All this month, we’re sharing more about our 2023 Quilter’s Planner designers. The next designer we’d like to share with you is Cheryl Brickey of Meadowmist Designs, who designed the Tea Leaves Quilt pattern!
Cheryl is a chemical engineer who lives in South Carolina with her husband, two kids, and three cats. She is the author of two books, “Modern Plus Signs Quilts” and “Just One Charm Pack Quilts,” has had her work published in major quilt magazines, and has shown at international quilt shows. Cheryl enjoys all aspects of quilting, especially designing quilt patterns and figuring out quilt math. She created her pattern company, Meadow Mist Designs, to bridge her technical background and love of quilting to deliver beautiful and classic quilt patterns. Cheryl is a long-time Quilter’s Planner designer. She had contributed SEVEN beautiful quilts to us over the years!
Tea Leaves is a fun twist on the classic Bear Claw block that makes the “claws” look like falling leaves. This throw-sized quilt pattern is at a confident beginner level, but has plenty of interest for even the most advanced quilter.
Tell us a little about the fabrics you worked with for your project.
I love Guicy Guice’s (who designs for Andover Fabrics) fabric collections and the unusual color combinations he puts together. Tea Leaves uses his Fabric from the Attic collection which has a beautiful fall look to it.
What was the most fun part of doing this project?
The most fun for me was the design and fabric selection of the quilt. I love how changing the print and background colors gives quilt designs a whole new look.
Would you say you have a distinctive style?
I love strong geometric shapes and usually use a background (my favorite is white) which contrasts with the prints so the design can stand out.
How and when did you start quilting?
I started quilting when my youngest was a little over a year old and was moving from a crib to toddler bed. I decided to make her a quilt and have been hooked ever since.
Where in the world are you located? Can you tell us a bit about how your area inspires your work?
I grew up in New Jersey and now live in South Carolina. I love how close we are to both the mountains and the beaches.
Why did you decide to make this quilt, and can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind it?
I love taking traditional quilt blocks and giving them a little modern twist. I started with design with the bear paw block and played with it until this falling leaf-looking design emerged.
What are your favorite quilting techniques?
I love free motion quilting to add texture and/or highlight areas of the quilt.
What is the one quilting tool you can’t live without?
I love the Bloc-Loc ruler for trimming half square triangles.
What color do you have the most of in your stash? The least?
The color fabric I have the most of is blue, and the color I have the least of is brown.
What type of sewing machine do you use?
I use a domestic Bernina to sew and quilt on.
