Whenever a new quilter finishes their blocks for their first quilt, it’s a real eye opener to see the different layouts that can be achieved.  A whole new world of creative fun is opened up for the quilter’s pleasure.  Finding circles and curves in quilts (that aren’t really circles at all…. just an illusion!) is another eye opener.  A new trick learned.  But this trick can’t just be stored away.  Once it’s been discovered, it just has to be explored!

Rings & Things comes in two sizes, full and queen.  “Circles” made from angled lines surround stars.  Extra stars also appear between the cirles. The two different shades of purple add more interest to an already visually pleasing quilt.

Bargello Circles is an eye catcher.  Using circle fabrics repeats the bargello circle theme.  The rectangles that are strategically placed in the center area are given a little more interest by using striped fabric for some of them. 

Illusions is just what all these quilts are about.  When you are not looking for the straight lines, but standing back and looking at these quilts as a whole, the “circles” really stand out.  Pictured here in reds and greens this makes a perfect winter holiday quilt.   Replace the reds with pinks, use a softer green and you will have a garden looking quilt.

Offset Log Cabin blocks and sashing are used to create the circular illusion in Prarie Night Starburst.  This quilt looks complicated but it is mostly strip piecing so it is fairly easy to put together. 

Isosceles 12421 looks like there are curves everywhere…. it really keeps your eyes moving around… and around!

Did you see any you like?  Go ahead, try a circular themed quilts and still use your rotary cutter and ruler.  Have fun!

Who says you can’t make an interesting quilt with just squares and rectangles?  So many quilts use angle cuts to add motion and interest and design but as you can see from these examples, by using just squares and rectangles, you can make some pretty fantastic quilts.

The placement of the light and dark fabrics in the Thirty Something quilt makes it look like it is pulsating.   This pattern is perfect for stash reducing or maybe you have a fat quarter bundle that you’ve been wanting to use.

Double Takes I has one pattern in two sizes.  Use layer cake squares for the larger quilt and charm squares for the little quilt.

Scrap Therapy Square Deal Quilt will work to reduce your scraps but don’t overlook getting fabric specifically for this pattern.  This pattern would really shine with the right batiks.

Can’t get any easier than Easy As 10…11…12!  Three fast, fun, and easy quilts.  One is fat eighth friendly, one is layer cake friendly and one is jelly roll friendly. 

If you are looking for a bigger impact, and aren’t afraid of a lot of pieces, here are a couple patterns you might want to try.

Reminiscent of a Trip Around the World quilt, Day Trip uses squares from 2 1/2″ strips to give the look of diamonds.   Lots of pieces but it will go together quicker than you think.

Little Sister Quilt is patterned after an antique quilt.  Simple nine patch blocks are placed in diagonal rows by color.  In the sample shown here, Sandy Klop chose to use different fabrics within the unusual border to make the quilt look more like an antique.

That was just a sampling of the quilt patterns available that use straight line pieces.  Don’t be afraid to be square!

Have you ever made a quilt with lilies?  With slender graceful lines and pure colors, they certainly add beauty to your projects.

Calla Lilies, with a stained glass look, seem to bloom right out of this wallhanging.  From Designs by Edna, fusible web and fusible bias tape are used with Edna’s clear instructions, including a numbering system for laying out the bias tape.

These Lovely Lilies are usually seen in large clusters along the country roads or in wide borders and the splash of color is beautiful. Surrounded by a pieced border this single stem boldly shines on its own.

Cottage Lily combines machine applique lily blocks with chain blocks.  I like the way the fabric choice for the chain blocks allows them to fade to the background and softly surround the flowers. 

Beautiful as a baptism or christening quilt this Whole Cloth Quilt features lilies of the valley and calla lilies.  One of the swags can be substituted with the baby name and a date.  This quilt is sure to become a family treasure.

Lilies in the Field is made entirely from piecing – not one bit of applique.  Lily blocks alternate with a modified Double Irish Chain.   Instructions are included for a bed size (74″ x 98″), a lap size (50″ x 74″) and a tablerunner (20″ x 44″).

And . . . just for fun . . . Your Pad or Mine?  with two flirting frogs each on their own lily pad.  A third lily pad floats nearby.  Constructed with paper piecing.

