Molly's Sketchbook: Simple Four Square Quilt

I’m not a painter, but I have always imagined that quilt making is a lot like oil painting. Both involve a detailed setup and complex series of steps, yet both tap into a deep well of freedom and creativity.  My sewing projects tend towards the quick, easy and practical, but every once in a while I like to slow down and explore big gestures using the refined techniques of quilting.

This Simple Four Square Quilt crystallizes everything I love about quilt making! It uses traditional block patterns in a decidedly unorthodox way, exploring color and proportionality much like a striking modern painting. I used Robert Kaufman’s Architextures prints, whose simple mechanical drawings I love for their clean freshness. I anchored the prints with a cool gray solid, and for fun, added a hot pop of neon orange dots.

With a project like this, it is important to do all of the steps, from the cutting to the piecing to the pressing, with care. Savor this deliberate process; it is well worth the extra time! The finished quilt is truly something special, an heirloom that is modern, elegant and simply beautiful! --Molly

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Molly's Sketchbook: Buttonhole Napkins

Since 2006 it’s been my Thanksgiving tradition to design a festive set of dinner napkins. (Browse the archive here!) The inspiration for this year’s napkins came from an unlikely place: 35,000 feet in the air!

You see, my husband travels a lot for his job, and that means we usually get upgraded when we fly together. He’s pretty used to it, but I’m still super excited each time it happens, marveling at the free packets of socks and the pre-takeoff champagne. Recently, on one such flight, our dinner arrived (complete with metal cutlery, actual glassware, and tiny salt and pepper shakers!), and I looked over to see that Rafael had somehow attached the cloth napkin to his shirt.

     “How is your napkin staying up like that?” I asked.

     “Oh, the napkins have buttonholes,” he said, nonchalantly. My mind was blown. How had I never heard of this before? I knew what I’d be doing when we got home!

These pretty Buttonhole Napkins are perfect for Thanksgiving because not only are they beautiful and seasonal, but no one will go home with gravy stains on their fancy duds! I used our very special new Liberty Half Yard Napkin Bundle in the "Cranberry" colorway which contains six gorgeously detailed prints in a rich palette of russets, purples, and browns. (The bundle also comes in a "Woodland" coloway in cooler, greener hues.) And for fun, I finished each napkin off with hot pink topstitching and buttonholes!

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Molly's Sketchbook: Mother's Day Liberty Handkerchief Set

I love coming across a pretty stack of vintage printed hankies at a flea market, each one a perfect little bit of whimsy. I imagine the elegant “ladies who lunch” who might have tucked them into a sleeve. A set of floral handkerchiefs is so old fashioned and ladylike... in the best way! These days handkerchiefs aren’t in vogue, although I’m not sure why. They are endlessly useful and so cheerful and handsome.

For this Mother’s Day I'm doing my part to bring the handkerchief back. Using Page’s classic Father’s Day Rolled Hem Handkerchief pattern, I sewed a set of six sweet Liberty of London handkerchiefs perfect for mom. Tana Lawn is a total joy to sew and to use! It is silky soft, and the prints are so satisfyingly exquisite with charming details and beautiful colors. For our special Mother’s Day Fat Quarter bundle I picked out some of my favorite prints in soft pinks and greens, imagining a perfect Mother’s Day brunch, complete with pink lemonade and petits fours! 

Even if your mom isn’t the formal type, this lovely set will make a great Mother's Day gift. It’s practical, pretty, and entirely handmade by you! If you’d like to make your own little stack, you can pick up our Liberty of London Mother’s Day Fat Quarter Bundle here and follow along with the Father’s Day Rolled Hem Handkerchief pattern here! 

Happy Mother’s Day!-- Molly

Molly's Sketchbook: Flannel Lap Duvets

Born out of cool spring nights and chilly toes, the cuddly Lap Duvet has become one of my favorite fast projects. It’s a perfect way to highlight a unique fabric, and its simple construction makes it a total snap to sew! It’s also a great gift for so many occasions, a housewarming, a wedding, or even a baby shower!

This latest Flannel version is sophisticated and elegant, using a mix of subtle new Japanese Linen Blend Solids and ultra soft Ecrulet Flannel Stripes. The combination of fabrics is so plush and inviting that when I was all done, I felt like I had five puffy clouds on my desk. Everyone who walked by wanted to sink right into them!

If you’d like to make your own, please visit my original Lap Duvet journal here. The materials for this version are listed at the top of the page. Happy Sewing!!-- Molly

Molly's Sketchbook: Windowpane Wholecloth Baby Quilt

As a rule, I am not a very patient or meticulous person. For example, even though I have knit since I was a child, I have never even made an adult sweater…. It would just take too long! Hand quilting is my one exception to this rule. I have loved this slow and contemplative process ever since Joelle first taught it to me many years ago.

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