Trend: Korean patchwork, see some at the MET

Like me, Simply Robin has a thing for Pojagi (Korean patchwork). Go to her blog and scroll down to see two pieces she made plus find out where she learned the technique.

Be inspired by the real thing. If you are in New York anytime now through December 11th, don’t miss this special exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art that includes Korean patchwork textiles.

Arts of Korea/Patchwork Textiles
August 23, 2011 – December 11, 2011
On view will be highlights from the Museum’s Korean collection, including ceramics, metalwork, lacquer, and sculpture, dating from about the fourth century B.C. to 2008. Notable masterpieces will include a mid-seventh-century gilt-bronze Pensive Bodhisattva; late thirteenth-century inlaid celadon Maebyeong with Cranes and Clouds; and an eighteenth-century porcelain Moon Jar. In addition, on the south side of the gallery will be an innovative installation of patchwork textiles from Korea (jogakbo) and other cultures drawn from the Met’s collections.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street
New York, NY 10028
212-535-7710
www.metmuseum.org

Image via Jogakbo: Korean Patchwork on Facebook.

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Some fabric collections feel pretty, some feel useful, and then there are those rare ones that instantly spark a dozen ideas the moment you see them. The In the Garden Layer Cake from Fat Quarter Shop falls firmly into that last category. From the moment I opened the pack, it felt like stepping into a watercolor garden—soft, romantic, full of movement, and brimming with detail that invites you to slow down and really look.

This collection brings together an elegant mix of florals, garden motifs, and soothing color palettes that feel like they were created for spring quilting. Instead of loud novelty prints, the designer chose a gentle balance of botanical sketches, scattered blossoms, tiny seed patterns, and larger feature florals that work beautifully in both traditional and modern layouts.

What struck me most is how thoughtfully the color stories are arranged. Each print blends seamlessly into the next, giving you a spectrum that includes soft rose pinks, leafy greens, lavender tones, fresh sky blues, rich corals, and delicate neutrals. It’s the kind of palette that instantly feels “quilty” in the best way—inviting, calm, and incredibly easy to mix and match. You can tell the designer planned this for maximum versatility.

Layer cakes are one of the most beginner-friendly precuts, but this collection elevates them with a sense of sophistication. The prints are strong enough to shine in simple patterns, but subtle enough to support more complex designs. Whether you prefer classic half-square triangles, framed squares, modern grid quilts, or something scrappier, this fabric adapts beautifully. It’s also a wonderful choice for table runners, spring wall hangings, and even quilted bags or home décor projects.

One of the nicest surprises with this layer cake is how it manages to feel seasonal without becoming locked into one particular holiday or theme. While the palette is undeniably perfect for spring, the prints themselves are timeless enough to work year-round. A floral quilt made from this collection would look just as lovely on a summer sunroom sofa as it would draped over a guest bed in winter.

The fabric quality is exactly what you’d expect from Fat Quarter Shop—crisp, clean cuts, vibrant printing, and a smooth hand that makes piecing feel effortless. Nothing is too thin or too stiff, and the colors are even more beautiful in person than they appear online.

If you enjoy sewing projects that feel light, fresh, and inspired by nature, In the Garden is a collection worth adding to your stash. It has all the qualities quilters look for: balance, versatility, gentle movement, and that spark of creativity that makes you want to start a project immediately. Whether you’re planning a gift quilt, treating yourself to a new spring project, or simply building your fabric library with a set of prints that will play nicely with others, this layer cake is a thoughtful and inspiring choice.

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