It’s shown here in Far, Far Away 2, but there are a lot of different fabrics that I think would make a spectacular castle quilt. It’s worth noting that, while the fabrics are feminine, the lines are very simple, which means the quilt can be suitable for princes and princesses alike. And, of course, the design is a great choice for pillows, doll quilts, and placemats when you only have time for a single block.

It’s always nice to find a pattern with multiple uses!

I love that she kept the boo-boo, for a couple of reasons. One, flipping a row or a bit of a block is my most common quilting mistake, and I always feel like I’m the only spatially challenged spaz who ever does that. Two, it really doesn’t hurt the aesthetic at all – in fact, I think it’s an unexpected cute element.

I know the phrase “it has character” gets thrown around a lot, sincerely or otherwise, but I truly do believe it applies to this quilt. In addition to the perfectly chosen fabrics, one wonky row provides a homey, handmade quality that I think our modern quilts sometimes lack.

And the best news of all? It’s on etsy, and at a great price. I hope I don’t regret posting the link – I may end up purchasing it myself!

I know, I know. But as Stephanie said in comments, “You can’t go wrong with keeping it really simple and letting the fabrics just show themselves off.” And I do love a good, simple quilt.

I referred to some of my most favorite quilt books for inspiration, including the gorgeous Material Obsession, which features, among other things, instructions for Gypsy Squares.

It’s a pattern I could have figured out on my own, but if I hadn’t referred to this glorious book, I never would have discovered Sarah Fielke’s description of “one block… one gorgeous quilt, one that’s on my bed and is still my favorite one of all time.” Because, really my needs are so simple: a quilt I can make quickly, before a big move. Bright, beautiful colors to match my delicious green bed. Wide enough to cover me, my man, and the teeny tiny kitty who always manages, in the middle of the night, to hog a full third of the mattress.

Anything more than that seems like overkill.

The clincher, though, was this:

Rose e Chocolate finished her first quilt! And it’s all squares! And it’s BEAUTIFUL! Judging by the cute items in her etsy shop, I’m sure this is the first of many. And years from now, it could still be her favorite.

So similar, yet different. I love that they can function as a set, or just as beautiful, individual little works of art. And I think the square shape is so chic. Who says placemats can’t be square? Not me. My etsy faves list is growing as we speak….

All hexagons quilts look cheerful to me, but this one from ReannaLily Designs seems to have a little extra sunshine. I think it’s the size of the hexes, combined with the wonderful use of white space. The springtime palette certainly isn’t hurting, either

The quilter used a half-hex method of piecing, which can be done on the machine – great if you’re feeling gun-shy about attempting English paper piecing.

If you’re feeling gun-shy about making this quilt altogether, but absolutely have to have one, Handmade by Alissa has a queen-sized one for sale here.

And, finally, half-hexing doesn’t always involve lots of white space. Check out the photos from ComfortStitching’s Half-Hex Quilt-along!

Poking around on etsy just now, I noticed that this adorable quilt by cluckclucksew. Not just for sale, but ON sale.

Love!