Amanda Murphy Patterns + Giveaway! - The Jolly Jabber Quilting Blog

Fat Quarter Shop, Quilt Pattern Ideas & Inspiration

Amanda Murphy Patterns + Giveaway!

301 Comments

Hi everyone! I’m so excited to be featured on the Fat Quarter Shop Blog – this time to talk about my pattern line, which are now available. All six patterns feature Veranda, my third collection for Robert Kaufman, which will arrive in stores in August. Kimberly has the entire collection available to reserve right here at Fat Quarter Shop!

I really believe that one of the things that makes quilting more enjoyable is a set of well-written instructions with lots of clear diagrams. After all, we as quilters are very visual people. Clear instructions also can give us that extra boost of confidence to try a new technique – something we haven’t done before. That was my aim in designing these patterns. All are printed in full-color and feature a full-page Quilt Assembly Diagram on the center spread, with step-by-step instructions throughout.

Garden Paths is the first pattern that I conceived for this line. It is reminiscent of woven ribbons cascading down the quilt. It looks complex, but the pressing directions result in diagonal seams that lock, which makes it a much simpler quilt to sew. Best of all it, it is roll-up/jelly roll friendly.

All you need is 1 roll-up, plus border and backing fabric. My quilter, Deborah Norris of Deborah’s Quilting, did an extraordinary job quilting the sample, with rosebud and leaf vines cascading up and down the white background.

At 84″ x 102″, Village Green is the largest quilt in the line and is perfect for a bed. It uses up 2 roll-ups/jell-rolls completely.

The directions call for flowers, constructed out of coordinating solids, to be appliquéd to the center of each block; you could vary flower colors or even fussy cut motifs from your favorite feature fabric and appliqué them on instead… That would be particularly fun for a child’s quilt. Imagine airplanes or cars appliquéd to the center of each square for a little boy’s room… Fun!

Blossoms is the third quilt in the line and is constructed from two 10″-squares/layer cakes. It combines simple piecing and fusible appliqué in a dynamic way is REALLY fun to construct.

I love Blossoms in Veranda, but also want to make it up in Christmas prints, with big white blossoms with red centers. (If someone out there makes one of these please send me a picture!) As a fabric-lover I am very proud of Town Square. I designed it backwards, starting with a stack fat quarter of fabric and cutting them up 3-4 at a time. It uses up a stack of 20 or 12 fat quarters with VIRTUALLY NO WASTE.

My friend Pat did a purple and aqua smaller version in the Garden color story of Veranda.

Basically, it is a nine-patch within a nine-patch within a nine-patch, which makes it a great teaching quilt. I love the color wash effect that happened with the light green sashing. This pattern really lends itself to modern prints.

Bubbles is a whimsical design that is quick and easy to put together. This was the very first quilt that I conceived in the Veranda line, and I love the lighthearted look that resulted.

Contrasting, thick appliqué thread really makes those circles pop.

A lot of people commented that they would like to experiment with attaching the circles with some of the specialty stitches on their machine. What a great idea! I love the little rickrack quilting in the sashing and the swirls in the blocks that echo the circles without copying them. Thanks, Deborah!

Finally, Portraits of My Garden was my attempt to create a vehicle for those feature prints that we all love. It is also the simplest quilt to sew – great for a beginner. Strip piecing makes this quilt really easy to put together.

Pick a simple quilt that reads as a solid for the background, and a contrasting, dynamic quilt for the “frames” and you’ll have a finished top in no time. (I blogged a couple of weeks ago about different Veranda fabric recommendations for this pattern.)

Deborah Norris quilted this top as well. Speaking of which, don’t you love it when you send something off to a quilter and he/she brings it to a whole new level? That is how I think about Deborah’s work. This is also how I feel about putting patterns and/or fabric into the hands of all you creative people out there, so, if you make something with either my patterns (whether it is in one of my collections or not) or fabric, post a please picture to my flickr group.

One of the things that I love about Fat Quarter Shop is their many Giveaways. Today is not an exception. Kimberly is giving away two full sets of my patterns to people who leave a comment on this post telling us your favorite new pattern of mine. For a third chance to enter, hop on over to my blog and tell me what your favorite pattern in the line is.
Contest closes exactly one week from post date.

Thanks to Fat Quarter Shop for having me and to you all for listening.

Happy sewing!
Amanda

301 comments

  8. I like your patterns. Blossom is my favorite. And now that I look closer and see the size of Village Green I'm thinking I would love to make it too.

  11. My favorite of your new patterns is Garden Paths. I also like your Full-Page Quilt Assembly Diagram in the middle!

  23. I love all the patterns, but Village Green is probably the first one that I would make. And, your Veranda line is really gorgeous! Thanks for the chance to win!

  25. Lately I like quilts with a lot of white space on them. Therefore, I go with Garden Paths. Thanks for the intro to your patterns. Kathie L in allentown

  26. So glad you showcase different artist on your blog. It gives me a chance to see work of those I don't normally follow. I love her patterns. My favorite is Village Green.

