Ah, summer! This quilt, though it has been finished for a year, needs some time in the spotlight when the temperatures start climbing.

Last September I had the opportunity to teach a class on my Popsicle Parade quilt pattern at Garden of Quilts sponsored by Riley Blake Designs (a smaller event is still being held this year September 18th-19th, you can submit a quilt to display here). My original Popsicle Parade quilt was well loved so I decided to make a new throw size using Blossom prints, a Riley Blake basic by Christopher Thompson of The Tattooed Quilter.

It was the Best. Decision. Ever.

Let’s just ignore the fact that the process included an issue with the white fabrics- I somehow used two different shades of white and didn’t even notice until I took the top out for some pictures! There was a lot of conversation about it on my Instagram page when it happened, and lots of people shared similar stories! I had to re-make most of the quilt top in a hurry, mostly because I wanted the class sample to be perfect! And I’m glad I put for the effort for perfection because this quilt is a family favorite.

Blossom is a fabulous basic, it has lots of colors and the little flowers scattered in it are almost a polka dot from afar. I wanted to do a solids popsicle quilt, so this was a great in-between; not exactly solid, not exactly a print. The popsicle design is able to really stand out on its own.

I usually grab my Riley Blake basics at Simply Love Fabrics on Etsy, although many shops carry Blossom fabrics! The Blossom colors I used here are: Fuchsia, Wisteria, Cayenne, Peony, Aqua, Bleached Denim, Green Smoothie, Celery, Peaches and Cream, Honey, and Beach.

Since I was in a hurry to get this done, I ended up using a sheet I had on hand for the backing. The stripe was a great fit! Then I sent it to Kelli of Simply MackBeth for quilting, with a double clamshell quilting design on a small scale.

This is my 4th Popsicle Parade Quilt! Yes, I’m counting the one I had to re-do with the right background 😉 because I had to redo all the curves. If you haven’t sewn curves before, this is a really simple way to start: the curves are a good starter size with a few smaller ones thrown in if you are up to the challenge! I do recommend some experience with curves before starting, though, since it’s nice to have those seams match up.

Popsicle Parade is available in my shop and includes instructions for a Baby, Throw, and Twin size quilt.

Popsicle Parade Quilt Pattern