Birdhouses are a popular addition to many quilts.  Whether made by piecing, paper piecing or applique, they add a special something.  It’s fun to play with different fabrics for the houses and roofs.  Stripes and plaids look great.  Then you can add some more texture and interest with your quilting… parallel lines for boards on the walls, angles lines or scallops for the roof.

The Birdhouse Welcome wallhanging pattern can be made from  charm squares or you can raid your scrap bin.  Full size letter templates are included – you choose the applique method.  Finished size is 12″ by 28″. 

Spring Row Quilt is shown here in just a few colors, but with eleven birdhouses and lots of flowers and vines you could have so much fun playing with color and fabric. 

This is SO CUTE!!!  And just in time for Easter, too.  Quick Cozy Quilts series are patterns for three individual wallhangings.  Make just one or all three.  Each looks great on its own but are designed to look well together, also.

Love Grows… wall hanging features piecework and fusible applique.  Mary Kerr of Just My Imagination has written clear, easy-to-follow instructions.  The 16″ x 17″ wallhanging is embellished with ribbon (for the ivy) and yoyo flowers.

Kathy Sabatino designed these placemats and tablerunner with birdhouse duplexes… fully occupied; no vacancies In The Neighborhood.  The table runner has a birdhouse at each end and the middle has been left empty for a centerpiece.

Lovebird Lane Block of the Month is one of my favorites.  It’s so bright and cheerful. Each birdhouse has its own personality.  The border really completes the beautiful, romantic look of the quilt.

Periwinkle Lane Block 5 is another one of my favorites.  Of course, I like all the Periwinkle Lane blocks.  They are so colorful, fun to make, and the embroidery is just the right accent for the crayons.

Oops… gotta go. All this talk of birdhouses reminded me… I have to go put out seed for the birds!

Spingtime means rain and rainbows.  While you are stuck inside waiting for the rainbows to appear, here’s a few patterns to keep you busy.

Grab some bright colorful charm squares and create this beautiful Rainbow Garden.   This pattern uses simple applique and no curved piecing.  What a cheerful quilt to decorate a little girl’s bedroom. 

Bold fabric colors are showcased in Rainbow Crystals tablerunner and placemats.  There is no paper piecing or templates, just stack, slice and mix.  A great hostess gift and no two will be the same.

Hannah’s Rainbow quilt pattern is fat quarter friendly.  Moda Marbles, tone on tones, or very small print fabrics that read as solids work best.  The more different fabrics you use the more seamless the color transition will be. The rainbow binding really adds to the look.

Noah’s Big Job is an adorable wallhanghing that captures Noah as he prepares for the big rain.  Pair of animals are tucked in his pouch, he has a list in one hand and bird’s nest in the other.  Instructions are included for the rainbow sign and the wooden birds.

Rain, Rain Go Away is the April block from Indygo Junction’s Once Upon A Time… In The Country quilt.  It works as a small wallhanging all by itself.  I remember the next line of the saying as “Come again another day” – I like that it hasn’t been added – we wouldn’t mean it anyway!

Rainy Days by Bonnie Kaster will make you glad you are sewing and quilting instead of outside in the rain wrestling with your umbrella.   The silhouette applique shapes can be done by hand or machine.  You can almost feel the wind!

Pinwheel blocks are one of those fun blocks.  You know the kind…. you have to smile when you look at the finished block.  They are just fun!   Although they can also be frustrating when you don’t remember that they can spin two different ways…. you have to pay attention!  Here’s a few quilt patterns that use pinwheel blocks.

30′s Bunnies is a paper foundation pieced pattern by MH Design designed for small scale reproduction fabrics.  The quilt has a smattering of pinwheels and the bunnies come to life with their button eyes and embroidery floss whiskers.   ’tis the season!

Patriotic Pinwheels would make a great picnic table cloth for the 4th of July.  If you aren’t too messy, you could then spread it out so you can lay on it to watch the fireworks.  The smaller version is crib size.  Strip piecing techniques are used so this quilt will go together rather quickly.

Adding pinwheels to any quilt adds motion but the placement of the rail fence type blocks in this patterns seems to really emphasize the motion.  Spinners Pattern has intructions for two different sized table runners and matching placemats.

Picnic Pinwheels also has a great deal of extra motion going on.  I’ve seen this pattern done with a white background and it looks great that way too – the pinwheels seem to float around.

Go ahead and have some fun.  Make some pinwheels!