New Pattern: Simple Spell Pattern Extension
After four Quilt Runes, I thought it was time to create a pattern extension for a little fun. What is a pattern extension you ask? Here at Wax and Wane Studio, a pattern extension is a free pattern that compliments patterns that already exist in the shop. This one, called Simple Spell, is an add-on to the Quilt Rune mini quilt collection which, at the time of this writing, is made up of four mini quilts: Binary Star, Rivulet, Protostar, and Gyre. The goal of this pattern extension is to provide you with an idea of how to combine the mini quilts together to create larger-sized quilts and/or spark your creativity to create something totally different. The Simple Spell pattern contains just one idea, but the possibilities are literally endless, and there will be more pattern extensions in the near future. My hope is that you use it as a springboard to create your own unique Simple Spell quilt. The pattern includes instructions and diagrams to create a baby or throw-sized quilt. I made a throw-sized sample and it’s the new favorite quilt in the house.
Fabrics
I used only one printed fabric for this sample project and the rest are Kona Cotton Solids. The print is something that’s been in my stash since I worked at a fabric shop in high school and has a lot of sentimental value because of that. Unfortunately, I somehow managed to lose the selvage so I have no idea where it is from or who designed it. Kona Spruce, one of my all-time favorites is the background color. The other three Kona solids are Geranium, Holly, and Sage. For the backing I combined a yard of a beautiful Holli Zollinger design I found on Spoonflower, with some more Kona Sage.
Quilting, Threads, and Binding
If you didn’t know already, I’m a sucker for big stitch quilting, so even when I’m machine quilting I aim for the thickest and chunkiest stitch I can get. I used 12 wt. cotton threads in green and light teal to coordinate with the Kona Holly and Sage fabrics. I chose the Protostar design as the focal point for the quilting motif, so all the quilting lines are pointing toward it, kind of like a real protostar gathering mass to form itself. For the binding I use some more Kona Sage and a size 8 thread from DMC that matches the Kona Geranium fabric to tac it on the back.
Design Inspiration
As I mentioned above, this is a pattern extension for the series of mini quilts I’ve been creating inspired by nordic runes. The idea is to pick your favorite Quilt Runes and combine them to make a quilt uniquely your own. For my sample, I used two Binary Star mini quilts, two Gyre, one Rivulet, and one Protostar. All of the mini quilts referenced here and in the pattern can be purchased from my shop. They are available as single patterns and as a bundle.
Quilt Rune Series
This rune-inspired series came into being as a form of self-exploration. As a mom of three, wife, daughter, sister, and friend I was feeling, at times, as if I was forgetting myself. Not that I forgot I existed but that I didn’t know what I liked and disliked anymore. So, in an attempt to investigate that I thought of going through a list of aspects of life that either leads to or are part of healing and put some real thought and energy into each. When I found this circle of healing runes, everything just clicked into place. Regardless of whether this image is actually historically accurate, I liked the list and the shapes and I thought it was a great springboard for simple quilt designs.
Choosing Quilt Runes
As the name implies, the design in the pattern is a simple one so that your favorite Quilt Runes are highlighted. Choose the runes that represent the qualities you want to explore for yourself or the person you are making the quilt for. For example, the Gyre mini quilt pattern explores trust, and the Rivulet pattern explores compassion. Then put those energies into the gaming process by meditating on them or thinking about how you want them to help.
