In every regular issue of Quiltmaker, the QM Scrap Squad takes one pattern and creates scrappy versions of it to inspire and delight our readers. The featured quilt in Nov/Dec ’11 is Dream Catcher, which was part of the red and white “Infinite Variety” exhibit in New York City last March. The exhibit was mounted through the American Folk Art Museum using the quilt collection of Joanna S. Rose.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll reveal here the Scrap Squad’s versions of Dream Catcher from the Nov/Dec ’11 issue of Quiltmaker. Here’s the antique version of Dream Catcher.
- Courtesy American Folk Art Museum, New York. #76 Daisies Quilt; Artist unidentified; United States 1890-1930. Collection of Joanna S. Rose. Photo by Gavin Ashworth.
Today’s featured Scrap Squad member is Kim Brandt from Poughkeepsie, New York.
Kim Brandt
Kim attended the Infinite Variety exhibit and saw the red and white quilt there, but didn’t know at the time that she would be reproducing it. Here’s what Kim shared about her Dream Catcher journey:
Our Scrap Squad group is made of eight very talented quilters but Jane stands out because of her mastery of Electric Quilt. When she showed this assignment in different colorways, one really got my attention.
Jane's EQ rendering of Dream Catcher as peppermints
She called it “peppermints.” I asked permission to use her color layout and then pulled fabrics from my stash. I used those scraps to make this classic pattern my own. I wanted it to have a Christmas feel so I used fabrics with holly, a little gold sparkle, teddy bears with Christmas lights, candy cane stripes, bright reds and other colors to make it pop.
I chained pieced each foundation number at the same time, using the “planned scrappy” method of always placing the same color family in the same number on the foundation.
This gives the same effect in each block even though different prints are used.
I decided to iron open the center seam to show off how well the center of each block comes together when paper piecing.
All the blocks together with the first border.
For the outer border I decided to stick with the candy theme and do a technique I learned from Mary Lou Weidman and Melanie Bautista McFarland’s new book Out of the Box with Easy Blocks.
Using scrappy reds from the center, I made enough blocks to go around the perimeter.
I used some half-pieces of candy at the ends to make it look more freestyle. These went together quickly and soon I had my top done and ready to quilt.
Happy Sewing,
Kim
Here is Kim’s quilt on a bed. I think it’s one of the happiest quilts ever! Wouldn’t it be fun to let a child in your life sleep under this on Christmas Eve?
The candy border adds so much to this quilt, along with Kim’s wise use of value. See how the values range from very dark to very light? To instantly improve all of your quilts, strive to use some of all values in every project. Even the tiniest bit of very light or very dark will add “zing.”
If you haven’t seen Out of the Box with Easy Blocks, Kim and I both highly recommend it. The blocks and ideas are insanely FUN! I have a copy courtesy of That Patchwork Place and I’d like to give it away. Leave a comment by midnight Wednesday, Nov. 23 and you could win! The winner is comment #63, Cheryl. Thanks for playing along!
Stay tuned for more great Scrap Squad quilts in the weeks to come!
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The quilt gallery at our offices in Golden, Colorado currently features quilts from the 2011 Scrap Squad. If you’re in town, please stop by during regular business hours for the free exhibit. Well worth the trip!
I love the Christmas quilt! Would love to make it in the future. I haven’t heard of the “Out of the Box With Easy Blocks” book, so would love to win it. Guess if I don’t win, it will go on my Christmas list!!!
I love the Christmas version…It hardly even looks like the same quilt! Great job, Kim!
I love this candy quilt! So cute.
In my stash I found a special set of blue/silver/musical notes fabrics that I’ve been saving for just the right pattern. When I saw this pattern in the magazine, I knew this was the one to use them with.
What a great quilt! And love the border!
I love this quilt! I think the candy border is perfect. Great job!
I enjoy seeing all of the variations people make from one pattern.
The Christmas variation is great but I’m a sucker for the original red & white version?
I absolutely love the idea of having a special quilt to sleep under on Christmas Eve. Years ago I made Christmas Eve pillowcases for my nieces, and this reminds me that it’s time to make some for the grand-nieces and -nephews. And then, on to Christmas Eve quilts!
