The Big Bella Roma

Minnesota has been far more September than July lately. Fine by me. July is usually much too hot for sewing since my little studio doesn't have air conditioning. The very thought of turning on the iron typically sends sweat down my spine. But this is sewing weather!

I've spent every spare moment of the last week machine quilting the large version of my Bella Roma quilt.

Inspired by Angela Walters' Free-Motion Quilting book (a must-have for any quilter), I opted for an all over faux bois/woodgrain pattern.

At 81" by 102", this is the largest quilt I've ever made and the free motion design is taking me FOREVER. I'm not even at the half way point yet. It's a 10 bobbin quilt at least and it looks like a single 1300 meter spool of Aurifil won't be sufficient. Eek!

All whining aside, it feels great to be sewing.

The Monster

I'll share a photo of the finished product when I'm done. Oh, please let that be soon...

Happy sewing!
Annik

Introducing the Bella Roma Quilt Pattern

I'm excited to introduce my new quilt pattern, Bella Roma!

Here's a bit of info about the pattern...

• The design was inspired by Italian tile work.
• It's the perfect pattern for that single charm pack or layer cake hanging around in your fabric stash.
• Most of the yardage required is solid quilting cotton. Since solids tend to be less expensive than prints it's economical. Hooray!
• The pattern includes two versions: 

• a throw quilt made from one charm pack, a coordinating print for the floating squares and narrow border, and a solid background fabric. The finished size is 46" by 55 1/2". 







• a queen size quilt made from one layer cake, a coordinating fabric for the floating squares, and a solid background fabric. The finished size is 81" by 102".









• The layer cake queen is great for medium and large-scale prints.

Big blocks!

•  If you can sew half square triangle blocks and strip piece sets, you can make this quilt.
• The negative space in both versions create a perfect canvas for interesting free-motion quilting. 

• Use bold colors or muted tones. It's all good.
• Does your scrap bin runneth over? Skip the pre-cuts and cut your own forty 5" squares or forty 10" squares.

Bella Roma comes in both a PDF instant download file, available on Craftsy and Etsy, and a paper version (Etsy shop only).

Source: Bella Roma via MiniMushrooms on Craftsy

The pattern is $9. It includes 7 pages of detailed cutting and sewing instructions, loads of diagrams, and helpful tips.

And I have one more exciting bit of news.

Bella Roma is being offered as a class at Treadle Yard Goods in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The class starts this Saturday, July 20th at 2 p.m. LaVaughn Bye, seamstress and quilter extraordinaire, is teaching the course. Give Treadle a call at 651.698.9690 to sign up. The pattern is available for purchase there, too.

Here's a photo of LaVaughn's Bella Roma. Isn't it lovely?

Happy sewing!
Annik