  27. Hi Amanda and Kimberly! What beautiful patterns…it's difficult to choose, but I think my favorites are Town Square and Village Green. I love the simplicity and vintagey feel to them!

    Thanks again for such a generous and wonderful giveaway, and the opportunity to participate!

    XOXO,

    Cyndi

  36. Love all the patterns, but I think Blossoms is my fav! Love the Veranda fabric….the Blossoms in Christmas fabrics is an awesome idea!
    Jacque in SC
    quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com

  38. I am loving Blossoms. It reminds me of my niece. If I have the time and the inclination, I'd make her one. 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win. 🙂

  39. They're all lovely in those beautiful prints. I think Bubbles is my favorite, although there's a few others I'd love to try. Thanks for the chance.

  41. I can't decide between garden paths and village green. Maybe I'll have to make both!

  42. Village Green and Town Square just popped right out at me. It's hard to say between those two but I guess I would say Town Square.

  45. I love Blosson. I love the scrappy look with the contrast of the applique.

  50. The Blossoms pattern is probably my favorite although there are a few others I would like to make as well. And the Veranda fabrics look gorgeous!

  57. I've been admiring Village Green but now that I know Garden Paths could me made using this Dream On Jelly Roll I have just sitting here waiting for some inspiration, I think I would have to choose it! I'll cross my fingers and toes.

  61. What a great new set of patterns! Can't wait till they come out. I particularly love the Blossom's pattern as I am a huge fan of bold flowers. I'm already imagining all the color combinations.

  63. There's something special about all of them, but I think Village Green is my favorite. Thanks!
    sunshdws at yahoo dot com

  69. What a great giveaway! First time I saw Portraits of my Garden, I knew that I had to make that quilt. For some reason it has struck a deep chord in my quilting soul. Thanks for the chance to win some great prizes!

  70. I really like the blossoms pattern, and have also added your town square quilt to my favs too.
    ~Kimberlee
    spunkydiva at live.com

  76. Gorgeous patterns. It is hard to decide between blossoms and bubbles.
    But I finally choose bubbles.
    Thanks for the give-away.

  80. Hard to choose, but I think I like Garden Paths best. Can't wait to see your new fabric. August seems so far away! lol

  81. It's extremely tough to pick because I really love 3 of the new patterns very much; Garden Paths, Blossoms, and Bubbles.
    Picking just one though, it would have to be Garden Paths over all the other favorites.

  84. After struggling with making a decision, I'm choosing Garden Paths best, but I love the way you made those bubbles pop on the Bubbles pattern!

  91. Amazing give a way!! Garden Paths is calling my name, although I love all of these patterns. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  92. Love all of them, but I think Village Green is probably my favorite (followed shortly by blossoms).
    Thanks for the chance to win!

  106. I like all of the patterns and the wonderful fabric colors but I must say I'm particularly attracted to the Bubbles pattern because I am interested in doing a "wonky" circle quilt. I really like the varied circle sizes within a square!

  108. I LOVE the garden paths pattern! Don't get me wrong – they're all beautiful – but that one is amazing 🙂

  113. Wonderful patterns. I like Garden Path the best although it looks like it would be difficult for me to make. Thanks for the chance.

  116. Each of your patterns looks super, but I think I like Blossoms best. I'm a flower gal, what can I say? Congrats on the new Veranda line – its GORGEOUS!

  117. Oh, WoW – two wonderful opportunities for great giveaways. Favoite patterns are definitely Blossoms and Town Square. I really need to make those. Judy C in NC has fingers crossed.

  119. I love Garden Paths, Town Square, and Blossoms – don't know if I can choose between those 3!
    Norma njloewen(at)sasktel(dot)net

  122. Tyeh are all lovely but I've fallen in love with the Bubbles. So nice. Circles is a thing I'm afraid of sewing/quilting, but I think I would dare to make this.

    Thank you so much!

  123. All the patterns are lovely but Blossoms is my favorite. I have a precious 8-month-old granddaughter and that pattern would be perfect for her.

  124. Great looking quilts, the patterns look great and eye-catching too. My favorite is your Garden Paths quilt, I know just the recipient for one too.

  126. I love your patterns Amanda. I thought Garden Paths was my favorite, but then I saw Town Square. I jut can't make up my mind.

  128. My favorite is Blossoms. It so appeals to the quirky whimsy loving girl in me. I'd love to make it. Unfortunately, I live in a house of boys, I could make if for myself. Maybe someday I will.

    My next favorite is Garden Path. I can picture it in Bright's with black….wouldn't it make great roads for little cars?

    Thanks for creating these quilts and sharing them with the rest of us!

    God bless,
    Cindy Sharp

  132. I love Garden Paths and Village Green. The fabric is to die for. Thank you so much for the chance to win.
    Patti xxx

  147. I love all the patterns but my favorite is Portraits of my Garden. The new fabric line is wonderful too.

  152. I love them all, but will pick Bubbles, because I too am working with circles right now, and Bubbles was my favorite cats name too!

