Gypsy Caravan Snowball Quilt (#34)

Rustic chic doesn't get any better than a snowball quilt made with Amy Butler's Gypsy Caravan and real linen.

Linen is so organic & soft after washing, and as always, Gypsy Caravan doesn't disappoint. Amy Butler's patterns & colors harmonize next to each other and the linen adds a natural element.

There are lots of tips for sewing garments with linen but not many on how to make a quilt with it.  The biggest caution seems to be a concern with the linen edges unraveling when using a 1/4" seam.  Internet advice suggests that sewing with a larger 1/2" seam is a safer option. 

Good advice but this was not possible if I wanted my corners to fit into the 'snowball' and not make a distorted block.

 A scant 1/4"  was my only choice.  I pressed my seams open and quilted on them in a grid pattern, as well as through the middle of the snowball using a medium broken zigzag  stitch.  That way, any stray or loose linen edges are sewn down on the inside - and the seam is really secure.

 I did pre-wash in hot water & dry the linen on hot a few times to maximize shrinkage (which was a few inches). This really did tighten up the fabric weave (which was a good thing). Between starch and ironing, the linen did become 'shiny' - but in the end everything looked great after washing.

 If you are nervous about how the linen will look in it's final stage - iron and starch a decent sized scrap piece.  Throw it in with your hot washes a few times.  Afterwards you will see that you really can't ruin this natural fiber and be able to sew with confidence. 

The most time/labor portion of this quilt seemed to be in the ironing. Fabric for 528 corners and 132 snowballs needed to be starched/cut/sewn - and ironed again - but the Accuquilt die was fun and the cutting part went quickly. 

The end goal was not to make this look like beautiful pressed linen bedding - but a textured quilt worthy of a 'very cool & fancy gypsy caravan."

Materials:
Amy Butler / Gypsy Caravan
Natural Linen IL090 from Fabric-Store.com
Warm & White twin sized batting
Aurifil 50wt. Light Sand 2000 for piecing & quilting
Accuquilt Snowball die
Faultless Starch (lots)

Size:  71"x 83"
February 2015