Patterns, patchworks and projects
These pretty reverse applique circles remind me of Spring. That’s a good thing since I had to turn the heat back on today. Yep, another cool snap. Lindsay of Lindsay Sews shows you how to create these shapes, saying it’s not as hard as you might think. Get the know-how.
Image credit: Lindsay Sews
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.
Applique has always been my favorite part of quilting since I learned it many years ago. Yet, I still have never tried reverse applique. It is on the to do list of the many items the ladies and I want to accomplish over the next year. After searching this site many times, I can never seem to locate an actual link to your blog site; am I missing something or just being totally blind? Whenever I come across one of your posts in Craftgossip, I immediately come and start reading. Of course, there is never enough time in one sit down time at the computer to look and read all of your links, but each one I do read are always interesting and I also end up “pinning” most of your posts also. Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful creative day!
Hi Brenda,
It’s always nice hearing from you. Thanks so much for the kind words. My sub-blog, Quilting, is part of the larger Craft Gossip network. But you can come directly to it, just click here, http://quilting.craftgossip.com/, and plz bookmark me! 🙂
Warmest wishes,
Scarlett