Summertime is about takin’ it easy, which we’re all about. Easy, though, doesn’t mean boring or uncreative. We’ve picked a batch of quilts that we think strike the balance between fun and fast, creative and “create-able.”

Night on the Town, for example, is incredibly creative—who cuts up a panel quilt? And yet it’s quick and achievable, with striking results.

The simplified design of Garden View, an updated version of a classic Liz Porter quilt, allows the large-scale print of the fabric to do the aesthetic work, rather than elaborate piecing. Easy to make, and stunning!

Stars Aligned is a scaled-down design, involving just two fabrics and basic piecing. The creativity comes from introducing a single, very clever technique for re-cutting blocks.

Hawk Fan is a delightful approach to “simple creativity.” The patchwork is about as simple as it gets—exclusively Half-Square Triangle Units—but going with the color of your favorite sports team, well, that can present some interesting results!

This summer, challenge yourself to be creative within the range of “simple.” Try a quilt that uses one new technique, or limit yourself to two fabrics. Explore novelty prints or test out an unexpected fabric in your binding.

Simplify, get creative, and have a happy summer!

Table of Contents

Projects

• Garden View: A new version of a Liz Porter classic!
• Hawk Fan: Pinwheel units and team pride
• Dates & Drive-Ins: Sew your Bobby Socks off!
• Carnival Ride: A colorful celebration
• Hayday With Hens: Novelty print table runner and placemats
• Passport: Showcase the fabric print
• July Pride: Quilt of Valor® design
• Little Darling: Sweet, girl prints and a classic design
• Love, Laura: Strip-piecing delight!
• Night on the Town: A creative approach to panel quilt
• Lazy Pinwheels: Homespun colors and quick pinwheels
• Summer Break: Simple, creative and fun
• Stars Aligned: Broken Dishes reimagined into stars

Techniques

• Sew Easy: Quick Triangle-Squares
• Sew Easy: Windowing Fusible Appliqué
• Sew Easy: Cutting 60° Diamonds and Pyramids
• Sew Easy: 8-at-a-Time Triangle-Squares

Departments

• From the Fons & Porter staff: The challenge of easy creativity!
• A Giving Quilt: Explore a cause near and dear to us—Quilts of Valor®