Saturday, May 22, 2010

Rouenneries by French General

I have been lusting after the Rouenneries range of fabrics ever since they first appeared last autumn, but really couldn't justify the expense at the time. Lately I've noticed that stocks are gradually diminishing, so in a panic, ordered some to have for a project some time in the future. How could I possibly make the best use of these & come up with something different to all the wonderful quilts being created with this fabric?

Cathi at Quilt Obsession has used hers to create gorgeous Drunken Path blocks out of charm packs using the Inklingo system. Doesn't this look delightful?......can't wait to see this grow!

Copyright images used with kind permission, Quilt Obsession

Below is a gorgeous quilt called Madeleine Grown Up by Nicole of Sister's Choice Quilts. Look at all those super star blocks which show off this fabric beautifully. Not content with this, Nicole has started another quilt called Elizabeth which is going to be another stunner!

Copyright image used with kind permission, Sister's Choice Quilts

Copyright image used with kind permission,Sue Daley

The beauty above is the lovely Waterloo quilt designed by Sue Daley . The pattern is available from Sue's online store Patchwork with Busyfingers & is a combination of English paper piecing, applique & embroidery......hmmm......very tempting.

This divine appliqued Fleur de Lis was designed (as well as the whole quilt) by Penny - The Dedicated Appliquist as the centre piece for her beautiful medallion quilt below. I immediately loved this, being French myself & having a weakness for this iconic symbol.

Copyright images used with kind permission,The Dedicated Appliquist

.........and last but certainly not least we have these two beauties created by Ann of Ann's Quilting Journey . Just look at those delightful little baskets above & this beautiful flower garden quilt below. I love the striped fabric Ann has used from the same range for her borders, it sets it off perfectly.

Copyright images used with kind permission, Ann's Quilting Journey

So much inspiration, but this wasn't helping me decide how to use my fabric to try & create something worthy, until last night ...........

This week I received Kaffe Fassett's book, Museum Quilts & whilst perusing it again yesterday evening, was immediately inspired by one particular patchwork constructed with clamshells & made into drapes for a four poster bed (which, by the way is currently on show in the V&A Quilt exhibition in London). So I was thinking that this would be a nice project (all be it long term) to do in various shirtings, then I had that light bulb moment........why not use my Rouenneries fabric?

A Clamshell quilt was another on my wish list for the future. There appears to be more interest developing in this patchwork since I first saw it mentioned by Karen here, who then very kindly directed me to Jossie's blog, who was also working on one. Jossie is planning on starting up a little group to keep everyone inspired & motivated.........so my decision was made for me, need I say more? LOL
I adore this design & am hoping it will work with Rouenneries, watch this space............

Happy stitching!

ps. forgot to mention the new French General range, Rural Jardin & coming soon, Lumiere de Noel.........oh dear, think I need to work lots more overtime!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I wish you all the best using Rouenneries to make clam shells, I think they will look absolutely fabulous. This is a very nice post Gisele and it is nice to see other quilts using the same fabrics. Thank you, Ann ~ Australia

Shirley said...

Hi Gisele,
Wow, such stunning quilts. I know what you mean, that fabric is just beautiful and I have it in my collection too just waiting for the right project. I love the idea of the clamshells. It is very unusual and will be stunning with such beautiful fabric. I think I would be hard pressed to choose any one of those quilts as a favourite. Lovely post.
Shirley.

Daniƫlle said...

What a beautiful fabric it is!! here it is waiting in my drawer to be used in the Scandinavian Christmas pattern together with a few of the Rural Jardin pfffff!!! Lots of happy sewing making the clamshells!!! Daniƫlle

Joan said...

Beautiful collection of fabrics and love quilts to look at . It will be interesting to see what you do with your blocks..

Jossie said...

Wonderful quilts you are showing here.
The Rouenneries will be perfect for your clamshell quilt. And with the help of KF you can't go wrong. His pattern looks great. What technique has he used for his clamshells?

Sandra Henderson said...

My knees are weak. So glad I'm sitting down...(sigh)
SUch beautiful quilts~lovely post, thank you for sharing!!!
These fabrics are so special, that I think your clamshell idea is perfect. Also, they would look so stunning!
I am going to heed your advice and order some of this fabric, as I have not yet. Same here, I've been ooohhhing and ahhing, but need to ACT! :)
Thanks for signing up for my pay it forward! Please email me with your information. XO

Karen said...

Everything is so pretty! Love the clamshells in Kaffe Fassett's book.

Cathi said...

You inspired me to get back at those Drunkard's Path blocks! I cannot wait to see some clam shells done in those gorgeous fabrics.