Hello, fellow quilters!
I’m Toni Raynolds, a Studio 180 Design Certified Instructor and owner of PiecedPerfection and I have some exciting news to share that I know you’ll love. First, I’m participating in a blog hop for Raija Salomaa of Quilters’ Treasure Chest, and I’m super excited for two reasons. First, I get to showcase Raija’s stunning new Signature Collection, “The Grove.” Second, I’m ecstatic to announce the upcoming release of my very first quilting pattern, “Diamond Brigade,” available here for pre-order! Enter code GROVE at checkout to save 15% off your pre-order purchase!
Introducing “The Grove” Collection
Have you ever found a fabric collection that just calls your name? “The Grove” Collection is exactly that. With its lush greens, blues, and vibrant yellow accents, this collection features motifs of pine trees, sunflowers, and pebbles—perfect for any quilt project.
For my “Diamond Brigade” pattern, I chose these beautiful prints:
- Dark Sunflower Teal
- Medium/Light Pine Tree Blue
- Medium/Light Pine Needle Green/Yellow
About “Diamond Brigade”
Why “Diamond Brigade”? This quilt pattern resembles rows of glimmering diamonds, and just like Diamonds are a girls best friend, this pattern is truly a quilter’s best friend! The strategic color placement creates a star-like effect in the middle of each diamond. With a few changes in color placement, you can easily shift the focus to emphasize the solitaire shape, offering endless creative possibilities. One fun thing I like to do is to find fabrics that create the effect of a sparking diamond. Small prints fabrics with leaf or florals are great for creating this effect.
“Diamond Brigade” is designed to be versatile, with size including Mini, Baby, Throw, Twin, Full, and Queen.
Tools and Techniques
To achieve maximum efficiency and accuracy, “Diamond Brigade” uses two Studio 180 Design tools: the Corner Beam and Corner Pop (I). The pattern is composed mainly of corner beam units, with corner pop units in the corners of each block, creating its distinctive round diamond-like effect.
Efficient Piecing
Chain piecing is my go-to method for this pattern. It allows you to piece each unit quickly and precisely
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Tips for Perfect Piecing
Press the Seams Open: Due to the bulk that builds up where the points of your beams meet, I recommend pressing the seams of the corner beams open.
Flattest Seams EVER: Easy Press by Acorn creates seams as flat as a pancake! Be sure to test on fabric first!
Aligning Points: Aligning those points can be challenging. That’s why I ensure I measure in ¼ inch and align seams.
Securing Points for Stitching: Acorns Precision Piecing Glue is my new best friend. It prevents your fabric from slipping out of alignment when sewing, ensuring perfect points every time.
What Others Are Saying
I carry my draft patten with me so that I can edit when I have a few extra minutes to spare, and along the way here are some of the comments I hear.
“OOOOoooo! I like that! Where can I get a copy?” – Sheila A.
“I can’t wait to make this one! I love how it looks and the color choices” – Debbie C.
“So, easy to read and well thought out. The graphics are crisp and easy to follow. It’s one up there with the top three Pattern Designers I tested” – Pattern Tester
Final Thoughts
By following these tips, your “Diamond Brigade” quilt will come together like a dream! But here’s a question for you: does the pattern bring “The Grove” fabrics to life, or do the fabrics bring the pattern to life? You decide! Leave a comment below and let me know what YOU think for a chance to win a free copy of the “Diamond Brigade” pattern when it is released at the end of July!
Pre-Order Now
And don’t forget—“Diamond Brigade” is now available for pre-order! Secure your copy today and be among the first to bring this sparkling pattern to life.
Stay Connected
Follow me on @lovepiecedperfection for more updates and quilting inspiration!
REMEMBER TO VISIT THE ENTIRE BLOG HOP LINE UP
Each of these quilters created amazing projects with the Grove Fabric Line and there are a few freebies, discounts on Quilters Treasure Chest patterns, Giveavays and more! Be sure to leave a comment to show your appreciation when you visit!
Sunday, 6/23/24: Quilters’ Treasure Chest @quilterstreasurechest: https://www.quilterstreasurechest.com/blog—raijas-bits…
Monday, 6/24/24: Wiggle Creek Designs @wigglecreekdesigns: https://wigglecreekdesigns.com/blog/news
Tuesday, 6/25/24: Needle in a Hayes Stack @NeedleinaHayesStack: https://needleinahayesstack.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, 6/26/24: The Busy Bee Quilter @thebusybeequilter: https://busybeequilter.com/?blog=y
Thursday, 6/27/24: PiecedPerfection @lovepiecedperfection: https://lovepiecedperfection.com/blog/
Friday, 6/28/24: Quilters’ Treasure Chest @quilterstreasurechest: https://www.quilterstreasurechest.com/blog—raijas-bits…