Robin Pickens
  • Blog
  • SHOP
  • Errata
  • About/Info
  • Pub./Press
  • UPCOMING EVENTS
  • COLOR STUDIES
  • PATTERN PLAY

Painted Meadow Fabric with Coneflowers

6/26/2019

28 Comments

 
Can you imagine a meadow with hearty, deeply colorful blooms like the red and pink sunset colors across the sky? This is what I thought of while I visited my mother last summer and we walked through the gardens. The coneflowers were in full bloom in the warm summer sun with their plump centers drawing in the bees and butterflies. 
Painted Meadow fabric by Robin Pickens for Moda Fabrics
Painted Meadow fabric by Robin Pickens for Moda Fabrics
I love the proportions of coneflowers and those big full cones, full of nectar, and colorful petals that hang down with a lovely curve in warm red, fuscia and rich sunset shades. The flowers seem as if they are always looking up to the sky in anticipation of the happy sun or as a welcome for the bumblebees. ​​
Painted Meadow fabric by Robin Pickens for Moda Fabrics
Painted Meadow fabric by Robin Pickens for Moda Fabrics
The beautiful shape of the coneflower inspired this collection and I couldn’t resist adding in those bumblebees- so plump and fuzzy, just like the flower centers! The fabric group also includes little drawings that show the coneflowers and bees in sweet illustrations or dancing within paisley shapes. Watercolor textures, sprigs of plants and sketchy oval dots compliment the lively group.
Painted Meadow fabric Jelly Rolls by Robin Pickens for Moda Fabrics
Painted Meadow fabric by Robin Pickens for Moda Fabrics full line
Painted Mea dow fabric FQ by Robin Pickens for Moda Fabrics
Painted Meadow has 4 colorways of cream, pinks, green and teal. It is available in precuts of Layer Cakes, Charm Packs, Jelly Rolls, Fat Quarter Bundles and Mini Charms. It was shown at the Kansas City, MO Quilt Market 2019 with Moda Fabrics and will be shipping to quilt shops in October, 2019.
Painted Meadow fabric by Robin Pickens for Moda Fabrics
Painted Meadow fabric by Robin Pickens for Moda Fabrics
Enjoy the sunset colors of Painted Meadow with coneflowers and the buzzing of plump bees as you feel the warm summer sun…
Painted Meadow fabric by Robin Pickens for Moda Fabrics
28 Comments

Quilt Market Spring 2019 in Kansas City, MO

6/11/2019

2 Comments

 
Picture
I've never been to Kansas City so I was really looking forward to visiting a new city, and being there with my husband and enjoying some BBQ and time away from the daily routine. Market requires numerous weeks of preparation so by the time we get there, I'm ready for a the excitement of the show and seeing lots of quilt people! And did I mention BBQ? Plenty of good eating on the trip! A whole day early (and no missed flights this time!) gave us time to rest, explore the city a little and get some sleep before the big set-up. Yup- barbeque was on the menu and it did not disappoint! braised and bbq'd everything and enjoyed the ambiance of the Power and Light district. ​

Tokyo Terrace quilt in Painted Meadow by Robin Pickens
We stayed at the Marriot near the convention center, across the street in the older section that was renovated (the former Muehlebach Hotel). The rooms were lovely and renovated and the lobbies were elegant. I loved that we had the top floor so the ceilings were really high and the light was great! I had a great time taking photos of some of the quilts in the room before set up.
Picket quilt with Painted Meadow by Robin Pickens
So what can you fit in two suitcases? Turns out you can fit: booth fold up boxes, seed packets, 6 quilts, 6 hangers, a quilted tote, promo flyers and clothes and toiletries for two people for 5 days. Not bad.
Picture
From a blank canvas to a quilted world! I had my three new quilt patterns, Beanstalk, Kyoto Steps and Picket on display, made up in my new fabric line, Painted Meadow. The three main quilts on the wall and left quilt ladder were longarm quilted by Marion Bott. Don't you love the textures? The Kyoto Steps on the ladder in teal and the pink and green Picket (seen in hotel room) were longarm quilted by Sally Corona at Corona Quiltworks.
Robin Pickens Quilt Market booth with Painted Meadow, Kansas City 2019
For a little giveaway this time I got coneflower seeds (did I mention my new line Painted Meadown is based on coneflowers??) and made up seed packets. I hope the seeds made it all over the globe and into fresh dirt, ready to grow and bloom!
Painted Meadow coneflower seeds by Robin Pickens
Sarah Huechteman made up a sample of the Beanstalk quilt for Moda and she made me a little gift with some of the leftovers of the Painted Meadow fabrics! How adorable is this little Bitsy Box?! The pattern is from Ticklegrass Designs. Precious!!
bitsy box in Painted Meadow fabric
bitsy box made by Sarah Huechteman in Painted Meadow fabric by Robin Pickens
Moda Designers with Design dept and Mr. Dunn
What really makes market amazing for me is the time I have with the Moda people and the other designers. I am so grateful to have this experience and company to work with!

