Judie Rothermel and I have become good friends over the years and learned that we both have an aunt who has had a major influence on our lives – Judie’s Aunt Grace and my Aunt Janet. After introducing our first Aunt Grace BOM, Circle of Friends, at quilt market in May 2010, we immediately began collaborating on a new concept for the next one.
We discussed the color palette Judie had in mind which would be used in a variety of small to large-scale florals and flower prints. After learning that both of our aunts were not only avid quilters, but shared a love of gardening and belonged to their local gardening clubs, it was a natural choice that Garden Party would be the theme of the next BOM. We also agreed to “change up” the typical BOM concept by using a block each month to make a horizontal row.
With all of that information floating around in my head, and the color fabric cards pinned on the wall, I began to design Aunt Grace’s Garden Party. In addition to the beautiful prints in this fabric line, I have also incorporated several of the 1930’s solids that seem to go hand-in-hand with traditional 1930’s quilts. My design concept was to add my own spin on what might be considered “traditional” 1930’s quilt blocks. I had such a wonderful response to the English paper piecing technique used in Circle of Friends, that I knew I would include this technique in Garden Party. (Besides, and as many of you may know, I am an avid English paper piecer.)
This six-month BOM includes several different techniques with easy-to-follow instructions and diagrams. I hope you enjoy participating in this program as much as I did designing it!
I made Aunt Grace's Circle of Friends BOM this spring, it's absolutely gorgeous. Everyone who sees it wants one. Might have to make a Garden Party too! I haven't quilted my Circle of Friends as yet, would love to see some photos of how Vicki quilted it.
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