A Gem for Every Month: The Birthstone Series

A Gem for Every Month: The Birthstone SeriesIt was a challenge bringing 12 birthstone block patterns to market, but MJ Kinman loved every step of the way. She loved finding the gems that inspired each design. She loved charting out the design and the colors so that the gems sparkled with the fewest amount of facets. This was important to her, because she wanted to be sure that the blocks were not overwhelming to makers and did not have so many fabrics that they broke the budget. She knows that small pieces are hard to manage for people with dexterity issues. “I have some arthritis in my hands, so working with tiny pieces isn’t fun. I wanted my blocks to be a joy to put together. I wanted the pieces to be manageable for all makers.”

A Gem for Every Month: The Birthstone SeriesSewing enthusiasts are getting creative with the Birthstone Series. Not only are they creating “Jewel Box” quilts with all 12 blocks, they are making smaller quilts that celebrate the birthday month of each family member. Some enthusiasts are even making mini-quilts with gemstones to celebrate a wedding engagement or the arrival of a new baby. The most surprising development of all – the one that absolutely delights MJ – is that some makers are swapping the fabrics between blocks, creating entirely new gems in gorgeous colors. MJ says, “I’m amazed at the ways people are putting their own creative twist on these patterns.”

A Gem for Every Month: The Birthstone SeriesAs she was designing blocks, MJ fell in love with Paintbrush Studio Fabrics’ line of solids, Painter’s Palette. Together they have packaged little Birthstone Bundles, fat-quarter bundles for each gemstone. (www.pbsfabrics.com) However, MJ wanted to make her blocks accessible as possible, so she has translated the birthstone colors into additional lines of solid fabrics. To find the color translations for Kona Cotton, Michael Miller Cotton Couture, and Hoffman’s 1895 Bali Batiks, visit http://www.mjkinman.com/birthstones/resources/. Scroll down to “Fabric Translations” and click on the documents you’ll find there.

A Gem for Every Month: The Birthstone SeriesYou can find MJ’s Birthstone Series patterns at your local independent quilt shop, on your favorite online retailer’s site, or at MJ’s website at www.mjkinman.com/patterns.

 

Image of MJ Kinman MJ Kinman’s Gems of Wisdom . . .

Recommendation: I use SCHMETZ Microtex needles to piece my hand-dyed cotton sateen fabrics. I love the way they glide through the fabric and result in perfect stitches.

Tip: Change your needle every 5 hours of stitching or at least with every new project. Your machine, your quilts, and your blood pressure will love you for it!

 SCHMETZ Chrome Microtex Needle     SCSHMETZ Microtex Needle

 

MJ Kinman – Textile Artist