Facets - simple gemstones with big impact

I'm so thrilled to have the Facets quilt pattern finally out in the world for everyone. It's a simple design but has wow factor in spades.
This modern, simplified gemstone pattern is great for beginners and more advanced quilters alike. It can be made in solids or tone-on-tone prints and in a single colourway or using up that fat quarter bundle you've had stashed away for a special occasion.
Facets modern gemstone quilt pattern by Monika Henry of Penny Spool Quilts - Quilt featuring modern, simplified yellow gemstones on white background.
I've always loved the intricate, faceted gemstone FPP patterns other designers have made. But, as wonderful as those look, they are very intimidating with their dozens of little pieces. It's not that they would be impossible to make, but I love to scale back a design and see the impact simplicity has, and this quilt pattern has plenty. I also want to make designs accessible to beginning quilters, or those who might not have the confidence yet to attempt an intricate pattern. Simplifying something that looks daunting will hopefully make some of you take that step to try it, and will give you the confidence to keep trying more elaborate patterns.
Facets modern gemstone quilt pattern by Monika Henry of Penny Spool Quilts - Quilt featuring modern, simplified yellow gemstones on white background.

The pattern comes in all the sizes, from a King size bed spread right down to a pillow for your couch or favourite comfy chair.

My baby version of the quilt features Kona solids in Papaya, Sunny, Banana, Lemon and Meringue, on a background of Robert Kaufman Essex in Linen. I loved working on this sunny quilt while the weather outside was rather dreary, and it was a wonderful little pick-me-up.

Facets modern gemstone quilt pattern by Monika Henry of Penny Spool Quilts - Quilt featuring modern, simplified yellow gemstones on white background.

In keeping with the simple modern look of the quilt, I decided to just quilt it with straight lines. I was originally going to do a crosshatch, but it looked perfect after doing only one half of the lines, so I left it at that.

Facets modern gemstone quilt pattern by Monika Henry of Penny Spool Quilts - Quilt featuring modern, simplified yellow gemstones on white background.

I had a couple of wonderful testers as well, who made stunning quilt tops. I love that both of them chose to make the gemstones different colours. I've included instructions in the pattern for how to go about doing that, if you wanted to do the same.

Facets modern gemstone quilt pattern by Monika Henry of Penny Spool Quilts - Quilt featuring modern, simplified gemstones in a variety of colours on grey background

Colleen's quilt got us talking on Instagram about all the possibilities this pattern opens up for using birthstone colours. Her quilt is a gift to a friend who is expecting, but wouldn't this make a wonderful family quilt as well, just like the "Mother's Pride" jewellery? I can see this as a Mother's Day or Father's Day gift, or as a wedding present for a newly blended family. There are so many options and meaningful ideas, so I put together this blog post with Kona solids bundles for all the birthstones if you want to take this idea further.

Facets modern gemstone quilt pattern by Monika Henry of Penny Spool Quilts - Quilt featuring modern, simplified gemstones in a variety of colours on black background

This bright rainbow is Sydney's work and I just love how the gems pop against the black background. I can't wait to see what you all make with this pattern.

Facets modern gemstone quilt pattern by Monika Henry of Penny Spool Quilts - Quilt featuring modern, simplified yellow gemstones on white background.

Facets modern gemstone quilt pattern by Monika Henry of Penny Spool Quilts - Quilt featuring modern, simplified yellow gemstones on white background.

 

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