MSQ’s Arcade Quilt
This month, we’ve been sharing lots of fun photos of the process of making our Arcade sample over on our Instagram feed. In this post, we’re going to dig into all the details of our sample quilt!
Donna’s pattern comes in three sizes with two design variations that can be used on any of the sizes. We made the Inverted Beams version in the Throw size, which is a great couch size.
For this quilt, Lilo chose a softer red, white, and blue palette with a handmade, lived-in feel from the shot cottons she used for the color fabrics. These fabrics are like putting on a well-loved and well-worn pair of jeans. Simply classic. (The white background is a Moda Bella solid.) The backing is one of our favorite flannels, Robert Kaufman Organic Mammoth Flannel in Americana. Flannels make wonderful backings for honor quilts because their softness and warmth is like a loving hug.
But this simple, striking quilt would be a perfect palette for any number of color schemes. Why not personalize your honor quilt by using the colors of the recipient’s unit? The possibilities are endless. Just take a look at this version made by Donna herself.
Quilt and photo by Donna McLeod.
Lilo quilted our sample using the Vertical Lines panto, run with the quilt turned sideways so the lines run in columns instead of across the quilt. It’s a great alternative to standard straight-line quilting — simple but with some added movement. Lilo finished off the quilt with a (mostly) navy binding using one of the shot cottons from the quilt top. But scroll down to check out that sweet red-and-white section she pieced in on one side, which is always a fun way to add a little pop to your binding. It’s almost like a mini flag.
If this beauty has you itching to make your own version, head on over to Donna’s store to grab your copy of the pattern. And don’t forget Donna is donating 100% of the proceeds from the pattern this month to the Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA), so pick up a copy of the pattern now to stretch your impact for some very worthy veterans. You can check out this post for lots more about Donna’s collaboration with MSQ. Happy quilting!
Photos of the finished MSQ quilt were taken by Angela Armstrong. Progress photos taken by Lilo Whitener-Fey.