Wanderer’s Wife Quilt (Gypsy Wife): A Fresh Start with Section One
Sampler quilts aren’t usually my thing, but there’s something different about Jen Kingwell’s Wanderer’s Wife Quilt (also known as Gypsy Wife). I’ve seen the pattern around for years, heard plenty of “it’s a tough one” comments, and knew it was on the todo list. This quilt has an unstructured, free-flowing design that doesn’t feel like a traditional sampler, which is unlike anything I have done before. With thanks to Deb @sewologist in instagram, who organised this sew-along, I’m finally getting started with Section One!
Section One features blocks like hourglass, puss-in-the-corner, pinwheel, and square-in-square. The layout feels less like a sampler and more like an eclectic, cohesive patchwork. I’ve focused on using colours I love, which helps keep each block balanced and interesting without feeling like a chaotic scrappy sampler.
My chosen Palette: Low Volume with a Hint of Colour
It took me a bit to decide on the strip fabrics because I knew I wanted the blocks to stand out. I am going for mostly low-volume fabrics in the strips to give the blocks centre stage, but I’ve also added pops of colour here and there to keep things interesting. I have a feeling the balance will help the quilt come together without overwhelming the eye.
This is my attempt at planning my quilt before I start cutting the strips in canva. If you want to audition fabrics before you cut check out my tutorial with canva.
One of the happy discoveries in Section One has been the Puss-in-the-Corner block. When I saw Deb’s finished Section One, I noticed how a difference in the fabric strip behind the block’s centre could completely change the look and accent the block. So, I decided to use the same fabric in the strip that I used in the block’s centre to see how it shifts the overall look. I’m letting inspiration strike as I go—I have no idea where this will lead, so we’re flying by the seat of our pants on this one!
Tips for Section One
Focus on Flow, Not Perfection: This quilt’s spose to be loose and free, so I’m focusing on how everything flows rather than stressing over the perfect fabric in the perfect placement, I did have some anxiety before making that first cut.
Stick to a Colour Palette You Love: With colours I genuinely enjoy, I can keep each block visually cohesive without the overly scrappy feel that can happen with Jen Kingwell patterns.
Let Inspiration Guide You: This quilt has its own personality, so I’m embracing the process and seeing where each blocks fabric and colours take me. So far, it’s a fun and unpredictable journey!
If you’re the planning type, some blocks are called filler blocks, so a bit of pre-cutting and pre sewing now could save time later.
I may have pre made a few blocks by accident LOL wrong sizes and reading the pattern wrong (finished sizes and raw sizes 🤯🤯) but luckily they will be used later on in the quilt. 🤣🤣🤣 It’s an option if you want to stay ahead, but for now, I’m just enjoying each section as it comes.
With Section One nearly done, I’m excited to keep going—but I’ll have to wait until next month for Deb’s next instructions. I wonder which section we’ll be doing! Part of me hopes we go down, but most other sew-alongs for this quilt I have looked at don’t do that, so we’ll see what Deb decides.
I just saw a poll go out to see if the group wants to skip December... I hope it doesn't but I only have a few projects on the go. We all know how busy Christmas can be.
I’d love to hear about your approach! Unfortunately, my blog doesn’t have comments (something I’ll have to work out), but if you’re on Instagram, you can chat with me there!
Happy Sewing
Kelly
