Before I begin talking about my latest quilt, I want to thank all of you who commented so thoughtfully on my last post! To manage my online time, I have generally chosen to not interact extensively online, which means I often don’t reply to comments. Thus I gratefully receive each comment I get as a beautiful gift, knowing that it takes an effort to communicate. I don’t expect or require it in any way, but it’s still much appreciated! (and you should go read the comments from my last post, they are interesting and not necessarily the replies I expected!)
Now let’s talk about this quilt! I was feeling frustrated with some recent quilt block fails, and nothing was feeling ‘right’. I just wanted something fool proof and scrappy. I thought of Stitched In Color’s Penny Patch Quilt, as it’s one I did long ago and always thought sometimes I’d make another. I found her instructions and studied the quilts made with this pattern. I always do this, mainly to analyze values. As I often say, the colors are the fun part but the value placement is what makes the whole quilt design work, or not work.
At first glance, I knew that I wanted to have all the blocks in the quilt of a similar value. The exception would be those little four patch squares that run in diagonal lines up and down. They would be the opposite value. So in this case I wanted a dark moody quilt (I was listening to Lord of the Rings:). I decided all the main quilt body would be dark value and the little four patch squares would be light.
Now you are thinking “Yes Jolene, that’s all fine but this quilt does not look like the Penny Patch quilt?” Well, after making a couple blocks I realized that just this one block from the quilt pattern would make a lovely design on it’s own.
So I continued making blocks like this, and think it’s a great simple pattern that is almost no fail. You could try using the opposite values to what I did for a lighter quilt. Or use the entire Penny Patch pattern in the values I used here. (I plan to do this)
For a simple visual, I’m adding a photo below that shows the sizes you need to cut for this one block. I always make my quilts by cutting enough fabric for a few blocks, maybe about 6. I make these and put them up on the design wall to analyze my value and color selections. Then I choose some more fabrics and cut another 6, and on and on. This way I have control as I go along and don’t waste fabric by cutting it all out and then realizing I don’t like the way it’s looking.
Here’s what you need for one block. So simple, right?! The magic happens when you start putting the blocks together! It’s addicting I tell you. I’m curious if this is a traditional block that has a name? Or maybe multiple names as many blocks have. If you know of one, I’d love if you’d mention it in the comments and I could add it to this post.
It's called a double four patch. Another simple blocks that makes stunning quilts!
At first I thought it was a reverse of the Carolina Chain you did before, but now I see the blocks are different. It's lovely, and love seeing how you are inspired by others!
That quilt really speaks to me. Good job! I really works.
Totally understand your thoughts about not responding to comments (although one of the key reasons I love blogging IS the interaction and exchange between poster and readers). That said, when I scrolled back through your last few posts, you have a number of obviously SPAM comments. You might want to go into your comment page and flag these as spam and/or simply delete them for the benefit of your readers who come back later to refresh their memories about something you've posted. Just a thought.
I love this quilt!!! When it popped up on Instagram I was wowed! You are one of the first quilters I found when I started quilting again 8 years ago. I’m so happy you are posting more frequently. This along with a half dozen others of yours is on my to make list. Thanks for all your inspiration.
The deep jewel tones here are just scrumptious. I love this quilt!
I've always liked the Double 4-Patch block. LOVE your "dark and moody" quilt!!
yup..this is great
Just wow!
LOVELY! I have over 40 years of scraps – many of which are older, 'dark and moody' candidates for this quilt. Now I'm going to have to make one for me. Thanks so much for sharing a wonderful quilt and your tips to make it shine….always love your blog! Deb E
A very stunning quilt. It has such richness to it because of your choice in fabulous fabrics. Thank you so for posting it.
Another quilt for me to love, lol. The list is endless, but I don't mind. I also appreciate your explaining that you only cut out pieces for 6 blocks at a time. I am easily overwhelmed by the 'front-load' work that experienced quilters seem to take for granted. I'm so glad I discovered your blog.
I know of the block as a double four patch. It's one of my go-to blocks for a quick quilt because it can easily be sized-up and only needs three fabrics. I love how cozy yours looks with the darker colors.
Hi Jolene, I’ve always know it as Double 4-Patch. It looks fabulous done all “dark and moody”!
Thank you for the tutorial, I would like to try it.
Beautiful, deep, rich colors! This is my kind of quilt! Hmmm…..
Beautiful, I love it!
Love this soooooooo much
completely beautiful
I see the Lord of the Rings darkness, and the lighter parts for feeling safe.
Or perhaps the other way around.
I love scrappy quilts very much
I love all your quilts,but this is my favorit one.I hope to be able to sew something like this someday.Greetings from the Czech republic,Mirka
You are a genius at combining fabrics. The colors are complex and rich. I admire that. I like how you do just a few blocks at a time.
Good job on the moody quilt look! You totally nailed it.:) I think one of the things that I most enjoy about your quilts is how you play with value. And the fact that you usually have that play with a scrappy vibe going on at the same time? Very charming!
ooh, i love this one! and the penny patch pattern too. i've made 3 of them so far and have plans for more. like you said, its a great pattern and virtually fail-proof. i've made all 3 of mine with the 3 block variation like rachel's original "vintage tangerine" quilt, which has the penny patch block (one you used for this quilt), a 4 sq block, and the larger single-square block. Using just the penny patch block like you did here is a nice version! i like how it has the chain going in both directions this way. very reminiscent of an irish chain pattern.
gorgeous!
I love this quilt so so much and I think I found a way to use some of those darks that I am never quite sure what to do with. Thank you, thank you!
This is so beautiful, thank you for posting it. I am excited to try it!