Philomena was inspired by my love of 1830’s-1840’s fabrics, particularly those containing birds and flowers which can be used in so many ways within quilts. In 2023 I was lucky enough to find three fabrics dating back to this period with birds, flowers and baskets. Straight away I knew this was the start of a new fabric collection.
The main print in the line consists of 7 different baskets each containing a unique floral arrangement with birds. This print can be used as a panel for the centre of a quilt but each of the baskets can be cut as a stand-alone block within a quilt. For lovers of Broderie Perse the fabric can be cut further into individual flowers and birds and then rearranged to create a new design for appliqué onto one of the matching background fabrics within the line.
The secondary print is a reproduction of an antique bird and floral toile. This print has been enhanced with the inclusion of two elegant birds with beautiful lacey tails. This print is available in a red and cream toile as well as a subtle, multicoloured print. A wonderful fabric for use cut up within a quilt, but also stunning used as a wholecloth quilt or as a backing creating a double-sided beauty.
The border in this collection is divine!! Originally beautiful in the 1830s as a red and white toile, this design has been totally enhanced with colour. It consists of 2 separate borders which can either be used as a whole, wider border or cut and used as 2 individual borders depending on the project. The flowers and leaves in this print can also be used in Broderie Perse. This is a really beautiful print that I cannot wait to include in my future quilts.
Philomena also includes my must have serpentine print that I include in all my lines. The serpentine in this line offers 2 different repeating serpentine borders across the width of the fabric which greatly increases the usability and versatility of the print. Serpentine stripes make great narrow borders but also cut up beautifully to create movement within a quilt. The amazing effects that can be obtained with fussy cutting these prints are limited by your imagination and are fun to create.
There are 11 different skus in Philomena and 20 overall prints. Apart from the prints already mentioned, the collection also includes a diagonal ombre stripe, a quirky swirls print as well as a more regal swirl print both which will add movement and colour to a quilt. The background print is textured and available in 3 colourways to match the main 2 prints. Philomena is rounded off by a tossed calico print and 2 further tone-on-tone designs.
Philomena is a classic reproduction collection, and I cannot wait to use it in my quilts.
Click here to purchase Philomena Stars pattern.
Click here to purchase Ingrid's Medallion pattern
