Introducing the Junie Pattern!

I am so excited to share my first pattern with you. The Junie is a simple block pattern with sashing and cornerstones, making it a quick, easy make. How is that ND- and disability-friendly, you may ask?

There are a few features I want all my designs to have. Some designers are drawn to   modern geometry or bright color palettes. The threads in my designs are a bit more subtle.

While I adore intricate piecing and will sometimes undertake it myself, it's a nightmare for someone waiting on a rheumatology referral for inflammatory arthritis in her hands (hi!). Because the pieces are a decent size, it's a great way to use medium or large scale prints you want to keep intact and show off.

The fun in such a straightforward pattern comes in selecting and laying out your fabric choices. The intention is to a create a light to dark to light gradient across the columns of the quilt, which is then echoed in the cornerstone rows for dimension. There are six fabrics including the background, and I include piece counts for each color so that you can use scraps or play around with the dimensions of the layout and create a unique effect for yourself. I know my ND brain jumps to the cutting instructions when selecting fabric - how much do I really need? I will tell you plainly. I already plan to make a scrappy version using color families in place of each fabric.

It was important to me that my first pattern be an easy design that is still beautiful and even elegant in its simplicity. I wanted to show that you don't need fancy techniques or special tools to make a beautiful quilt you'll love. So often disabled and ND folks think or are made to feel we are "less than" or that we only take or are burdens because of our conditions, which is patently untrue. The Junie quilt reminds us that we are more than capable of beauty and elegance, of building something and creating -- and we can do it within our capabilities. But we may need more rest, so don't worry, the throw size is perfect for sleeping under - the cover version has two layers of bamboo batting. ;)

 

As soon as I laid eyes on Moda's Foraged, Found, and Hand Me Down line from Fancy That Design House, I knew I needed to use it for my cover quilt. The line is so perfectly me, from the green-blue-pink color palette to the florals. I grew up in the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania, so leaf peeping is my favorite season and these autumn colors will always be my favorites. They just feel comforting and cosy. It's been perfect for the chilly Calgary nights! It was my first time trying curves with my walking foot on my domestic machine, perhaps a bit ambitious with the extra thickness, but I managed.

My technical skills aren't as advanced as I'd like them to be, and they likely never will be thanks to my hands. It's also important to me to show you my work as it really is - imperfect, wonky lines and puckers and all. Your work doesn't have to be perfect to have value. You don't have to be an expert to do something - or to share it with the world. You just have to try, and keep going. 

Lastly, I have to acknowledge our cover meowdel, Junie, whose sweet personality and beautiful fluffiness inspired this pattern. So many of us have special connections to animals or receive support from them. "3KQ" is, of course, based on the current kitties who own me. All the cats in my life have been rescues, and two out of three are from the MEOW Foundation here in Calgary. I used to go to the center weekly to feed the quarantined and feral cats in their care and clean out their cages. They're an organization close to my heart, and 10% of all proceeds from the Junie pattern will be donated to them.

The Junie quilt pattern is available now in PDF format.