Sunday, November 5, 2017

Up North Quilt + Snow-Capped Tree Tutorial

I am so excited to introduce my newest pattern to you guys - the Up North quilt! Originally I was going to make a multiple size block pattern for my Row by Row trailer (pattern for that HERE), but after spending quite a bit of time doing the math for one of the sizes, I realized the block had too many pieces for it to be realistically used in a bigger project - like a quilt! I wanted to simplify it, take out the paper pieced section and make it easier to sew overall. After adding some trees the idea quickly turned into the quilt below. I hope you guys like it!

You can find my Up North quilt pattern HERE!

I still have the block pattern for my Row by Row trailer available in my shop! My Row by Row trailer is perfect for smaller projects like pillows, minis, trivets, and banners. And the trailer in the Up North quilt (which measures 14 1/2" x 20" finished) is -obviously- great for quilts (or maybe a REALLY big pillow??). You could even take out the trees and make a quilt with just trailers on it. How cute would that be??


The original trailer pattern from Row by Row 2017!

While designing the Up North quilt I was really torn between making some of the trees "50/50" (my 9am brain can't think of a better way to describe them haha) or having some of the trees be snow-capped instead. Ultimately I went with the 50/50 tree, but decided I would still give instructions for making the snow-capped trees too! Tutorial for them below!






You might notice in my snow-capped version of this quilt (pictured below) I didn't make any of the trees 50/50. Of course, that is completely optional and you can still make the 50/50 trees snow-capped too. Just something to keep in mind while making the trees...




The first thing you'll want to do is determine how many trees you want to be snow-capped. In my example above, I made six of the 18 trees snow-capped.

Next, for each snow-capped tree, you'll cut out a 6 3/4" x 9 1/2" piece from one of your tree fabrics and a 3 3/4" x 9 1/2" piece from your snow fabric. Using a 1/4" seam allowance, sew those two pieces right sides together (Figure A).

Using the tree template from the pattern and the unit from the previous step, cut out the tree shape (Figure B).

Follow the remaining instructions in the pattern to finish the tree (Figure C).




It's a super easy alternative to the tree block and gives the quilt a more wintery vibe too!



I really hope you all enjoy making the Travel Trailer block or the Up North quilt! If you have any questions or comments about the trailer patterns, you can comment below or email me at PenAndPaperPatterns@gmail.com!