"SOUND OF MUSIC" QUILT PATTERN

Music can make us cry and laugh at the same time. It can make us jump high into the sky and can put a wide smile on our faces without us even noticing. Music makes us dance, makes us sing, makes us want to live. Often without even realizing it, in music we look for inspiration, consolation, comfort and even for solutions to problems bothering us. 

When designing "Sound of Music" quilt, I aimed to capture all those virtues of music using color, fabric and thread. "Sound of Music" quilt symbolizes the power of music to break us free from any barriers and lift our free spirits up. It is a modern patchwork and applique quilt.

All the peculiarities of making this quilt I have put into the pattern that you can find in my shop. Music key and music note applique outlines can be purchased separately in the applique pattern "Music notes". Additionally, you may be interested in a somewhat similar quilt design "Music of Love".

I summarize all the key point of making this quilt in this short video presentation of the "Sound of Music" quilt. 

RELATED PATTERNS

DESIGN - SIMPLE PATCHWORK AND MODERN APPLIQUE

There are three main elements in the "Sound of Music" quilt design - simple 'brick wall' patchwork on the sides, elegant embroidered stave in the middle and appliqued music key and notes on top of the stave. All these elements are easy to make with a domestic sewing machine. 

'Brick wall' patchwork on the sides of the quilt is composed of irregular length "brick" blocks. The patchwork ends with an uneven edge on the center fabric, creating a split wall. Each "brick" is defined by a narrow sashing strip that highlights individual fabric prints. Additionally, the sashing makes the 'brick wall' lightweight and floaty.

On the white fabric in between the broken 'brick wall' patchwork pieces an embroidered curvy stave unfolds. Individual lines of the stave rotate and cross each other, creating a 3D motion in the air effect. At the bottom of the stave, appliqued music key kick off the music. From the music key, music notes stream and dance on the stave.  

FABRICS - CONTEMPORARY COLORS 

We are used to see written music as the black notes on a black stave written on white paper. And this quilt would look great in monochromatic colors, including black and white. Adding a little accent color to lighten the bricks could also be nice.

QUILTING - PLAY WITH THE NEGATIVE SPACE

The gap between the two broken brick wall patchwork pieces is white negative space. There, one can really have fun with free motion quilting and fill the space with various motives.

The curvature of the stave inspired me to try different quilting motives on the right and on the left sides. On the right, I quilted fans to create a rippling effect. On the left, I quilted dense straight lines that run into the stave. This combination of straight line and the round fan quilting motifs complements each other very nicely and highlights the curvature of the stave. 

A QUILT FOR THOSE WHO LOVE MUSIC

When making quilts, we think about people who will use the quilt, about what they love, what they admire and what they are passionate about. This quilt is for people, who love music. They may play an instrument, sing, dance or simply be avid listeners. As long as their hearts beat in the rhythm of music - this quilt is a perfect fit. 

SIZE - CRIB TO KING SIZE QUILT

This quilt is perfect for any age. Thus the quilt pattern includes 9 different quilt sizes: from crib to king size quilt. There are three different stave variations to accommodate all the sizes.

FUN TO MAKE - SEE TUTORIALS!!!

This quilt is really fun to make. It uses several techniques, thus it will certainly not get boring! All the parts are easy to make using a domestic sewing machine. Even though the stave is embroidered, no embroidery machine is needed. One can simply print the outline, trace it onto the embroidery stabilizer and stitch the stave using either a thick thread or a triple stretch stitch on a domestic sewing machine. 

Applique is easy, when the right technique for the right shape is chosen. Music key and notes can be appliqued using either raw edge or turned edge machine applique with fusible web.  

AN IDEA FOR A LABEL

When making your quilt, don't forget to add a label with your name and creation date. In my labels I always add a quote fitting the quilt story. Why not doing the same with yours?

"If you cannot teach me to fly, teach me to sing." (J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan)

SANDWICHING THE QUILT

Here is me sandwiching the quilt. Check it out ;) 

I hope "Sound of Music" will bring music closer to you and those you love!

Happy quilting!

Rugile from Magic Little Dreams