Sweetwater’s Blizzard Panel: a quick quilt

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I’ve been making quilts for a LONG time. In fact, I made my first quilt in 1992 . . . an Eleanor Burns “Around the World – Quilt in a Day” project. Thirty-one years later, you’d think some of the thrill would have worn off. Sure, there have been projects so frustrating or tedious that I’ve felt relief when the quilt was completed. And there have been quilts that I wasn’t pleased with when I was done, so I’ve felt disappointed. But for the most part, I have found joy, contentment and a sense of accomplishment in this hobby of ours.

There is another quilting scenario that I’ve found to be true over the years . . . the quilt that sneaks up on me and makes me silly happy, when by all accounts it probably shouldn’t.  I’m talking about those easy peasey, after-thought, quick quilts we throw together because we have spare time, or we want to sew down our stash.  These are often the projects that cause me to hop around the sewing room and say aloud, “Now that is TOO cute!” And then I proceed to text my daughter, my mom and all of my quilting BFFs because I have to share my happiness.  Here is a photo of the quilt top that recently snuck up on me and brought me joy!

Here’s how it happened:  The weekend after Thanksgiving, I diligently went to my sewing room to work on some unfinished projects. Somehow, I got sidetracked by a darling quilt panel sitting on one of my fabric shelves, the Blizzard panel by Sweetwater. Before I had time to overthink it, I cut the panel apart.

Next, I began digging through my saved Christmas scraps and making little nine-patches.  Most of the scraps are from recent Sweetwater collections, but there are bits from other designers as well.  I framed my nine-patches with my favorite Moda Indigo Chambray, and then sewed all the blocks together. That’s when the smiling and hopping began.

The finished size of each block is 8” square. So right now, I have a quilt top that measures 56 ½” square.  I plan to add a couple of borders.  I’m auditioning the chambray, a creamy white and a red with white pin dot.  I’m not sure which combo will be the winner. Hopefully that decision will sneak up on me too.

I want to thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings. Thank you for being my extended quilting BFFs with whom I can share my quilting joy. I appreciate you more than you know!

Until next time, get carried away quilting, my friends!

~Taunja

Blizzard Panel Quilt Top Notes

  • The panel blocks were cut at 8 ½” square.
  • The nine-patch pieces were cut at 2” square.  The finished 9-patch is 5” square.
  • The chambray strips were cut at 2 ¼” x 5” for the left and right sides, and 2 ¼” x 8 ½” for the top and bottom. The finished sewn block is 8 ½” square.
  • There are 24 blocks on the panel. I made 25 blocks. So, there are 49 blocks total (7 rows of 7 blocks).
  • The finished size (before borders) is 56 ½” square.

 

33 thoughts on “Sweetwater’s Blizzard Panel: a quick quilt”

  4. Taunja, your quilt is already so cute! I look forward to seeing how you finish it. I love your excitement too!

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    1. Oh gosh that is a bummer! I suppose they have sold out quickly online. If you have any brick and mortar shops in your area, maybe call them. It seems there are still a fair amount of shops that don’t have all of their inventory online. Wish I could be of more help!

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    2. Ann, I bought my panel in late 2022. I think they got snatched up quick! I’ve missed
      so many opportunities by waiting, so I’ve learned that if I really love something, go ahead and get it because chances are everyone else will love it too! I’m hoping Sweetwater will come out with more panels this year.

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  10. Totally love your sharing :)! Your quilt top turned out so beautiful. Love all those sweet panel blocks and the 9-patch in between. I would be hopping around in joy too! It feels so wonderful when a new and spontaneous idea comes together in such a beautiful way. (Looking forward to how you will quilt it now – you always have the best ideas with that too).

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    1. Thanks so much Sigi! I hope you are having a wonderful December. I know you are getting a lot of sewing done! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas ahead of time!!

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    1. Thanks so much Sherri! It’s so often true, the simplest quilts can become favorites!

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  13. I too have been quilting for a long time. You are now and always have been my favorite quilt designer. You show fabric to its best advantage and design interesting quilts that keep me coming back for more. This Sweetwater Christmas quilt is a perfect example and I can hardly wait to make one. Thank you for sharing your talent.

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    1. Linda that is such a nice thing to say! Thank you! You have made my day! I hope you are able to find a panel and can make something similar that you love! Thanks again!

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  14. It always a big pleasure to read your posts and to discover your lovely creations .
    Thank you so much and please continue, your enthusiasm is contagious !

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  15. Oh gosh.. I’m so glad I connected with you on Etsy today and now have found your website with this project featured! It has inspired me to locate a baby quilt panel that I’ve been holding on to because of its small size. The 9 patch is going to be the perfect addition!! I look forward to following your work going forward, knowing there will more good things ahead 😊
    Brenda Allen

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    1. Oh that sounds like fun! How long have you been holding onto that baby quilt panel? Thanks for your kind words and for giving me a follow!!

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  16. I am going to start on this one even though Christmas is over. I can’t wait to see what you do for your borders! Share you choice soon.

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  17. Thanks for sharing your lovely quilt. I always am on the look out for projects with panels and yours will be perfect!

    Reply

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