Patterns, patchworks and projects
Image from Sewn
Passionate quilter Sarah Fielke of Sewn online shows us how to do free-form curved piecing. She says, Take a walk on the wild side and cut with no templates for an unexpected result. Gulp.
If you are game for an adventure go here for the tutorial.
[tags]quilting, tutorial, freehand, free-form, curves, piecing, technique[/tags]
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.
The tutorial instructs you to use a rotary cutter.
I’ve done a bit of this, and trust me, scissors are much easier for cutting curves.
Michele,
Thanks for the tip! I’ve tried free hand cutting with my rotary cutter one time and I was pleased with the results, but results are bound to be variable doing it this way.
Actually, I thought this was really helpful, and what a rotary cutter ensures is that the curves are gentle, much easier to sew that way. Thanks for the tips!
The thing about the cutter is that using it to cut through the 2 or more layers at the same time, you are cutting EXACTLY MATCHING EDGES and the rest is a breeze. to say nothing over saving the time it would take to cut them individually with scissors! take the tutorial – it is outstanding – thanks Sarah.