A little over 3 years ago, I made a quilt I named “Downstream” for the Quilt Design a Day QuiltCon exhibit. I used paper piecing to make the quilt, so when I considered writing a pattern for it, I struggled with how to offer it in sizes larger than the wall hanging size I created due to the ridiculous scaling the paper piecing templates would require. After a few years of percolation, I finally settled on a compromise method, but I clearly needed to make sure that it worked as well. So today I am happy to share my newest version of Downstream and announce that the Downstream digital quilt pattern, which includes instructions for 6 different quilt sizes, is now available!
Fabric Pull
The pattern uses 4 fabrics and creates a striking, off-grid modern quilt. When making my fabric selection for my test version, I was inspired by the temporarily green hills and bright orange poppies blooming here in California. Note that I didn’t use any of the new Kona Cotton bolts that I purchased; I was able to get all of these fabrics from my previous stash, haha! I selected Kona Cotton in Bluegrass (Fabric C), Candy Green (Fabric B), Snow (Fabric A), and Tangerine (Fabric D).*
Downstream
Downstream, I have no idea what to expect tomorrow, let alone in the rest of 2020. But I know that if I can get a few moments of time with fabric or interacting with quilters in a day, I will feel more renewed and better for it. What actions are you taking to help yourself out downstream?
Downstream
In the photograph that was the design prompt for the original Downstream quilt, there is a bright orange sign which reads: “We live downstream from our stuff.” Downstream in Grays: Kona Cotton in Snow (Fabric A), Shale (Fabric B), Charcoal (Fabric C), and Carrot (Fabric D).*
Downstream
I used color matched 50wt Aurifil to the Kona Cotton I selected for this version of the #DownstreamQuilt. 2865 (Emerald) for Kona Bluegrass, 2835 (Medium Mint) for Candy Green, 2021 (Natural White) for Kona Snow, and 1104 (Neon Orange) for Kona Tangerine.
Downstream
I knew I wanted to photograph the quilt with blooming poppies, but I didn’t want to drive far or trespass onto anyone’s property. Thankfully my therapist has a huge front yard bursting with poppies right now, and she gave me permission to take these photos a few days ago.
Downstream
I’m especially drawn to the areas where the colors bleed out and drip down the quilt. Especially right now, it reminds me of the way our lives are interconnected and that what we do in one capacity affects us in others.
To celebrate the digital pattern release, Downstream will be on sale through Sunday, May 3rd.
Linking up with Alycia Quilts Finished (or Not) Friday, TGIFF which is being hosted by Laura from Slice of Pi Quilts this week, and Beauties Pageant 79 with Michelle From Bolt to Beauty.
Yay! What a gorgeous new release, Yvonne! Love the design and movement in this one. Plus, that little pop of colour is just perfection!
I loved the original version of this, but I think these colors just take it over the top! It’s absolutely gorgeous!!
I love Downstream in the greens! Congrats on the release!
This is a really cool design Yvonne. I like the use of only 4 fabrics, and especially like that pop of tangerine. Congrats on a new pattern release!
I love this quilt………….everything about it! The colors are so perfect for this time of year with all the poppies blooming. The poppies are especially bountiful and beautiful in and around Old Shasta. I would love to make this quilt and the fabric selection would not be overwhelming for me. Congratulations on a new pattern release.
Wow! The colors are great and congratulations on another pattern release. I love poppies and how wonderful this quilt looks in a field of poppies!
Yvonne, this could be my all time favorite of all the wonderful quilts you have made! Fantastic job!
This is one of my favorites of your creations. It totally just draws me in! I love it in the new colorway (tho I really liked the original too) and your photoshoot is perfect! Those poppies are one of my husband’s very favorite flowers.
Ooh I love it in these colours!! And in the field of poppies, divine!
beautifull!!!
Love this Yvonne! So many possibilities in terms of colour stories. And, as always, your pictures are just stunning.
What a great quilt! I like it in both colorways – it is so bold and unique!!
Awesome pattern! And not because it has orange. LOL
Awesome quilt. I purchased a copy of the pattern and am wondering how do I access the PDF to print it out?
Thank you.
I just regenerated an email to you that contains the download link. The email gets created automatically when you complete your purchase, and my best guess is that it ended up in your spam directory. Please go look there and if you can’t find the emails (the original or one I just sent you), I can attach the pattern to an email for you.
Best,
Yvonne
Does this pattern have paper piecing?
Oh My! I love this modern quilt & you are so clever with design & colour. Might have to get this pattern & give it a whirl. Thanks, take care & stay safe.