time to time. When she’s away, I walk over to her house and water her flowers using her vintage watering can.
I’ve always admired that can. They don’t make them like that anymore!
So, when the editor at AQ Magazine asked me for a quilt design, my first stop was Merle’s house!
Merle has lovely vases and other containers. I took photos of them all. But before I left, I asked if I could photograph her watering can. “That old thing?” Yep!
That old thing was perfect for a quilt pattern!
Without further ado…here is Merle’s Bouquet!
As you can see, she’s made with both beautiful sides of one floral fabric on a scrappy background. When using a combination of fusible applique and broderie perse, the technique is what I like to call “modern broderie perse”.
You see, the watering can is cut from a template, using the REVERSE side of the fabric. The flowers are cut using the fabric’s own motif.
Fortunately, finding fabric with a beautiful reverse isn’t hard. It just takes knowing what to look for and how to look! Each pattern that uses both sides of fabric (more than 45), teaches you how to easily audition both sides of fabric.
Learn more about The Tricky Traits of Value HERE.
Because of the long time between designing a quilt pattern and publication date, it seemed the day would never arrive. One day I got a call from my friend, Nancy, to look in my mailbox. I knew it was time!
I raced out to the mailbox and ran over to Merle’s. It was fun for Merle and I to open the issue together.
Finally, here is the original quilt as it appears in the magazine.
Subsequently, I made another version. This focus fabric gave the quilt a whole new look and feel! It’s pictured here with Merle’s can.
This RJR fabric has a vivid, painted look with a variety of flowers and birds to add the bouquet.
You can shop for Merle’s Bouquet quilt pattern HERE.
Reflections of Love is the Cover Girl for Quiltmaker Magazine!
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