  159. Town square is my favorite but you did a great job on them all! I really like your new fabric line, so happy to be introduced! 🙂

  164. I"m going to pick Village Green, heck they are all beautiful! Thanks for the chance to win. July is my Birthday month so hopefully I'll get lucky and win, crossing fingers and toes. :^),

  170. thanks for the chance to win – they are all so nice but I have to pick one – so garden path it is – it looks great and so complex.

  178. They are all beautiful patterns but I think Garden Paths is my favourite – gorgeous fabrics, will definitely be looking out for those.

  187. I love them all, it is tough to pick one. I love the whimsy of Bubbles but also love Garden Path. Great patterns!

  192. Blossoms is my favorite pattern. It is just adorable and makes me smile. The purples and aquas in Town Square are my favorite colors. Congratulations on all of the patterns. They are great.

  197. Garden Path is my favorite of favorites because it looks easy to do and is stunning to look at.

    Blessings,

    Celia

  199. Bubbles is my favorite pattern, but garden path is a close second! I would love to create any of these patterns.

  205. What a great giveaway. I like them all, but one of my favorites is portraits of my garden…..thanks for the chance to win.

  206. I kept seeing the next pattern and thinking that was my favorite and finally got to Bubbles and that is my favorite. Thank you for chance to win them. Take care and God bless, Cory

  212. My favorite pattern is all of them! But if I had to name just one, it would be Bubbles. I love the new take on the appliqued circles!

  213. I really really like ALL your patterns but to choose one – it would be Garden Paths.
    My 7 yr old niece also votes for Bubbles! Thanks for the giveaway!

  214. Oh I love these patterns and was just about to order them all, thanks for the chance to win them and for sharing Amanda with us 🙂

  215. Lovely patterns indeed! I like how they all showcase the fabric collection in such different ways.

    My current favorite is probably Portraits of a Garden.

  216. Wow they are fun! Bubbles is my absolute top pick. But I love the Garden Path, and Blossoms also! Since I am a brand new quilter I would have to begin with Town Square or Portraits.:-)

  217. I would really like to make Blossoms, but Garden Path is a close 2nd. Love the Veranda fabric & all of the patterns.

  230. They are all great-so bright and cheerful!! I pick Garden Paths, I really like the way the paths twist and turn! Thanks for the great giveaway!

  237. I love these new patterns as they are so fresh. I think Garden Paths is a new look using jelly rolls and I like it very much.

  242. All of the patterns are lovely, but, my favourites are Garden Paths, Bubbles and Portraits of My Garden. Thanks for the chance to win.

  245. Blossoms for me . the design looks really interesting. and it is the season for flowers 🙂 Thanks for a chance to win . I am definitely a visual person. So appreciate well written patterns. janita

  246. I think my favorite is the Portraits of My Garden. It is classic and elegant all rolled into one. Thanks for a chance to win!

  247. I think my favorite is the Portraits of My Garden. It is classic and elegant all rolled into one. Thanks for a chance to win!

  250. My favorite is Portraits of My Garden. It's classic and elegant. I do love Bubbles!! It was hard to choose between the two.

  254. Blossom is my favorite to look at, while Bubbles is the one I want to get started on right away. Congrats on a fantastic group of patterns!

    wordygirl at earthlink dot net

  258. All the patterns are so cute, it's hard to pick just one. I'm torn between Blossoms, Bubbles, and Garden Paths…but Town Square is also…I love them all. Thanks for sharing your talents and for the opportunity to win.

  260. I love all your patterns in this release and it is hard to choose one … but since I have to, then the vote goes to Bubbles! I love the simplicity and yet it brings out the best of the fabric prints.

  264. It has to be Garden Path! It looks so fun – and who needs an excuse to stroke the fabrics whilst following the path!?

  267. How do I pick one favorite? I really like them all, especially Town Square, blossoms and Bubbles.

  270. Do I really have to pick a favorite? I guess I'm torn between Bubbles and Blossoms. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  271. All of your patterns are wonderful! Love the colored patterns too! My favorite has to be Garden Paths because it reminds of walking thru a big garden. Thanks for the chance!

  277. It's really hard to decide, but it's a toss up between Blossoms and Garden Path, Bubbles is great too. Okay, Blossoms 🙂

  283. I have fabric in mind to do portraits of my garden but I love the colors and design of village green. All the patterns are gorgeous and the colors you've chosen are so ight and cheerful. Great.

  293. I love the Garden Path because of the nature of the braided look. All patterns are great, however, and I look forward to making them!

    Roybeth

  297. In true style, Verandah is brilliant and follows what is still a great range – Swiss Chocolate. Love your patterns too, if I could I'd choose Blossom or Garden Path.

  299. Love Blossom pattern and Bubbles..plus can't wait for the pattern from the banner quilt..sure hope is is developed over the summer.

  300. Loving Bubbles – hopped over to Amandas blog – fun fun. Thank you for always offering good information on your blog!

  301. I think I entered once but maybe not but if I did, I apologize. Thanks and my favorite today is the scalloped flowers.