Amethyst, the regal purple variety of quartz, has captivated humanity for millennia. As February's modern birthstone, its rich violet hues are associated with tranquility, clarity, and spiritual wisdom. While its gemological and historical significance is well-documented in geological and cultural archives, a unique and contemporary expression of this gemstone emerges in the world of fiber arts. The "Birthstone Series" by designer MJ Kinman translates the intricate geometry and color of amethyst into a stunning quilt block, employing a specialized single-foundation piecing technique that allows quilters to capture the gem's sparkling facets with fabric. This article explores the amethyst quilt block as a modern craft, detailing its construction, design philosophy, and its role in personalizing traditional quilt projects, all based exclusively on the provided source materials.
The amethyst quilt block is not a traditional gemstone but a pattern for a finished textile piece measuring approximately 17 inches by 17 inches. It is designed to be a focal point in a larger quilt or a standalone decorative object. The pattern, created by MJ Kinman, is part of a series that includes all 12 birthstones, offering crafters a way to commemorate family members or personal milestones through fabric. The design specifically aims to mimic the faceted, light-catching surfaces of a cut amethyst gemstone, using color and piecing to create depth and sparkle. This approach bridges the gap between gemology and textile art, allowing enthusiasts of both fields to appreciate the beauty of amethyst in a new medium. The following sections will delve into the history of the pattern, the unique single-foundation piecing technique, the materials and construction process, and the broader context of using such blocks in quilted projects.
History and Design of the MJ Kinman Birthstone Series
The concept of representing gemstones through quilt blocks is a modern innovation in the craft of quilting. The MJ Kinman Birthstone Series, which includes the February amethyst block, was developed to provide quilters with a sophisticated and achievable way to incorporate the symbolism and beauty of birthstones into their work. The series is specifically designed around the "Painter's Palette solids" by Paintbrush Studio, a line of fabrics known for their rich, saturated colors. This specific fabric recommendation underscores the designer's intent to use color to emulate the gemstone's appearance, rather than relying on printed fabrics.
The amethyst block is one of twelve patterns in the series, each tailored to its respective month's gemstone. The series is marketed as a versatile project suitable for various applications, such as a "Block of the Month" program for quilting guilds, a Mother's Day quilt featuring the family's birthstones, or a baby quilt commemorating a newborn's birthstone. This flexibility highlights the pattern's role in creating personalized, meaningful heirlooms. The pattern is designed for a "confident beginner," suggesting that while the technique may be new to some quilters, the instructions are clear and comprehensive enough for those with basic piecing experience to achieve a successful result.
The design of the amethyst block itself is abstract and geometric. It does not attempt to create a realistic picture of an amethyst geode or crystal, but rather captures the essence of the gemstone—its color, its faceted structure, and its play of light—through the arrangement of triangular and angular fabric pieces. The finished block is a 17-inch square, a substantial size that allows the intricate piecing to be fully appreciated. The pattern includes a fully-coded freezer paper template, a full-scale paper copy for reference, and a detailed multi-page booklet with fabric requirements and construction instructions. This comprehensive package ensures that quilters have all the necessary tools to successfully complete the block.
The Single-Foundation Piecing Technique
A defining feature of the MJ Kinman Birthstone Series, including the amethyst block, is the use of a specialized technique called "single-foundation piecing." This method is distinct from traditional paper piecing and is designed to be more user-friendly and efficient. In traditional paper piecing, the fabric is placed on the wrong side of a paper pattern, and stitching lines are followed precisely, often requiring complex "flip-and-sew" maneuvers that can be confusing and lead to fabric waste.
The single-foundation piecing technique, as described in the source materials, involves ironing the freezer paper template to the right side of the fabric. This eliminates the need to work with a reversed image, simplifying the piecing process. The templates are designed to be easily removed and are reusable, which means quilters do not have to painstakingly tear paper from the back of the finished quilt block—a common frustration in paper piecing. Furthermore, this technique "reduces fabric waste since there is no flip-and-sew method used." Instead of sewing and then flipping fabric to create a new seam allowance, the single-foundation method allows for more precise cutting and placement, leading to less discarded fabric.
This innovative approach makes the complex geometry of the amethyst block more accessible. The sparkling facets of the gemstone are created by piecing together numerous small, angular sections of fabric. The single-foundation technique provides a stable base for this intricate work, allowing the quilter to focus on color placement and seam accuracy. The freezer paper template is ironed onto the fabric, acting as a guide for cutting and stitching, and can be peeled off and reused for subsequent blocks. This efficiency is particularly valuable for projects like the full 12-block quilt, where consistency and speed are beneficial.
