Kathy’s Ramble
Posted on May 12, 2021 by prairiemoonquilts in My Patterns, Quilts, What's NewWere you aware that the simple patchwork pinwheel block has many names? One of those names is “Kathy’s Ramble”.
When I designed the Arrow Rock Sampler quilts, I included this block in the quilt in honor of Kathy Borgman, who runs Borgman’s Bed & Breakfast in the Village of Arrow Rock. It’s where I’ve stayed every year during the Arrow Rock Quilt Camp.
I can’t even begin to say enough good things about Kathy. I just love her! Every year during Camp, she let me have a full HALF of the upstairs of her house all to myself. And let me turn it into a sewing studio for the week!
And there is a resident cat, Mr. Fancy Pants — I fell instantly in love with him (big surprise there, huh?). When we would sit on the porch to stitch, he would help me with my thread!
And the breakfast! Bacon and eggs, rhubarb, homemade granola, and . . . her famous homemade cinnamon rolls. And coffee I didn’t have to make for myself! I was completely spoiled the entire week, and it has always made Quilt Camp seem like a vacation for me.
Kathy is very knowledgeable about the history of the Village of Arrow Rock, and gives tours and is very active in the community. The first year I was at Camp, she gave us a tour of Prairie Park. She’s like a walking history book.
So you can see why I had to include her in the Arrow Rock Sampler quilts!
And then I decided that I’d really like to make an entire quilt of Kathy’s Ramble blocks. You know, to use up scraps. So I decided that I would make one, and I would make it for Kathy. It’s always more fun to make a quilt for someone who appreciates quilts and would love it. And Kathy has been such a big part of my Quilt Camp experience every year — so I set out to do it.
I had a lot of leftover shirtings in my stash (from what, I have no idea), so I chose those to be my backgrounds:
Then I pulled an assortment of dark and medium/dark fabrics to use for the contrasting bits. I used burgundies, dusty pinks, olive greens, browns, navies, blues, and golds. A lot of the fabrics I chose were from a Laundry Basket Quilts layer cake, also leftover, and also I’m not sure from what! (I have way too much fabric!)
For my pinwheels, I used partially some Cake Mix Recipe #3 papers to make the triangle squares (because they use layer cake squares), and partially THIS method. Because I needed 1,920 triangle squares! Have I ever mentioned that I love big quilts??
I mainly used this project as a leader/ender project for other things I was working on, and I slowly amassed a pile of pinwheel blocks. First, I sewed them all into pairs:
Then I started sewing them together into bigger and bigger sections, and it was finally finished!
This quilt is very dizzying to look at, especially when you back off and take it as a whole.
It’s also very interesting to look at up close to see all the different fabrics in it!
I found this wonderful wide backing in a shirting print from Missouri Star Quilt Company (which is now no longer available, so I’m glad I got it when I did). I thought it was perfect for the backing.
I quilted it with a small all-over meander, and used a burgundy print from my stash for the binding.
And then I took it to Quilt Camp with me last week and gave it to Kathy!
It was good to get to visit with her, since I wasn’t getting to stay this time. She invited me back for Friday breakfast, and we had our pictures taken with the quilt (thanks to Pam). And Mr. Fancy Pants is still in residence!
If you took part in the Arrow Rock Sampler BOM program last year, then you have the pattern for this quilt (if you did Option 4), or the block pattern for this quilt (if you did the other options), so you, too, can make a quilt like this.
If you weren’t a participant in the Arrow Rock Sampler program, and want the Kathy’s Ramble pattern, it’s available in my Etsy shop in both a print and a PDF version. While I don’t feel that you necessarily need a pattern to make a basic pinwheel quilt, the pattern does have a few tips and some helpful info for making this quilt, in whatever size you want, and I’ve kept the price really low. Click HERE to get the pattern. (The Arrow Rock Sampler pattern is also still available there, and the new BOM is ready now, and starts May 15th, if you want in on that!)
If you want to make your Kathy’s Ramble quilt using larger pinwheels, I have a free pattern for a pinwheel quilt HERE.
And if you’ve read this far, I’ve got one more thing . . .
Making this quilt is a lot easier and more accurate if you have a Bloc-Loc ruler to use for trimming the triangle squares, so I’m giving away a 4 1/2″ Bloc-Loc ruler to one lucky winner. All you have to do for a chance to win it is leave a comment on this post, and I’ll draw for a winner sometime next week.
UPDATE: The winner of the ruler is Candice! Thanks to everyone who played along!
