To see online and in-person workshops, taught by Patricia, that are open for registration +click here
By Patricia Belyea
My first foray into Modern Medallions was a Matchstick Medallion Block for my Love On Fire quilt. Being square, it was easy to add more blocks around the medaliion.
My first consideration was the number of segments in my medallion block. After sketching out a few options, I chose an 8-segment configuration due to the shapes of the pieces.
I dove into making matchsticks, inserting them into the blue background fabric, and cutting out everything with a freezer paper pattern. As the medallion block came together, it was like magic. Presto! A medallion with skinny matchsticks!
I used a similar technique to create my Summertime Medallion Block— by sewing together stripes of hot pink and white, and making a pattern for the medallion.
The pinwheels that surround my circus-tent-style medallion were also made using my Modern Medallion technique. As I made them, I realized they were really just four blocks made with triangles in alternating colors! Ha!
For my next Modern Medallion, I made my Genesis Medallion Block. The centerpiece is a jagged circular shape.
And each segment is filled with a different set of crossed lines.
I’m pretty excited about Modern Medallions. Although I’m known an innovative quilter who teaches curved piecing techniques, it's always fun to try something new!
# # # # #
ABOUT US: Okan Arts, a petite family business, is co-owned by mother-daughter duo Patricia Belyea and Victoria Stone. Patricia and Victoria sell Japanese textiles online, host creative quilting experiences, and lead quilting & textile tours to Japan.