Materials and Construction
Creating the February amethyst quilt block requires specific materials, as outlined in the pattern. The fabric requirements are detailed and color-specific to achieve the desired gemstone effect. For the amethyst block, the pattern calls for: * (2) 12" x 6" fabric pieces in black and white * (2) 12" x 9" fabric pieces in different purples * (3) 18" x 12" fabric pieces in various purples * (1) 18" x 9" fabric piece in purple
The inclusion of black and white fabric pieces suggests that the design incorporates contrast to enhance the visual impact of the purple hues, potentially simulating the way light interacts with the dark and light facets of an amethyst crystal. The variety of purple shades—from light lavender to deep violet—is essential for creating the depth and dimension that make the block resemble a faceted gemstone.
The pattern is available as a digital download or a physical product, with specific product codes such as FQKOBAME or FAFQBAME for fabric packs that meet the requirements. The finished block size is 17" x 17", and the pattern is designed by MJ Kinman. Customer reviews for the pattern, as seen on Amazon, rate it highly, with a 5.0 out of 5 stars rating, indicating a positive reception from the quilting community.
The construction process, guided by the pattern booklet, involves cutting the fabric pieces according to the template, then using the single-foundation piecing method to assemble the block section by section. The fully-coded freezer paper template helps identify each piece, and the full-scale paper copy serves as a visual guide for color placement. The detailed instructions walk the quilter through each step, from initial setup to final pressing. The optional projects included in the pattern—such as an 18-inch square pillow, a 4-block wall-hanging, or a full 12-block quilt—provide further inspiration for using the completed amethyst block.
Applications in Quilting Projects
The amethyst quilt block is designed with versatility in mind. Its primary application is as part of a larger quilt, but it can also serve as a standalone decorative piece. The Birthstone Series is particularly well-suited for commemorative projects. For example, a Mother's Day quilt could feature the birthstones of all family members, creating a tapestry of personal significance. A baby quilt might prominently display the newborn's birthstone, making it a cherished heirloom from the start.
Guild challenges are another common application, where quilting groups might undertake a collective project using the Birthstone Series. This fosters community and skill-sharing, as members work on the same pattern but with their own color choices. The "Block of the Month" format, mentioned in the sources, is a structured way to complete such a project over time, allowing quilters to focus on one gemstone block per month.
The finished 17-inch block is large enough to be a centerpiece in a quilt layout. When multiple blocks are combined, the overall effect is a stunning display of color and geometry. The pattern's instructions include guidance for assembling these blocks into larger projects, such as the 12-block full-size quilt shown on the pattern cover. The optional projects, like the 4-block wall-hanging, offer a smaller-scale alternative for those who may not wish to commit to a full-size quilt.
Care and Handling of the Finished Quilt Block
While the sources do not provide specific care instructions for the finished quilt block, general quilting knowledge can be applied. The block is made of fabric and thread, and its longevity depends on proper care. To preserve the colors and integrity of the fabrics, especially the vibrant purples, it is recommended to wash the finished quilt in cold water on a gentle cycle. Using a mild detergent will help prevent color bleeding or fading. It is advisable to avoid bleach and harsh chemicals, which can damage the fibers.
For the amethyst block, which relies on a careful arrangement of different shades of purple, maintaining colorfastness is important. If the fabrics used are not pre-washed, there is a risk of some dyes bleeding during the first wash, which could muddy the distinct facets of the design. Therefore, pre-washing fabrics before construction is a common practice in quilting to prevent this issue.
The single-foundation piecing technique, with its reusable templates and lack of paper backing, results in a quilt block that is relatively flat and stable, without the bulk of paper remnants. This makes the block easier to quilt over and may affect the choice of quilting method. For display or use, the quilt should be kept out of direct, prolonged sunlight to prevent the purple fabrics from fading over time. Proper storage, such as rolling rather than folding, can help prevent permanent creases in the fabric.
Conclusion
The February amethyst quilt block by MJ Kinman represents a modern and artistic interpretation of a classic birthstone. By translating the gemological beauty of amethyst—its color, facets, and sparkle—into a textile format, the pattern offers a unique avenue for personal expression and commemoration. The innovative single-foundation piecing technique makes this intricate design accessible to a wide range of quilters, from confident beginners to seasoned experts. The pattern's comprehensive nature, including detailed instructions, reusable templates, and ideas for various projects, underscores its value in the quilting community. Whether used as a single decorative block or as part of a larger quilt celebrating family birthstones, the amethyst block serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of gemstones and the creative possibilities of modern quilting.