I remember the first time I saw a Bargello quilt.  All the motion just stopped me dead in my tracks.  I’ve yet to make one (all those pieces!) but this might be the pattern that get’s me to finally do it. 

I Used To Be A Layer Cake is so named because it just takes one layer cake (you know, those 10″ precut packs of fabric) to make any one of three Bargello designs, each measuring 41″ x 57″.  That’s a nice sized lap quilt.  If you want a larger bed sized quilt, just make 2 or 4 identical quilts and stitch them together. 

Most bargello quits do the wavy thing, but they do it in an orderly manner.  This pattern has so much more freedom to the design.  It rather looks like a flag waving in the breeze.  The variation in the curves gives it even more movement that a regular bargello design. 

Version 1, done in solids, has a bold look.  The small prints in Version 2 give a more blended, smooth look to all the curves.  All the white in between the colors in Version 3 makes the colors look as if they are floating.  The thin lines try to tame the look of the quilt, but it just can’t be done!

With all the options, this pattern will keep you busy for a long time, but you might also want to check out Nancy Altsman’s other bargello quilt, Jelly Bargelly, that she also designed for Black Cat Creations.  This one is made entirely from jelly roll strips.

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