The Linda Quilt in Pure Solids

Before I decided on this color combination for the Linda Quilt Pattern cover, I mocked up lots of different options, but I just kept coming back to this warm selection of Pure Solids.

The reason really has to do with the brown. Ever since Art Gallery came out with the Driftwood color, I have been trying to use it as much as possible. Maybe it's not cool to love brown, but it is the prettiest brown. 

My Colors 

All the fabrics in my quilt are Pure Solids.

Fabric A Driftwood
Fabric B Poppy
Fabric C Spiced
Fabric D Ginger
Fabric E Raw Gold
Fabric F Turmeric
Fabric G Pearl

Keeping It Simple with Solids

Let me first say that you definitely can make this quilt with prints, especially small scale prints, and I'm going to show you with mockups later this week. BUT I do really, really love this pattern made in solids.

Solids make it easier to control value and contrast, which is especially helpful for a pattern like this. They also give the quilt a really clean, graphic look that highlights the structure of the design.

That said, this print in lots of small scale florals is gorgeous so don't feel limited by solids are basics. 

A Quilt That Feels Classic (But Not Traditional)

Plaid is one of those designs that can easily feel very traditional, but the diagonal layout and color placement in the Linda Quilt give it a more modern feel.

The blocks are arranged on point, which adds movement across the quilt and keeps your eye traveling from one section to the next. It’s structured, but not rigid — which is exactly what I was hoping for when I originally designed this pattern.

A Few Tips If You Want a Similar Look

If you’re trying to recreate something similar, here are a few things that helped with this version:

• Start with your darkest fabric first and build everything else around it
• Make sure your lights are truly light — don’t be afraid of contrast
• Stick to a tighter color palette (this one stays mostly in warm tones) or go with a color theme (Christmas colors, spring colors, etc.)
• Lay everything out before sewing to double check how the values are working together and take a black and white photos of the fabrics together to make sure there is contrast

Even small adjustments can make a big difference with this pattern.

And if you make your own Linda Quilt, I’d love to see it — tag @kitchentablequilting so I can follow along.