Porcelains and Wildflowers – Twist of a Classic String Quilt

The Porcelains and Wildflowers Expressions Batiks are two separate collections that just happen to play beautifully together. Porcelains is a lovely low-volume mix of tonals: subtle, soft, and versatile. Wildflowers, on the other hand, feels like two collections in one: a cool, mauvy side and a warm, golden side. When combined, they strike a perfect balance of calm and vibrance, giving you endless ways to mix and match.

A Twist on the Classic String Quilt

Hey there, Kelly Renay here! My quilt top started one evening when I stumbled on a video on Facebook that sparked an idea. I didn’t save the name of who posted it, but the concept stuck with me. Later, I came across something similar that gave credit to Mary Ellen Hopkins, who developed the Hidden Wells pattern back in 1989. That discovery made me love this playful method even more, it’s a modern nod to a piece of quilting history.

For my version, I worked with 2″ wide strips from both Porcelains and Wildflowers. I sewed ten strips together, then joined two of those larger units along the edges, trimming them diagonally to create four blocks. The result is a quilt top that feels structured yet spontaneous, very much in the spirit of a string quilt but with its own personality.

Simple Steps, Bold Results

This technique is wonderfully straightforward: sew strips, join them, trim on the diagonal, and suddenly you’ve got a design full of movement. This one simple cut transforms steady stripes into dynamic designs, full of contrast and surprise. It’s approachable for confident beginners but still engaging for experienced makers looking for a quick, satisfying project.

Porcelains + Wildflowers Together

One of the things I enjoyed most about this quilt is how the two collections complement one another. The Porcelains low-volumes add breathing room and a soft foundation, while the mauves and golds from Wildflowers bring in warmth and depth. They almost feel like they were designed to meet in the middle, balancing each other out while letting the block construction shine.

Get Creative with Your Strips

If you’re inspired to try this yourself, don’t be afraid to experiment. Play with strip widths, try alternating cool and warm Wildflowers strips, or let Porcelains anchor your layout with light and airy contrast. This technique is forgiving, and each variation you try will create a quilt that’s truly unique.

A Gentle Nod to History

It’s always fun to see how new ideas often echo past patterns, like Mary Ellen Hopkins’ Hidden Wells, reminding us quilting is both timeless and ever-changing.