Peppermints is just the right quilt for Christmas. Good Job. I would even be honored to have that quilt on mhy bed for Christmzas morning. Thank you for a chance to win a copy of “Out of the Box with Easy Blocks.” I am sure I would love this book.
Sandi T.
sandit1@sbcglobal.net
Wow! This quilt really makes Christmas dreams come true. The Candy paper pieced border just finishes this awesome quilt. What could be better Christmas, paper piecing and quilting!
Great quilt with the paper piecing – would love to win a copy of the book
That border is +100 Christmas-spirit awesome!
Peppermint propellers in the snow? My mouth is watering. I love peppermint.
Don’t they all look so different just changing the colours. Love it!
Oh how I would love to have a copy of that book. I could sure put it to good use. And I love to paper piece.
What fun! I love the step by step photos accompanying the pattern, especially the pressed back, pressing can make or break a block.
Love scrap quilts and would love to win this book.
I love the candy theme..who wouldn’t at this time of year! What a neat design!
Great quilt! I’m going to have to check out this book.
Love, love scrap quilts.
What wonderful idea. Any child or adult what love to wake up under this joyful quilt.
LOVE the quilts . I would love to make Christmas themed quilt some day . Wishes . Wishes . Piecefully Carol in The Poconos of Pa.
I love seeing how others change up a pattern and make it their own. And this one is certainly no exception! It is so cool and now my mind is wondering if I have enough Christmas greens in my bin….lol. Thanks so much for sharing!
quilty hugs, Deb
What a darling quilt! Perfect for that child–in all of us!–who dreams of “sugarplums” at this time of year. Perky peppermints…love it!
Really like this Christmas quilt, especially the border. What a great book to win. Thanks for the chance.
This is such a cute quilt. Thanks for the inspiration.
That is really a lovely christmasquilt, thanks for sharing and thanks for the chance to win!
Liebe Grüße
Bente
I love paper piecing and would love to add a copy of the book to my library!!
Such a creative quilt! I’d love to win the book.
What a wonderful Christmas quilt, but better yet, a unique twist on a traditional pattern! Am eager to see what others did with this pattern. The book giveaway is definitely intriguing–would love to win a copy. Thanks for the opportunity, at least!
How fun this looks. Turned out great. Very talented people. Thank you for sharing.
Wow! What a fun pattern!! It really pops!
I love candy!
Wonderful idea! I might just copy it! Thanks for the idea.
That is so cute! Would love to have a copy!!
What a great way to look differently at quilts – love scraps – this book I’m sure would be a favourite.
I still find it amazing to see how differently quilts look by using different colors – at a quick glance they look like 3 different patterns. Love the peppermint theme! And would love to win a book with easy blocks
I had to look twice couldn’t believe it was the same patern. I like the Christmas version as it is more colorful.
I love paper-piecing….your method in the picture looks very much like the method I use: Peggy Martin’s “Quick-Strip Paper-Piecing”.
I really, really loved the antique version of this quilt, and would love to make it sometime. But then I saw this Christmas-colored and peppermints version, and I got so excited! Wonderful!
Thanks for an opportunity to win a book!
Gorgeous original but my favorite is the “peppermint” variation. I’ve never done paper-piecing – I have always hand pieced my quilts. This might be a really fun block to learn a new skill on. Thank you.
What a great idea for the border! These could also incorporate into blocks for another quilt. Thanks for showing the various versions of the quilt.
Kim’s quilt is enchanting — I want to sleep under it Christmas eve!!!
And I keep learning and learning from the Scrap Squad — I’ve never thought to chain piece when paper piecing (why I haven’t thought of it, I can’t explain). Sounds like a great book too!!!!
Not a fan of paper piecing, your quilt makes me rethink my “never again” stance. And the border was the perfect finishing touch.
I’d love a copy of the book, as I’m new to quilting and have very few patterns.
Nice Christmas quilt!
Cool giveaway. I’d love to own the book you’re giving away. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
I LOVE the dreamcatcher design!! I need to make that quilt! I am not much of a seasonal quilter, but I do like the twist kim gave it!
What an awesome Christmas quilt! And yes, a child sure would love to snuggle under it on Christmas Eve. I love the candy block. Makes such a wonderful border. Thanks, I would love to win a copy of Out of the Box!