Here are the quilt details:
Quilt Pattern: Kathy’s Ramble (by me)
Finished size: 80″ x 96″
Fabrics: Shirting scraps for backgrounds, dark and medium/dark scraps for block prints
Backing: Collection for a Cause – Compassion Shirting Ivory 108″ Wide Backing
Quilting: Small all-over meander
Thread: Superior OMNI #3004 Cream
Batting: Quilter’s Dream Poly Select
Hmmm…I have wondered if those rulers are as amazing as people say and I DO have a lot of HST in my future. Thank you for the offer.
Wowza! So many pinwheel blocks, but oh so pretty! Kathy sounds like a lovely, lovely person, and how nice that she opens up her home for you to use and share the joy of quilting. What a great quilt, just for her!
I’ve always wanted to make a scrappy pinwheel quilt. This is so amazing!
I love the Bloc_Loc rulers! They are the absolute best! I already have one in the size you are giving away, so no need to include my name in the drawing. 🙂
It was so awesome to see you last week. I’m so excited for the new BOM!!! <3
I love pinwheel but the quilt you gifted Kathy is incredible. How sweet that you thought to thank her with such a great gift for being a hostess that goes above and beyond to make you feel at home.
I just love your quilt. I think I’ll have to make one too. Happy seeing😀
The Kathy’s Ramble quilt is smashing Shelly! She is one lucky lady to receive this Beaty from you!!
Beautiful quilt for a lovely friend.
I like half square triangles. Would appreciate trying a Bloc-Loc ruler.
Have wanted to try a bloc- loc ruler. It takes time to square the blocks the other way. Love Arrow Rock.
I love pinwheels……………..spinning still. I did the Arrow Rock sampler last year and am really excited about this year!! Here we go.
Shelly,
Love your quilt!! Simple squares but it turned out so elegant! I think I will start cutting fabric for this and start sewing it this summer. Would make a lovely winter quilt as it gets cold here in Wisconsin!!
the loc blocks are great rulers…… I have a very small one…… so would love to have this one…. thanks
Love the quilt! I already have the 4 1/2 “ bloc loc ruler, so I don’t need another one. 😊
Bloc loc rulers are awesome. Love your quilt. I always love your posts. You’re the best!
Oh wow! That is a lovely quilt. Next to stars, I love pinwheels. Way to go Shelly!
Your quilt is gorgeous, fun to see shirtings being used. I have that block loc so don’t include me in the drawing. But I had to say it is a great ruler for squaring those HST’s up!
I have wanted to try the ruler. Love your quilt!
Wow. So many pinwheels. It’s beautiful
Oh my goodness, your quilt is wonderful! I’ve made a not quite as big quilt top from the broken dishes block which yields a similar look and that Bloc-loc ruler is the ABSOLUTE best!!!!!
What a great quilt! I LOVE pinwheels and this is just brilliant 😀
Wow! That quilt is incredible.
Kathy’s quilt is beautiful! I have a soft spot for scrap quilts and pinwheels! Such a lovely, thoughtful gift!
That’s a beautiful quilt Shelly, as usual. I do love a pinwheel, even though they are a great source of aggravation to me!
OMG! That quilt is absolutely stunning. Love it. I think it would take me a couple of years to do that. Wow!
I have only one word: “WOW!”
That’s a great pinwheel quilt! What a wonderful gift for Kathy.
Beautiful quilt! Pin wheels are one of my favorite blocks.
I love this quilt! Well, done Shelly, I love how you can look at something and just put it together, like a great cook who doesn’t measure! Little of this, little of that!
That’s a lot of pinwheels, Shelly, but a beautiful quilt that is an inspiration! I need to think really hard about this!!! 🙂
Such an amazing quilt. I have never tried the block lol rulers
Some of the simplest patterns can be the most beautiful! What a wonderful gift!
Oh wow that quilt is amazing!! I think I have to make it! I love HSTs but have never even tried one of those rulers so if I win maybe you will convert me lol!!
Beautiful!
I have never made pinwheels before but it is on my bucket list. Your quilt has inspired me to attempt this!
What an amazing quilt! I just love pinwheels! I am curious about this ruler! My next quilt has many HST’s-😳😉😃
Beautiful quilt! I love the using of scraps and a leader and ender; I also love Mr. Fancy Pants! What a gorgeous porch companion. Squaring pinwheels is not very fun.
