Florentina Quilts Pattern by Valori Wells

Designer: Valori Wells
Publisher: Stitchin' Post Publications
Type: Printed Pattern
Skill Level: Confident Beginner 
Techniques Used: Conventional piecing, applique
Skills Needed: Straight seams, bias edges, small pieces, circular appliqué, quilt layout

Download Spheres circle templates here.

Florentina Quilts is a collection of three quilt patterns that Valori Wells originally designed for her Florentina fabric collection. This collection of quilt designs were created to showcase large scale and floral prints. "Spheres" features appliqued circles on a solid background, set in a grid layout. "Florentina" is a strip quilt setting with a border of flying geese. "Bittersweet" is a take-off on a medallion quilts, with sawtooth borders as divisions between the floral fabrics.

Includes Instructions for Three Quilts:
Spheres - finished size 38” x 38”
Bittersweet - finished size 72” x 72”
Florentina - finished size 64” x 74”

Spheres has large circles that feature different areas of the paisley print. By placing them on a background of the same color the outline quilting from the circle was continued through the background. The dogwood fabric for the sashing was cut lengthwise to take advantage of the subtle strip design. All of the circles are appliquéd using a simple blind hemming technique.

Bittersweet - Three print fabrics are combined in this medallion quilt each with the same background color. The center medallion was cut on the bias to capture the linear effect of the large print. Red orange was chosen as an accent color for the sawtooth border dividers. Without a strong color here the design would die. If you wish to make the quilt a queen size add another border repeating the center fabric and then finish it with the sawtooth border.

Florentina was inspired by the antique chintz strip quilts seen in the late 1800’s. By slicing the large floral vine print and inserting the paisley you get a continuous design flowing across the quilt. The clear pastel prints and solids echo the colors in the prints.