Art Deco Tulip- Free Block Pattern

I was driving down our street last week and there it was...cherry blossom, the first sign that spring is definitely on its way! OK the weather is still yucky, but there's a respite from this horrible winter coming our way very soon (YAY!).
To celebrate I wanted to design a fun spring block for the blog, and my first thought was tulips because they scream spring to me, so here's what I came up with, the Art Deco Tulip:

There's already a lot of tulip blocks available so I wanted to design something a little different. The Great Gatsby and the Art Deco era were the inspiration behind this block, and I fell in love with all the designs and fashions of the 1920's and 1930's as I was researching.
The Art Deco movement influenced everything from buildings to furniture and jewelry so why can't it inspire our quilt blocks as well? It represented luxury, glamour and exuberance and was defined by its clean lines, its geometric shapes and bold, bright colours.

"Can't repeat the past?... Why of course you can!" F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

I used the beautiful Arbor Blossom fabrics from Nadra Ridgeway for my blocks. The colours were perfect for a garden of beautiful, bright tulips and these fabrics are gorgeous to work with. 

The blocks are fully paper pieced and my only advice is to make sure you follow the number order of the templates to reduce the bulk of the seams in the centre. I tried a few different ways until I found the order that I think works the best :)

"All the bright precious things fade so fast." F. Scott Fitzgerald- The Great Gatsby

I've designed these blocks in three sizes (4", 6" and 8") so you can use them for a myriad of projects that last a lifetime. I've included a few suggestions in the free pattern but think:

• mini quilts, place mats, mug rugs
• focal blocks for cushions, journal covers or bags
• a sampler block for your quilt
• make multiples for larger quilts or quilt borders 

However you choose to use this block, I'm sure it will bring some spring inspired beauty to your next project.

"There's so much spring in the air- there's so much lazy sweetness in your heart." F. Scott Fitzgerald

The free pattern comes with full sized templates for each of the three block sizes, and written instructions and diagrams to make piecing your blocks quick and easy. I've also included a colouring sheet so you can plan the placement of your colours/fabrics prior to piecing.

They do go together very easily but if you need some help I have tutorials HERE, HERE and HERE with lots of tips, links and resources to help you along the way.

To download and print your free Art Deco Tulip PDF pattern just visit HERE.

I'd love to see what you make with these blocks so email me a picture, tag me in a post or use the #artdecotulip hashtag so I can come over and have a look. 

I hope you enjoy this free pattern. I think its a unique twist on a tulip block and even if spring isn't heading your way, you can save it for later and use it in your future projects.

Happy quilting :)