My daughter would looooove this quilt! First of all, she’s a little candy monster and would love the idea that the quilt is based off of a candy (and a Christmas candy to boot — Woot!!). But my daughter also suffers from frequent bad dreams. I bought a small Native American dream catcher to hang above her bed and explained what the Native peoples believed about them, and I think she’d love the idea of a ‘dream catcher’ blanket too, especially if it had the power to replace bad dreams with dreams filled with candy instead! Another great pattern to put on the To Do list!
The peppermint circles made my mouth water
What a wonderful way to bring the holiday into your home and the colors are perfect. Now for some peppermint hot chocolate — mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm 
The cover of the book would get me to buy it. I have another Out of the Box book that I love. Scrappy quilts are my favorite when I can use them to make sampler blocks, my ultimate favorite type of quilt.
This is why I love blog land. I would never have seen those peppermints in the middle, it’s fabulous.
Wow! I love the difference between the two quilts! Can’t wait to see the scrappy version. Thanks for the chance to win the book, too!
Love this peppermint quilt. The book looks great.
How cute is this! I’m putting this on my wish list if I don’t win.
What a wonderful quilt! The colors definitely remind you of Christmas and candy. I would love to be able to add Out of the Box with Easy Blocks to my library of quilt books. Thanks for the chance to win.
Love the christmas quilt. I’ll just add it to my list. Thanks for the opportunity to win the book.
Love the Christmas quilt, quite a variation on the original pattern. Thanks for the inspiration and the chance to win “Out of the Box with Easy Blocks”.
Love both versions, beautiful with two tones and as a Christmas quilt.
I love Marylou’s quilting, she is so fun and makes us think, out of the box!
Debbie
The quilt is great and I really love the border. Would enjoy the book too!
I love that the scrap squad is free to think outside the box. Kim did a terrific job. So many times when I am enjoying the mag. I mark a project as a TO DO or a TO THINK ABOUT. Every time I see one done in scraps it moves up a notch on my list. This one is moving to the top- 2012 will have a new holiday quilt on the bed! cw
great job KIM, love seeing how you make the quilts your own.
What a lovely quilt and a perfect name for it. I just love your candy border. The quilt looks totally different with your colour ways.
I am learning paper piecing on my own and am having a great time doing it.
I would love to get the copy and thank you for this opportunity to win it.
Wow….what a person can do with their stash and some creativity! Would love to win that book! I have a huge stash basket in the corner of my sewing room that needs to be worked out and worked on desperately!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!
How cute! The border “makes” the quilt really pop!
Great scrappy quilt! Love the “peppermints”!
Your special “bow” border really finishes off this Christmas quilt beautifully!
It’s amazing how different it looks! Wow!
Book looks interesting as well – thanks!
I need to make a Christmas Quilt for “me” .. I’ve given the others away. I love the peppermints.
I love your quilt – those peppermints are cool! Thanks for a chance to win this awesome looking book!
I love that quilt. Peppermint always reminds me of Christmas.
love the idea of changing the fabric combinations to get a whole new look while using the same pattern … would like to win the book to help me do this.
Love paper piecing and I love the peppermints quilt! Thanks for the chance to win the book.
I love the Christmas quilt. I have Mary Lou’s Out of the Box book and would love to have this book so I will have a complete set of the “Out of the Box” books. I would love to win and I am very, very hopeful. I will put the book to very good use and will also send you a picture of my “peppermint” quilt. Wish me luck!!!
What wonderful quilts. They make me want to go get a candy. I would loveto win this book. If I don’t win it I will put it on my wish list. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been wondering what I was going to do with all of the holiday fabric scraps I’ve accumulated…I never throw anything away! The book might inspire me to organize the scrap heap. I love your use of light blue in the background…it’s the new Christmas color.
What a fun quilt!
Thanks for the chance to win the book.
I love the border on this quilt. Very pretty.
I particularly liked this Christmas quilt because it is suitable for those who are not into Santa Claus but still has such a Christmas spirit. Cheery and bright. Great ideas. This is the first I have learned of this book and would be delighted to win a copy. Thank you for sharing this.
My sons have stopped gifting me with quilting related items – they have the impression I already have too much! Imagine that!?! This would be a cool gift to win. Thanks for the chance.
