The Americana Collection
TLDR:
Shop fabric by the yard and ready-made home products on Spoonflower
When I thought about how I wanted my own outdoor space to feel this summer, I wanted something comfortable, nostalgic, and light. And fabrics that are washable and durable were also a priority!
This collection started with hand-drawn elements inspired by vintage mid-century fabric patterns. Then, I created patterns of quilt blocks, interlaying the red, white, and blue fabric patterns to look like they had been quilted together, for a cheater quilt fabric.
I created several quilt-like patterns that are available as fabric by the yard from Spoonflower! You can also order sheets, pillows, tablecloths, napkins, blankets, and so much more through Spoonflower.
The individual fabric prints are also available as fabric by the yard, so you can mix and match fabrics and products that all coordinate!
I ordered two yards of cotton lawn, in both the bow/flag and the bow/wreath fabric patterns. Then I quilted them back-to-back to become a double-sided quilt. I used a blue and white floral for the binding.
I'm not really a quilter (I sew much more apparel), but I did feel like I followed in the footsteps of many women in history who laid out a quilt-in-progress on their dining room table!
Plot twist: The night after I created the first pattern (the bows and flags), I had a dream that I opened a catalog from a certain New England retailer. In my dream, I turned the page and there was a quilt similar to mine, but with lobsters and lighthouses. Well, I woke up and I just had to make that a reality! I believe this is the first time I can say "it came to me in a dream!"
If you aren't a seamstress, not to worry! My trusted printer makes ready-to-use blankets in many sizes.
I ordered four outdoor throw pillows for my deck. Each one has that "cheater quilt" look of either a bow or flag on the front, and one of the coordinating fabric patterns on the back. The pillows have options for sewn shut, removable zippered cover, or cover only (no insert) and come in many sizes.
I love how these products honor the past but also feel fresh. Hello, summer!