Gem Stones Instant Quilt!

A Million Flowers throw-sized quilt, 50" x 50"
featuring Gem Stones Bright Rosettes by Gerri Robinson (Planted Seeds Designs)
for Riley Blake Designs

I have been fascinated with millefiori-style quilts, but have not had the desire to spend that kind of time hand-piecing or applique'ing each tiny little segment together.  This panel is the perfect solution! 

Gem Stones Bright Rosette Panel by Gerri Robinson for Riley Blake Designs

Colorful, beautiful designs on a black, gray, or white background - so striking!  

Each panel is printed in an approximate 38" square.  I trimmed the center block to a 36" square, just inside the little stitch path printed on the panel.  Then, as a sort-of experiment, I wanted to set the panel "en pointe", turning it 45 degrees, which grew the size of the quilt to around 50" square.  

By the way, if you ever want to determine how wide any quilt block would be, set on the diagonal, here's the math formula:

(Finished Size of Block x 1.414)

I took a second panel and squared it, cutting it 36-3/4" square, a little extra to allow for seam allowances.  I cut it just outside the marked stitch path, and those marks will get enclosed in the seam allowance.

Then I quartered it for the setting corners.  

I laid it out with each quartered panel opposite from the same design in the center panel, and it looked awesome!  

But since there would be seamlines, I decided to accentuate that with a little flange.  I used 1-inch strips, cut from Gerri's Gem Stones Brights in Bahama Blue, an ombre' fabric.  Wow, I need to get my hands on more of these lovelies!!

1-inch strips make a 1/4-inch flange.  Just press in half and baste a strip along each side of the center panel before adding the next border.

I really like how it's turning out!  So far, so good!!  That little ombre' flange is chasing the light around the center from dark to light.  It's subtle, but sweet. 

I debated whether or not to add an outer border.  When I cut the panel into quarters, all the outer edges of the quilt are on the bias.  I starched those edges to death, though, and it really trimmed up nice and square. Quilting and binding will also stabilize it.  What do you think?  Border or no border?

UPDATE:  Here she is, all quilted!  Another "Instant Quilt!"  😍  

Love these fabrics, both the Gem Stones Rosette panels and the Gem Stones Brights!  Those also come in neutrals.  I'm sure I need more of these in my life!  

As a side note, Gerri, the designer, @plantedseeddesigns is recovering from a tough bout of Covid and is thankfully on the mend!  Can't wait to see what she designs next.

Find these panels and fabrics at your favorite local and online quilt shops!

Happy Quilting!

See Gerri's fun quilts made with these panels: @plantedseeddesigns
And more projects here: plantedseeddesigns.com

And more inspiration here:  Shankari @SewlSister