I was surprised to see Shelly when she walked in my door because I knew she wouldn’t be staying in Arrow Rock this year. But when she told me about Kathy’s Ramble in the Arrow Rock quilt AND then gave it to me….I was flabbergasted! I’m usually not at a loss for words, but I don’t have the words to express my thanks for such a stunning gift! Thank you again Shelly!!
Another amazing quilt. I’m sure Kathy was excited to receive it too. Winner, winner. . .
What a beautiful quilt and great gift I know she will cherish. I have so many scrapsand the pinwheel quilt would be perfect for them. Hope I win so I can try out this ruler. Always love your quilts and patterns.
Beautiful quilt. Arrow Rock looks like a fun place to visit–I have found early ancestors of my husband southwest of there when doing family research.
What a project! It is a lovely quilt and I am sure will be much cherished. I am always looking for simpler ways to make HST, and I have looked at this ruler; it would be fun to try it out if I should win. All your quilts are amazing!
Just beautiful! Kathy really is such great person! We became acquainted with her when we used to participate in the Visiting Artist Program; Ken would demonstrate stained glass on the boardwalk. We have stayed at her B & B; she’s a fantastic hostess! She is an interesting person with so much knowledge about Arrow Rock! She will truly appreciate your quilt!
Love Kathy’s Quilt. You did a fantastic job making it. I’ve wondered about those Bloc-Loc rulers also. Maybe I’ll get lucky and win.
Mr. Fancy Pants is a beautiful cat. Looks a lot like my cat except mines a short hair kitty.
Btw my granddaughter has 4 goats and about 30 chickens. I always stop by to see her animals and take them radish tops, watermelon rinds, and whatever else I think they will eat.
A beautiful quilt! I have never tried the Bloc loc rulers but am retiring May 31st with a goal of sewing strictly from my stash. The ruler looks like something I could use.
I’m sure she was over the moon when you gifted her this amazing quilt. Such an amazing example of tenacity and sticktoitiveness. (I just made that up. Can you tell! ) I love your quilt. I love that you gifted it.
What a great gift!! I love that the HST were made into pinwheels and I plan on using the process for my scrap “store”. Your blog posts are always enjoyable.
Thanks for all you do to keep us motivated, Shelly.
What a lovely gift. Sounds like a lovely lady as a recipient, too! Well done!
I was admiring your pinwheels and thinking it is time to make another pinwheel quilt, but if anything it is the trimming that holds me back. Maybe I need to invest in a Bloc-Loc! I do love pinwheel blocks. That was certainly a large and beautiful gift for a special person you have as a friend who welcomes her home to you. And even shares Mr. Fancy Pants who sensed what an animal person you are!
Wow! I have to say it again…WOW!! What an amazing piece of work! Saw it on IG and wanted to see more, and larger views. With so many blocks and perfect spacing of all those points, it is absolutely stunning (albeit dizzying)… maybe not so much in person. Whether it is or not, it’s quite an achievement.
Thx for the giveaway 🙂
Wow!! It is stunning! All those perfect points…and what a crazy stash you must have 🙂 Your friend must have been blown away. Maybe a bit dizzying, but what an achievement!
What an amazing quilt and gift to have given. Love the fabrics you chose. It really shows how useful the leader/ender method can be. That’s an impressive amount of blocks! Thanks for doing the give-away. I didn’t know there was such a ruler available.
I LOVE the intensity of your quilt!
Love the mix of shirtings and dark fabrics—nothing is better than a scrappy quilt in my opinion. I think the small meandering quilting was a wise choice, also. Amazing finish!
I have seen these rulers but never tried them.
Those shirting look so scrumptious!
I can’t wait to do the BOM quilt. I just learned to sew last August at age 66 with a 60 year old machine I picked up from someone’s porch for $25. Can’t wait!
A wonderful tribute to a fantastic hostess. She is one very lucky friend!! Love quilts, & this one is absolutely stunning!!! BOM samplers is a wonderful way to try a variety of patterns. Inspires me to get back to my quilting!
That quilt is just fabulous and I just might have to add that to my list of quilts as I still have a tote full of scraps left over from mask making last year…you can only make so many house block till you do not want to make another….
this ruler would come in so handy and I will have to get me one…..
hope you have a wonderful week and get a lot done in and out of the sewing room…..
I am in hopes that I can but we will see….lol
I need to sign up and go to a quilt camp in arrow rock one year…..I just love going and walking around arrow rock
This quilt is amazing. It never ceases to amaze me how a simple block can make such a stunning quilt. And your fabric choices are beautiful.