I had a great time seeing shop owners and visiting at the Moda party. Another market done and now its time to plan for the next one!

Oh! And if you are wondering, Painted Meadow will be shipping to quilt shops in October 2019.

2 Comments

Cardinal's Christmas Wreath Quilt Pattern

6/8/2019

0 Comments

 
More holiday sewing with my new Splendid Christmas line for Moda Fabrics. This time its "Cardinal's Christmas Wreath" which is made from a Layer Cake of fabric and background cream fabric. This is a fun one to make with scraps too- just look for the right mix of reds and greens. This quilt pattern is written for two sizes: the larger one is 54 1/2" x 60" (that's the one in the photos and makes a nice lap quilt or larger wall quilt) and the smaller is 45" x 47 3/4".  
Cardinal's Christmas Wreath Quilt Pattern
Cardinal's Christmas Wreath Quilt Pattern
This Cardinal reminds me of the dog we had growing up. He would stand, posing for us, in a grand position of attention, looking official and like he was surveying the world. I picture this bird in the same mindset, perched atop this wreath, watching that the Christmas skies are safe for Santa!

Cardinal's Christmas Wreath Quilt Pattern
If you want to leave the side border panels off and have a more vertical wall quilt, the large would be 36" wide by 54 1/2" long. The small would be 27" inches wide by 47. I think I'll be making the small one up in the more vertical size because I have some smaller wall areas I'd like to put some decoration on when the holidays are here.
The pattern uses simple patchwork piecing and some half square triangles. The main thing to pay attention to is cutting the variety of sizes for the cardinal piecing. I like to label my pieces sometime with a little note I tape or pin on with sizes if I cut them at the same time. I hope you have as much fun seeing the wreath and bird come together as I did! Check this out along with my other new Christmas patterns at your local quilt shop or my online shop! Happy sewing!
Christmas Quilts by Robin Pickens- shop online
0 Comments

COLOR PLAY in Showering Stars Table Runner- Patriotic & More

6/4/2019

1 Comment

 
Time for COLOR PLAY with the Showering Stars table runner! I was touched to hear that some people were using the Showering Stars twin quilt pattern for making Quilts of Valor. What a beautiful way to give thanks to our Vets!  Since I've just recently released the table runner and pillow cover version of the Showering Stars theme, I thought I'd use those files to mock up some color explorations that might help envision the patriotic or other holiday themes.
Showering Stars Table Runner in Patriotic Colors by Robin Pickens
Showering Stars Pillows in Patriotic Colors by Robin Pickens
The first explorations were these two runners and looking at the pillows in red, white and blue (or perhaps a bluish silver added).
​
Of course the next day I woke up early with more thoughts in my head...
Showering Stars Table Runner in Patriotic Colors by Robin Pickens
I think the second one down in the group above is my favorite from this group because it mimics the blue of the stars area and red of the stripes in the American flag the closest. I intended these to be color studies for the table runners. But I realized that the table runner is 71" across which is also enough to make a twin quilt for width. If you were to stack about 6 of these you would have a 71" x 96" -ish quilt top. Add a little more borders if desired for a nice sized twin bed quilt!
Showering Stars Table Runner in Patriotic Colors by Robin Pickens
Or for a nicely sized lap quilt, leave off the very end trails and stack three to make a 57" x 51"-ish quilt. This would also be nice with just the center section (take off the far right and left stars) as a 36" wide wall quilt for the 4th of July. The runner pattern is constructed as the center section first with the right and left star ends added so it would be easy to crop it this way.

