I love the timeless, geometric patterns that quilting blocks give us. I can even slap some fabric together from time to time and make a quilt block or two (don’t check if it’s square, please). But after seeing a recent trend of quilt block jackets made from reclaimed quilts, I itched to try to make something similar. I even went so far as to do so with a bunch of reclaimed material I had from old jeans. That project didn’t pan out (stay tuned for what the pieced jeans turn into…I don’t even know at this point)…
But then a new pattern was released this summer called the Heirloom Quilt Cardigan and I was struck.
It’s funny because I usually avoid projects like this that have a million pieces you end up having to seam together. But I couldn’t resist it. I might even make a blanket out of the quilt block pattern someday. Another perk this pattern has is that its a fabulous way to use up scraps.
All my original blocks started out as random balls of yarn that I didn’t have enough of for a bigger project, or skeins of yarn in my stash that were originally planned for a different project that ended up being abandoned.
Pieces before blocking. I was testing out the color palette…It gives fall vibes with a twist.
Starting to seam together. Of course, I decided I wanted my blocks to be a bit smaller than the original pattern calls for…which means more blocks, more seaming…I brought it on myself. You kind of get into a rhythm with it though after a while, and now I’m pretty decent at a mattress stitch.
Finally soaking! That was a heavy baby when wet!! And dry for that matter. She turned out WARM.
Blocking. The nature of the pattern makes the whole thing rather boxy, and mine ended up wider than long which I’m “eh” about. I would have liked to make it longer too, but its already so heavy I won’t. The original pattern calls to make this whole thing at a DK weight; in retrospect, I’d try doing it with fingering to make it less bulky. I can’t say that I’m in any rush to make this ever again lol. So many seams!
More drying. I thought it was a pretty shot. Obvs will have to make a blanket with this pattern someday.
Inside shot. It’s not the cleanest, but not too bad for my first time with flat colorwork. I don’t love it compared to working in the round, but it’s not a bad skill to have.
Overall shot. Taking pictures to show it all off is hard. Also forgive the nasty winter lighting 
Definitely not a quick knit.
