I’m having so much fun sewing quilts and small items for the home with these fabrics!! For you lucky quilters who visit Houston this year, please watch for the Timeless Treasures booth, and see the quilts in person!

The first quilt, Glowing Jewels, features the three gradient fabrics: pink, blue and green. I LOVE working with gradients – because each ordinary piece is shaded, and no two pieces are shaded the same way. This is a free pattern I have designed for Timeless Treasures. I’ll upload the link once it is available.

Glowing Jewels – 2011 by Jan Krentz

The next quilt is a great Starburst variation – similar to the great big Starburst I made from the Michael James collection of fabric, called Colorstripes. (see the quilt and pattern in my book, Quick Star Quilts).  I designed this pattern so you can strip-piece the 3″ strips of fabric, rather than cut individual diamonds. Once the pattern is available, I’ll be sure to let you know that link, too!

Hollyhock Garden Starburst quilt – 2011 by Jan Krentz

Please let me know what you think of the quilts and projects! Thanks!

I was thinking of ideas for Market in a few weeks in Houston. What if the fabrics were used around the house – let’s say as kitchen or dinner table items? Aprons, table runner, placemats, napkins? Use any pattern you have on hand, or patterns purchased at the local quilt shop.

With the expertise of my friend, Betty Alofs, the fabrics are transformed! Betty made reversable napkins with a mitered border on one side – very classy. The table runner is a great pattern by Karen Montgomery of The Quilt Company, called “The Easy Striped Table Runner”.  Comments, anyone??

Betty Alofs' quilting (detail)

Karen Montgomery's "Easy Striped Table Runner" design, sewn by Betty Alofs

There are three companion prints that coordinate with the Hollyhock Garden collection. They include a small dot, a blended painterly stripe, and a gradient blend. I am really happy with the different companion prints, as they work with the collection, and are useful on their own.

Working with the gradient fabrics by themselves have also been fun – and the projects have been very artistic and contemporary! Click on any of the images for a larger view.