​But how about some other seasons and holidays??
Showering Stars Table Runner for New Years by Robin Pickens
New Years Eve and the table is set with festive candles...imagine some metallic fabrics in gold and silver sparkling against a deep gray, black or midnight blue. Or springtime greens popping up fresh from the ground. Halloween black, orange and purple stripes for trick or treat fun. And warm and cozy fall colors for a Thanksgiving feast. The stars keep twinkling throughout the year!
The original table runner and pillow covers are made up in Splendid for Christmas and you can see them at my shopify site or scroll on down for previous blog post. Check your local quilt shop for patterns and the Splendid line from Moda Fabrics. I hope this color play was helpful for some showering stars inspiration!
Quilt patterns for Christmas by Robin Pickens
1 Comment

Showering Stars Table Runner and Pillow Covers

6/4/2019

2 Comments

 
I wanted to create a smaller version of Showering Stars that could be used in home decor for pillows and table decoration. Scaling the stars and trails down to half size made it possible to design with these elements for my Splendid collection in Christmas pillow covers and a table runner.
Showering Stars Table Runner and Pillow Cover Quilt Pattern
I find I do most of my holiday decorating with red and the red textured background in Splendid is rich and vibrant. I love it! The whites are the cream texture which has a subtle sheen when you see the white on cream background. Simple patchwork blocks and a few longer strips make the trails and patchwork and flying geese make the stars. 
Showering Stars Table Runner and Pillow Cover Quilt Pattern
I like playing with the mix of scale by having the double stars pillow and the giant star pillow with a much bigger star. The pattern includes directions for making a simple envelope back for covers and its sized for a nice substantial 26" square Eurosham size. 
Showering Stars Table Runner and Pillow Covers
The table runner is sized 16 1/4" x 71". If you wanted a shorter runner you could crop off the trails on the ends or even just use the center stars with trails (making it 32-36 inches long, depending on if you include the last white blocks on the trails).
Showering Stars Table Runner Quilt Pattern
One thing that was really touching to find out about my original Showering Stars pattern was that numerous people have made it up in patriotic colors for Quilts of Valor. I love this idea! I've also mocked up these pillow covers and runner into red, white and blues to give some additonal inspiration for those that want to explore a more patriotic theme! I'll share those on the next post!
Robin Pickens Christmas Quilt Patterns
Check out my three other new patterns that use Splendid on my store at shopify and lets get sewing for Christmas!
2 Comments

Joy and Delight Quilt Pattern

6/3/2019

1 Comment

 
Joy and Delight is a new pattern I designed with my Splendid Christmas line for Moda Fabrics. I wanted a quilt that showed off the fun mix of fabrics in a layer cake with decorative frameworks for the blocks. But I also quickly decided it was also a good format for alternating blocks of two fabrics- as shown below- my mistletoe greenery and poinsettias which pop nicely against the saturated red texture in the Splendid fabric line.
Joy and Delight quilt pattern by Robin Pickens
Joy and Delight quilt pattern by Robin Pickens
For an extra pop of wintery fun I decided to have graphic snowflakes surround the outer border. Afterwards I thought this could even be fun for 4th of July in reference to fireworks! The snowflakes are made with subcutting joined strips so they actually go together rather efficiently. There is something really satisfying about making a big pile of snowflake blocks!
Snowflake blocks by Robin Pickens for Joy and Delight Quilt
I found the Stripology ruler from Creative Grids was a handy tool for making lots of smaller cuts in an efficient way!
Subcutting snowflake quilt blocks
And here are blocks with flying geese and framing in progress.
Joy and Delight quilt pattern by Robin Pickens
This is a scrappier looking version of the quilt- the original concept using the mix of a layer cake. On this one the framing around the squares is in two colors- red and green for Christmas- and the snowflakes are in a more olivey green. This is next up on my list to make!
Joy and Delight quilt pattern by Robin Pickens
Joy and Delight quilt pattern by Robin Pickens
Check out Joy and Delight along with the other three new patterns to go with Splendid in my shopify shop. Lets get some Christmas projects going!!
Robin Pickens Christmas Quilt Patterns on shopify
1 Comment

