A couple of months ago my dear little cat Montague had to spend a week at UC Davis Veterinary Hospital. I worked on this quilt for him while he was away. Once he was back home, he was to sleep alone at night for a couple of weeks. Since he loves to sleep with us, he was more than a little lonely. He also loves quilts, and I had this quilt ready on his bed to make him feel comfortable.
I love wind turbines, that’s what gave me the idea for this quilt block. It’s my version of a pinwheel quilt pattern with a little twist. These are some of the fabrics I purchased when I first started quilting/sewing. They were perfect for this project. Because of the sashing, I didn’t have to align any seams on these blocks, which made for a very quick finish.
Along with using the walking foot for quilting, I also tried a little bit of free motion quilting on this one. I wanted a sense of motion on the vanes, so I added light, curved-line quilting on them as if they were moving in counter-clockwise direction. Then I added wavy lines in the sashing for wind.
One day I will make a larger quilt from this pattern. As I was playing with colours, I came up with a few colourways. Orange-yellow-grey is my favourite combination and the blue one is inspired by my love for the night sky. I believe I was thinking of trees and lakes when I coloured the blue-green one. Gradients are always fun in any colour, I drew up an aqua-teal one!
A few notes about the pattern –
It is NOT a true HST block. However, along with the paper piecing pattern, I included instructions for making the blocks using HST-s as well.
Measurements and templates are provided if you wish to precut fabric for the paper piecing blocks.
It’s a scrap and 5″ charm-pack-friendly block. Instructions are included to make both 10.0″ and 8.0″ blocks. The 8.0″ blocks can be made from 5.0″ charm packs.
Here is a photo of Montague on his quilt after he came back home. It has been a couple of months since his treatment. He is doing extremely well, happy, healthy and joined up with the rest of the family. Thank you for all your well wishes!!
Crafted Applique Giveaway Winner
Congratulations Nancy A for winning Lara’s Crafted Applique book! I will email you soon. I know you will enjoy Lara’s book very much!
Coming Soon
Lego Harry Potter Quilt Along
Happy Sewing,
-Soma
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22 thoughts on “Pinwheel Vanes”
Prunella Pepperpot May 31, 2016 at 14:27
Montague looks so happy on his stunning quilt. So worrying when our beloved pets are poorly.
Have a creative June :)
Dixie May 28, 2016 at 07:16
Lovely quilt for Montaque. Glad to hear he’s happily back to good health. xo
No sure how I missed this post…until now that is.
Love the patterns too. Perfection!
Lorraine May 26, 2016 at 19:54
I love how you used the same fabrics but in different colors. So pretty!
Beth @ Cooking Up Quilts May 25, 2016 at 17:11
Your kitty looks like he loves his quilt! I know I would, it is so pretty. :)
Lena May 24, 2016 at 14:14
A lovely quilt for a lovely cat. I’m glad he’s well again. And I love that fabric with keys.
Kate May 24, 2016 at 01:53
The quilt turned out great and I love your fabric choices. It looks like the large version has great potential, I’ll be very interested in seeing that one. So glad your kitty is recovering and he deserves some extra spoiling.
Smiles
Kate
Mary at Fleur de Lis Quilts May 23, 2016 at 13:20
I really like this pattern, but I especially like your quilting motifs. They are very industrial/business-like, but the curves on some of the blades softens that industrial look. Your poor kitty?? What is everyone thinking?!? Obviously he is the king of the house and knows it! That quilt just makes his throne a little more cushy and a lot more regal. Say hello to His Highness for me!
AnnieO May 23, 2016 at 09:18
Love love the quilting! What a sweet idea to have a quilt for your cat. My cat also prefers a handmade quilt under her :)
Cheryl May 22, 2016 at 17:58
I am so glad your kitty is better. I really like this design and how your quilting really tied the sashing and the blocks together.
M-R @ Quilt Matters May 21, 2016 at 17:21
What a great quilt for Montague, Soma! I’m intrigued with your Harry Potter quilt along…
Kaja May 21, 2016 at 00:14
Monty looks very pleased with his upmarket bedding. :-) I love your design and the different colourways; like you I think the yellow is my favourite.
Jen Rosin May 19, 2016 at 19:57
That quilt and the fabrics are fantastic! Great job!
I might also add that I love your weeping angel pillow. I don’t know if I would be brave enough to have one in my house. :)
Lara B. May 19, 2016 at 19:45
That’s wonderful that you did your instructions for this quilt pattern in two ways Soma! Also a lot of work. Such good news that Monty is back to good health! He looks like he enjoys his pinwheel quilt very much!
Congratulations to Nancy A!
Paige May 19, 2016 at 18:41
Glad kitty is better! What a great block and quilt! Your quilting really compliments the piecing! Well done!
Kim Sharman May 19, 2016 at 16:55
Montague has discerning taste in quilts, doesn’t he. He looks as if he owns the world lying languidly on his beautiful quilt. Your pinwheel vane quilt is lovely. I love the different different patterns and the colours are fabulous. More clever quilt designs imagined by you. ‘Tis a talented lady, that you are, Soma.
krislovesfabric May 19, 2016 at 16:00
Awwww, he looks so cute nestled with the quilt and those pillows, glad he is doing well! Lego Harry Potter, hmmmmm…I knew you’d get me to pp again, hehehehe.
FVITH May 19, 2016 at 15:19
These blocks look lovely, especially in the colours you used for Montague. I also really like the example you gave that is based on the night sky – very pretty.
Janice Holton May 19, 2016 at 11:48
Lucky cat! I would be thrilled to death if anyone made a quilt just for me. :)
tonia conner May 19, 2016 at 10:48
He is gorgeous, but then he looks like he knows that. Sweet quilt would make a nice baby quilt, Hmmmmm…..
Nancy A May 19, 2016 at 09:59
Love the quilt you made. I sure hope I am the Nancy A that won that book because I have loved all the things I have seen about it.
Janine May 19, 2016 at 09:35
Your cats are so lucky! I have to hide your posts from Fiona :)
Lori Smanski May 19, 2016 at 09:04
aww poor baby. what we do for our loved furr babies. hope he gets well real quick.
i love your quilt. and the quilting on top is wonderful. i am sure he loves it to.