Nordic Gnome - The Cover Quilt
The Nordic Gnome quilt pattern is now available in my shop!
I am SO excited to finally share Nordic Gnome - the full quilt pattern!
As some of you might know, this pattern got its start about a year ago when I designed it for the Quiltmas 2021 QAL. As soon as I finished up the design and sewed the very first block, I was in love.
Soon after sharing the block as part of the QAL, I got lots of questions on whether or not it'd become a pattern so I began to plan and scheme. Finally, I added it on the schedule for July, because who doesn't love a little Christmas in July?
Picking Fabric
For the cover, I knew I wanted to use solids fabrics, and I knew I didn't want traditional Christmas colors. First was the background fabric decision. Since white is used for the beard, I felt it would be a little weird to also have a white background. Plus, I thought it might be confusing when comparing the fabric requirements to the cover quilt if she cover quilt used white for both the background and the beard. After some thought, I went with my favorite blue solid - Bleached Denim!
I used the FQ friendly fabric requirements so I knew I needed 10 different colors next. The final selection still leans a little into holiday colors, but isn't in-your-face about it. I also choose to coordinate the colors to there are 5 pairs of lighter/darker fabric in blues, greens, grays, purples, and reds for the total 10 I needed.
Nordic Gnome Pattern
Since making the block for Quiltmas last year, to working on this, I completely forgot how much fun it's actually to make these little guys! There are each tradionally pieced and while there are some small pieces, it's all very easy and fast to sew.
The pattern includes some templates to cut the triangle pieces in/around the hat and beard portions, but you can also use a 60º triangle ruler if you have one. There are tips and notes within the pattern on how to use one.
The pattern also includes two fabric options: FQs and 10" Squares for a scrappy look, plus two sizes: table runner and throw.
Long Arm Quilting
Before I even started this, I knew I wanted to have this little cutie long arm quilted. I sent it to the wonderful Katie and Modern Textiles and together we decided on the Diamonds Loops panto. I love how it leans into the angles within the Gnomes while also adding some movement through the loops in the design.
Katie used a light blue thread that matches the background fabric and I love, love how it looks!
Backing and Binding
For the backing, I knew I wanted something that would pop. Since there's plenty of blue in the front between the background and the blue gnomes, I went a Fuchsia color to tie in with the fuchsia from some of the other Gnomes.
I decided to bring another pop of color with the binding. I choose Azure which is used in the Gnomes. It coordinates with the background fabric but it's much brighter so it pops and it fully contrasts with the backing.
I loved the set up I did with all my little Gnomies that I had to jump into the picture - I don't usually (ever) get in front of the camera, but I quite like this one :]
Quilt Information
Quilt Pattern: Nordic Gnome by Cotton and Joy
Fabric: Confetti Cottons Solids in Hunter, Basil, Fuchsia, Violet, Barn Red, Tomato, Iron, Gray, Azure, and Aqua, White (beard), Peaches N' Cream (nose), and Bleached Denim (Background).
Backing: Shades in Fuchsia, Riley Blake Designs.
Binding: Confetti Cottons Solids in Azure.
Pieced on my Janome 9450
Quilted by: Katie Hanson of Modern Textiles
Panto Used: Diamond Loops