Jubilant Song Quilt Pattern

6/2/2019

10 Comments

 
This group of patterns for Splendid needed a quilt with some larger sections to show off the poinsettias and cardinals without cutting them up to much. I liked the idea of vertical columns that showed a few of the prints with the pointsettias as the main center. 
Jubilant Song Quilt Pattern by Robin Pickens
To balance out the large panels, I liked adding smaller pieced blocks, arranged into elegant and lacy compositions, to form as a decorative top and bottom to the columns. Thin sashing, like window edges, run the length of the quilt. The result is a group of three columns, reminiscent of church windows, with light flooding through the stained glass images. They seem grand and ceremonial and festive for a celebration. 
Jubilant Song Quilt Pattern by Robin Pickens HST blocks
Many thanks to The Felted Pear (Susan!) for helping me with this and making those flying geese and HST and assembling the ends!
Jubilant Song Quilt Pattern by Robin Pickens
Nature celebrates Christmas with Splendid. I feel like I can hear the jubilant song of either the church choir or the choir of birds out in the trees. This quilt pattern in mocked up into three color versions in the pattern- cream, red, and charcoal. Although this is shown with Christmas fabrics, I think it would be striking with other large scale prints, like the William Morris fabrics that Moda produces with rich jewel tones. 
Jubilant Song Quilt Pattern by Robin Pickens_Colors
There are four new patterns I'm sewing for Christmas quilts with Splendid. Check out this and the others: Joy and Delight, Cardinal's Christmas Wreath, and Showering Stars Table Runner and Pillows at my shopify shop.
Jubilant Song Quilt Pattern by Robin Pickens
Christmas Quilt by Robin Pickens at https://robin-pickens.myshopify.com/collections/splendid-christmas
10 Comments

Splendid Christmas Fabrics

6/1/2019

5 Comments

 
I am so excited to share my new Christmas line with Moda Fabrics - SPLENDID. I know that if I want a project done for Christmas, it has to start early (plus my longarmer will thank me if I'm not giving her quilts at the last minute!). So even if its summer now, I'm getting my winter spirit on!
Splendid fabric by Robin Pickens for Moda Fabrics Bundle
​Nature celebrates Christmas with Splendor! The pops of red signal the season is here. Red berries adorn the greenery. Bright Cardinals dance among snowy branches. Poinsettias bloom with deep and rich color. Intricate snowflakes add lace to the scenery. Everywhere nature is decorating with rich color and design.
Splendid fabric by Robin Pickens for Moda Fabrics Reds
Splendid fabric by Robin Pickens for Moda Fabrics Creams
That’s why this line is called Splendid. Nature IS splendid. And you don’t have to go far to enjoy it! Just a trip outside will reunite you with the deep dark sky, the crisp pine needles, snowy dusting of the ground and winter birds singing joyful songs. Nature celebrates. And we celebrate with her, bringing in a touch of the grand red and the decorations of winter. We look forward to time with loved ones as we decorate and listen to Christmas music while we trim the tree with tiny lights, red sparkly baubles and glistening ornaments.
Splendid fabric by Robin Pickens for Moda Fabrics Greens
Outside its just as magical, just as grand. With Splendid I wanted to capture that feeling of color and richness. There are three holiday colorways- cream, red, green and charcoal. In the new quilts I designed (and I'll go into more detail on each next posts)  I wanted designs that would show off the splendor of the deep red poinsettias and the bright lively Cardinals. My quilts include a range of sizes to showcase large prints while bringing in decorative framing that is fitting for the holidays. Whether you are making a bed quilt to slumber away in sweet Christmas Eve dreams or a special lap quilt to decorate the couch or wall, I hope the nature inspired holiday theme brings you joy and feels…splendid!
Robin Pickens Splendid Quilt Patterns for Christmas at etsy
See all the patterns at my shopify shop!
Splendid fabric by Robin Pickens for Moda Fabrics Charcoals
Splendid started shipping to shops in May 2019 so ask your local quilt shop if they have it! 
​Happy sewing!
5 Comments
    Picture

    About ROBIN

    Designer of colorful florals for Moda fabrics. Modern to transitional quilt designer. Illustrator, sewist, crafter.

