Seasons Remembered

Seasons Remembered

Seasons Remembered is one of my favorite Patti-Ann Publications patterns. Designed by Jane Davis, a dear friend who recently passed away, the quilt features 12 different 18" applique blocks, each representing a month of the year. Surrounding the applique blocks is a simple leaf border. This leaf border pattern was taken directly from an 1840s era Red and Green Quilt similar to our Seasons Remembered. The quilt can be traditionally appliqued or made with fusible web. If using fusible web, you can use buttonhole stitching, either by machine or hand, to finish off each block.

According to Jeana Kimball, an applique artist, these types of quilts were considered the favorite type of 'best' quilt during the period of the 1840s-1860s. They were often made as a Presentation Quilt. A Presentation Quilt was a quilt made to present to a prominent member of society, such as a minister or politician. The red and green colors used in the quilt were often accented with yellow, pink, orange. Occasionally blue was used.

 Looking at the quilt, you can see that the first block in the upper left hand corner is January's block, Snowflower Blossoms. February's block is the second one in the first row. March is the final block in row one. The patterns continue in this manner until December's block, which is in the bottom right hand corner or the quilt.

This quilt and its patterns are available for purchase in several different forms. First, the quilt itself is available as a Block of the Month Club. In this format, you receive the pattern and fabric needed to complete one block each month until you have received all of the blocks. Once you have received all of the blocks, a finishing kit is sent to you so you can add the final border.

Seasons Remembered Pattern Set

Seasons Remembered is also available as a complete set of patterns but no fabric. All of the instructions for making the quilt are included. Each block can also be purchased individually as a kit with fabric included. The monthly patterns with fabric are:  Snowflower Blossoms;  Heart's Desire; Irish Rose; Tulips; Peonies; Bridal Wreath; Patriot's Rose; Calendula; Dahlia Wreath; Oak Leaves; President's Wreath; and Holly Wreath.

This quilt is a timeless heirloom that can be passed down for generations.

Color of the Year 2015: Marsala

The Pantone Company has announced that Pantone 18-1438 Marsala, is the Color of the Year for 2015. As the global color authority, this company develops, manufactures, markets and supports innovative color solutions that designers and a variety of industries, including printing, photography, graphic design, plastics, textiles and others, have come to rely on.

According to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, Marsala, a red-brown color named after fortified wine, "is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth." The hue is said to embody the  satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness. As such, Eiseman says, "Marsala is a natural fit for the kitchen and dining room-- making it ideal for tabletop, small appliances and linens throughout the home." The company also states that "Marsala’s plush characteristics are enhanced when the color is applied to textured surfaces, making it an ideal choice for rugs and upholstered living room furniture."

Below are Pantone's suggestions for a 2015 Spring Wardrobe for Women. Incorporating the Color of the Year, these colors would also make a beautiful palette for quilts or other sewing projects!

Pantone's 2015 Spring Wardrobe for Women

Colors:  Top Row: Aquamarine, Scuba Blue, Lucite Green, Classic Blue, Toasted Almond. Bottom Row: Strawberry Ice, Tangerine, Custard, Mustard, Marsala