The Proverbial Quilt quilt pattern

The Proverbial Quilt is inspired by early "talking" quilts, and the artwork of Barbara Kruger. Denyse's version – originally part of her Couture Collection of custom quilts in the mid-1990's – is an amalgamation of proverbs and fortunes from cookies. This pattern includes templates for the entire alphabet so you can customize, personalize, memorialize, or editorialize. You can even (if you must) dispense advice, and the recipient of your message can sleep on it!

The pattern instructs for using templates to make your letters, but you can also improvise letters using the templates as a visual guide, or print extra copies of the letter templates as needed for the Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) technique. (Available in digital format only.)

Any of Denyse's licensed print collections or patchwork panels will look great in this scrap-friendly pattern, or use fabrics from your stash. The Proverbial Quilt examples shown use Stonington and Hope Valley fabrics. Letter row fabrics with high contrast will increase legibility of your message.

This pattern includes easy-to-follow instructions with diagrams, measurements, and full-size paper templates to make this quilt in baby/crib twin, queen, or king size and pillow sham. Baby/crib uses a shorter message.