    RSS Feed

    I am proud to be a designer for Moda Fabrics!
    Picture

    RSS Feed

    Picture

    Picture
    Picture

    Shop Robin's Designs

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    RSS Feed

    Follow
    American Patchwork Quilting Pat Sloan interview Robin Pickens
    Check the March 6, 2017 Episode!

    Categories

    All
    100 Blocks
    31 Day Blogging Challenge
    Abby Rose
    Art Licensing
    Art Products
    Backslash
    Blockstep Quilt
    Blushing Peonies Fabric
    Bountiful Sew Along
    Business Tips
    Calendars
    Calendar Tea Towel
    Carolina Lilies
    Charm Pack Quilts
    Christmas
    Coloring Books
    Color Play Quilts
    Color Studies
    Composition Book Cover
    Cottage Bleu
    Cottage Blue
    Creative Grids Rulers
    Criss Cross Kisses
    Curated Quilts Mini
    Curved Block Quilts
    Dandi Annie
    Dandi-Annie
    Dear Mum Fabrics
    Deco Garden
    Definite Plus
    Emilia Quilt
    English Paper Piecing
    Etsy
    Etsy Color And Quilt Shop
    Fabric
    Fair And Square Quilt
    Fat Eighth Patterns
    Fat Quarter Quilts
    FREE Quilt Block Patterns
    Fringe Quilt
    Fruit Veggie Art
    Full Bloom Quilt Block
    Giftware & Home Decor
    Giveaway
    Halloween
    Holidays
    Hopscotch Happy
    Joy And Delight Quilt
    Kinship Fusion Sampler
    Kyoto Steps
    Layer Cake Quilts
    Martingale Publishing
    Mini Quilts
    Moda Blockheads 2
    Moda Blockheads 3
    Moda Blockheads 4
    Moda Designers
    Moda Fabric
    #ModaStitchPink
    Mod Flower Box
    Nutcracker
    Organization
    Painted Meadow
    Pansy's Posies
    Pattern Play
    Poppy Mae Fabric
    Positively Bohemian
    Press
    Project Jelly Roll
    Quilt Books
    Quilt Borders
    Quilting
    Quilt Magazines
    Quilt Market
    Quilt Patterns
    Quilt Patterns Other Fabrics
    Quilt Samplers
    Quilt Settings
    Quilt Shows And Festivals
    Redbubble
    Ring Around The Posies
    Robin Pickens Inc Etsy
    Robin Pickens Shop For Quilt Patterns
    Rulers/templates
    Sampler Spree
    Seize The Day
    Seize The Day Calendars
    Sew Alongs
    Sewcialites
    Sewing Rooms
    SFWeeklyDesigns
    Shipshewana
    SHOPIFY
    #ShowMeTheModa
    Simple Solstice Quilt
    Sliding Shoji Screens
    Solana Sunflower Fabric
    Splendid Fabric
    Spoonflower
    Stickers
    Stitch Pink
    Sugar Skulls
    Sweet Pea & Lily
    Table Runner
    Table Topper
    Tea Towels
    Thatched
    Thatched Basics
    Tokyo Terrace
    Totes
    Towards The Sun
    Town Square Garden
    Trade Shows
    T Shirts And Giftware
    T-shirts And Giftware
    Tulip Tango
    Tutorials
    Village Quilt
    Watercolor Painting
    Wild Blossoms Fabric
    Workshops And Lectures

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    October 2015
    March 2015
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    May 2012
    December 2011

    © Robin Pickens Inc. All rights reserved. No images may be reproduced without permission.
Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Blog
  • SHOP
  • Errata
  • About/Info
  • Pub./Press
  • UPCOMING EVENTS
  • COLOR STUDIES
  • PATTERN PLAY