Floragraphix ~ My Botanical Quilt

Not too long ago I bought this book 'Floragraphix II Quilt Designs' by Jason Yenter. This book was published by In the Beginning Fabrics.

Originally I selected this book because my main fabric was also designed by Jason Yenter and it was in the same style of the Graphix fabrics he used for this book.

The pattern I'm using is 'Botanica'. Now, I've altered the design slightly in that I am not using nearly as many fabrics as Jason calls for in this pattern. I consolidated 4 colors into two colors.

But I probably would have altered something anyhow. It's just in my nature. Even in cooking, and with the best intentions of following a recipe exactly, I always end up changing something. My family has been known to beg me to follow the recipe exactly. They are such good sports ~ especially when it comes to food.

Ok, back to the subject at hand. The patterns in this book are great for highlighting artful fabrics, some of which have very large prints, and still use several colors. You can integrate large print fabrics with small prints, and with solids very very well using these patterns!

I also like the fact that Jason gives pressing directions. It really saves me the hassle of thinking that step through. He inserts a tiny arrow on every step letting you know which way too press.

There are six patterns in this book and they are perfect for the confident beginner. I would say for the absolute beginner, except that Jason skips some self-evident steps. So if you've NEVER quilted before, I wouldn't start with this book. For everyone else, it's perfect.

I'm almost through with all my blocks and ready to piece together the top of this quilt. I call it my 'Botanical Shop Hop Quilt' because my focus fabric was going to be the fabric Jason Yenter designed for the Western Washington Shop Hop '08. That didn't end up being my focus fabric, but it is still one of the prominent fabrics.