I like this “Peppermints” MUCH better than the peppermint twist quilts I’ve seen. You did a nice job on this variation.
I love every quilt I see. Candy for the eye. This book would be a great addition to my library.
Love scrap quilts and believe I would truly love this book.
I love the peppermint xmas quilt. I love paper piecing. this may have to go on my to do list. and look into this book for classes.
thanks
I love this quilt!! It is a MUST DO for my list. Thanks for sharing your photos!
What an amazing difference, I really like this version. Can’t wait to see what else you do with this pattern.
I love the whimsical quilts in the book, “Out of the Box With Easy Blocks”. This book would certainly be one that I would go to often for some fun quilts. Winning it would be fantastic.
I would love a copy of this book. The quilt is lovely in both the red and the peppermint version. Gotta love EQ.
I would love to win this book it sounds wonderful and I would love to make some quilts from the book. Thanks for alowing us to enter to win the book
I’d just returned from a Southwest US trip when this issue of Quiltmaker arrived. I know Dream Catchers don’t really have Southwestern origins, but they were in every gift shop we saw, along with the beautiful turquoise jewelry that almost every woman in the group was wearing by trip’s end. So this is going to be my memory quilt from our trip, done in earthen colors, with turquoise and teals thrown in. And I’d love to win a copy of the book! Thanks for the opportunity!
Love the Peppermint quilt! Can envision it in all different color schemes.
I love the Christmas Quilt you made and wouyld like to make one for myself and a friend. This looks like a very fun quilt to make. I would love to win the book especially as I have not seen it around were I live yet.
Thanks,
Donna
What a great quilt. I love the peppermint look to the blocks. So cute. This looks like a great book to have.
I love this quilt and would like to make one. I’ve wanted the book “Out of the Box” since I saw it advertised in a magazine but was not able to purchase it. Keep on giving us beautiful patterns.
Here’s my comment! LOL I love the quilt and too think a kid would love to sleep under it for more days than just Christmas Eve.
What a fun quilt. Thanks for the chance to win the giveaway.
What a great Christmas quilt. Thanks for the chance to win Mary Lou’s book.
What a beautiful quilt and a great book give away too. Thanks for the chance to win.
I’d love to have that book, I have a new granddaughter who needs a quilt…..
I love the quilt!! The book sounds very interesting!! Thanks for a chance to win one!!
Love your version of this quilt, especially the candy border!
Beautiful quilt…and thanks for the opportunity to win the book!
Great quilt pattern, looking even greater with Kim’s version. Sure would like to win the book!!!
Love the quilt not good with EQ- will need to put the book on my wish list for Christmas
I know a special grandson would love to sleep under that quilt. Thanks for letting me enter to win one.
Kim,
Your quilt is beautiful. Love the pattern. I would love a chance to win the book. Thanks for the opportunity.
What a fun quilt! I would love to make it like the vintage red and white one, except in scrappy blues and white. Those blues just speak to me and fit in my home.
love the peppermint quilt!!!
I love the scrap squad and Kim’s quilt is fabulous! Her explanation will be very helpful as I begin my first paper piecing adventure.
That was the perfect border. Mix and match!
The peppermint candy look is very fun!
What a wonderful and whimsey quilt. I too would love to own a copy of the this book. I can’t wait to find it in the stores and take a look at all of its offerings. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
I love your idea & the pepermint candies it makes.
I don’t usually chain piece with foundation piecing, but this is a good lesson on how to make it work. Love the candy border.
Love the Christmas quilt! The candy border is delicious! Scrappy Christmas to all and to all a great quilt!
I haven’t seen this book, but it does look like fun. Kim’s quilt is beautiful!
I just can’t help but think of the phrase from ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, “while visions of sugarplums danced through their heads”. I think I’d wake up craving peppermint.
Peppermint candy…..What can be more Christmas than that!! Very fun and cute. Going to put on my “to-do” list.
Your quilt is gorgeous and so innovative in marrying techniques.
so pretty. it is amazing how the quilt changes just by using different colors. Sweet dreams indeed under this quilt! might have to give paper piecing a try . janita
Peppermints just in time for Christmas! Very nice.
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