Quilt Top Finish – Twisted Butlers

Apparently it’s taking me an average of five years to finish quilts and quilt tops. I started this Twisted Butlers quilt in November 2015, so by the time this top meets up with his bottom, it’s gonna be nearly six years. Talk about a love affair for the ages! I guess it makes sense, as all along this has been a quilt destined for the Sparkles bedroom. Ooh la la! It is a king size, after all!

This original paper-pieced pattern grew from a random, midweek morning brunch Mr. Sparkles and I had in our local neighbourhood. As I sat there crunching my crispy bacon, I absentmindedly stared at the wallpaper on the opposite wall. While the cafe was relatively new, they had either retained, or opted for quite a retro fit out. I snapped this photo, and once home started translating it to my sketchbook. Pretty soon the Twisted Elegance Pattern was born!

Now, the full circle funny story, is that late last year, Mr. Sparkles and I sat down to watch The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix. (If you haven’t seen it, it’s an absolute must watch!) A couple episodes in–and a few martinis just to be thematic, I might add–I shouted at the television like a mad chess player. “Oh my god, that’s the wallpaper!” There in the background on a particularly sensual scene, was the same sea foam green, mod-geometric print telling it’s own story. What a coincidence!

For my Twisted Butlers interpretation of my pattern, I chose to use my vast collection of Parson Gray fabrics designed by David Butler. (< That’s Amy’s husband, a full creative power household!) These aren’t my normal bubblegum-pop colours, but y’all know how I like to mix it up now and again. As I’ve said here before, “I’m an equal opportunity fabric employer.” Plus, the Sparkles bedroom is more earthy metallic stripes, than neon highlighter highways. I managed to make a substantial dent in my stash!

The pattern design allows you to use fabric strips, and if you play with value (lightness and darkness) you can develop a real sense of dimension with this block. However, a rainbow, scrappy-clappy version would probably make my heart sing too! I’m now even imagining these set amongst a more colourful or black background to make them pop. But those points y’all. Paper piecing is great for points, but this block still requires you to line those prickly pears up. Make sure you’re ready for the madness!

I’ve got the backing assembled, which is also a big ol’ mountain of Parson Gray. This quilt top is now about to wind its way on to Mount Vincent Quilts for a custom longarm job. The potential ruler work already has me giddy with excitement! Remember, you can download my free Twisted Elegance Pattern and start making your own (probably smaller) version when you’re ready. I’ll make sure to show off this king-sized beauty again once he’s bound and proudly on my bed!