Well, that was fun! From the first sketch to the final stitches, making this quilt was perfectly delightful. I loved sewing each fresh patchwork group, was proud of each individual finish and now feel pretty chuffed with the oh-so-joyful collective whole!!!
Presenting Tapestry Garden - a colorful quilt with an eye to color value. I gathered yardage in my favorite colors, added bunches of scraps in the same tones and simply sewed the blocks according to my value sketches.
Some patchwork sections have a scrappier feel than others, but overall this quilt is about unbridled color and playful pattern. Touches of solids and thoughtful placement of light vs. dark fabrics do all the balancing work.
In keeping with her cheerful, lighthearted ethos, I quilted this quilt with Triple Arc quilting. It has a happy, springing effect. The XOXO binding adds another dose of whimsy along the quilt edge.
I didn't hold back with the other side of the quilt either. This backing is a combination of big beautiful flowers, adorable Heather Ross dear and a cool black/white script.
Plus, leftover patchwork that didn’t make the cut for the quilt front, featured front and center. I’m enjoying the lively vibe!
What will you sew in 2026? A fresh new year is almost upon us, and with it comes a sense of renewal and so many possibilities. My wish for you? Let 2026 be a year in which you create joyfully with your hands, whatever form that takes for you.
Create a little beauty. Create a little space to slow down and be still. Create something with colors and shapes that will fill you with delight. Lose yourself in your own making, and you’ll naturally watch, browse, compare and worry less. Create instead!
When you sign up for Garden Tapestry BOM, you’ll receive the Prelude download right away. This introductory document has all the big-picture info so you can see how the year will unfold. It discusses crafting a color palette and provides a printable color sheet for you to flesh out your ideas. If you really love to plan ahead, you’ll appreciate the master list of scrap sizes needed for all 12 months of patchwork.
Each month in 2026, you’ll receive an email to download the digital pattern booklet, but also guidance to keep you on track. Do you struggle with choosing fabrics? Each month I’ll share a tip for making effective fabric and/or color choices with our patchwork ensemble. I’ll also share examples from our Tapestry Garden community, because there are lots of wonderfully different ways to create something beautiful!
Registration begins January 1st with a kick-off sale on the annual subscription. It’ll be just €74 instead of the regular rate of €88. Don’t miss it!
Besides the main Tapestry Garden pattern, you’ll also receive detailed instructions for special techniques: color value, machine applique, foundation paper piecing and curved piecing. No familiarity with these techniques is assumed! This quilt is totally appropriate if you have made a couple of quilts and are ready to broaden your skills.
Each patchwork group is a fresh beginning, but all together they’ll make up a fascinating, layered quilt with sections that interplay. I can’t wait to see your Tapestry Garden develop!!!
Here’s to a wonderful new year!
Rachel, this is just gorgeous! You have such a gift. I loved the quilt design when you first shared it, admired the beauty of each of the blocks as you unveiled them, and I'm still gobsmacked by the magic that happened when you put them all together into the finished quilt. I just love the way you've combined modern and traditional blocks and sensibilities into a quilt that feels timeless and just stops me in my tracks. Congratulations on another stunner, and happy holidays!
Merry Christmas to you, Rachel!