The Collection Quilt

Have you seen Carolyn Friedlander’s Collection Quilt? I will admit, I didn’t fully fall in love until I saw it in person, as part of an art quilt exhibition last summer at the Schweinfurth Art Center. They didn’t have white glove attendants, so I couldn’t get super close (I had my own gloves, but I don’t want to cause a ruckus.) From what I could see, Carolyn’s stitches were practically invisible.

Fast forward to Quilt Market in Houston. Ivette introduced me to Carolyn, I fan-girled over the Collection Quilt, and she let me touch her newest piece, Hunt, which is also amazing, but very intimidating. (Her stitches aren’t “practically” invisible. They are actually invisible.) We discussed favorite threads, needles, and thread gloss. I had a new quilter crush.

When Ivette mentioned she was working on a Collection Quilt for the shop and asked if I would help on a few blocks I immediately said yes. As I read the pattern, I fell in love with the project. The idea is to work with a collection of different fabric weights and simple appliqué shapes. I only did four blocks, but I really liked it.

I have some experience with needleturn appliqué, so I wasn’t intimidated by the project at all. It is set up to be enjoyable for everyone, from a beginner to an advanced appliqué wizard. Ivette and Andrea have sourced a variety of fabric weights and textures. One of the blocks I worked on had everything from a very lightweight lawn (?) to a linen texture. It was really interesting to feel how the different fabrics behaved in the same shape.

When Ivette asked if I would lead the Block of the Month program I squealed. Of course I would lead it! Teaching is so much fun, and I really love this quilt. Now I have an even better reason to make my own version. The only question is, will I make it in the original colors or will I choose my own colorway?

You can check out the program at Gotham Quilts here. We will have monthly meetings on the third Thursday of the month – one in the afternoon, and one in the evening. In each 45 minute session I will demonstrate the block for the month, discuss any challenging parts, and answer any questions you might have. We will also have a private Facebook group where we will be streaming the meetings and supporting each other. I’m a bit of a social media addict, so I can promise all questions will be answered quickly. If you aren’t local to New York City, this would be a perfect option.

We are also offering two different purchase options – with and without fabric. If you love our version, make your life easy and order the full kit. Want to use your own fabric? By the club only. And, if you want to go it on your own, just buy the pattern. We also have a monthly option, if you don’t want to commit to the entire program.

Oh, and the Gotham Quilts version has a bonus month 10 border designed by Andrea to enlarge the quilt. Don’t you just love the way Ivette quilted it?

The club will get started in January, and the 10 month program will run until October. I hope to see you there! I will be starting with my blocks soon, the better to entice you with.