Introducing the Will-O-Wisp Quilt
The Will-O-Wisp quilt was inspired by the man I admire most in this world — my grandfather. I spent many summers in his little house on Will-O-Wisp Drive, and it is one of those places where happiness lives. This pattern is designed to capture the winsomeness of childhood summers, as if a dandelion was blown across the surface of the quilt. It is a modern fusion of the timeless Drunkard’s Path and Irish Chain blocks. Would you believe that my 92-year old grandfather is actually the person who introduced me to quilting? He has a friend, Becky, who is an avid quilter. While visiting him a few years ago, he showed me her beautiful quilts and announced that he planned to join the local quilting guild because “it’s where all the pretty ladies hang out.” He was serious. So the next day we headed to the local quilt shop with Becky, and there she talked to me into my first quilt pattern.
Once home from vacation, I headed to my own fabric shop to pick out fabrics and assemble my first quilt. With a little luck and a lot of YouTube, the quilt came together. It was a little wonky, but in the end, I was hooked. 3 years later, I’m so glad my sweet grandpa walked me into that little quilt shop. I designed this pattern in honor of him. The butterfly fabric by Sara (@boccaccinimeadows) with Figo Fabric (@figofabrics), made the perfect backing. My late grandmother adored butterflies, so it was a special way to honor her as well. Suffice it to say that this pattern is near and dear to my heart. I hope you love it as well!
Now a little more about the pattern.
I wanted to share some heartfelt feedback from a dear tester to give insight into this design: “This is a pretty work intensive pattern with many steps but also with great reward…To me the most telling part of a pattern test is the question, ‘would I make this quilt again?’ The answer in your pattern test is a definite YES!”
Her feedback was priceless because it was honest. This isn’t your “make in a day” quilt design, but if you’re looking to master new techniques, expand your quilting skill set from beginner to intermediate, and create an heirloom piece you will cherish, this is the pattern for you.
Now a little more about the pattern.
I wanted to share some heartfelt feedback from a dear tester to give insight into this design: “This is a pretty work intensive pattern with many steps but also with great reward…To me the most telling part of a pattern test is the question, ‘would I make this quilt again?’ The answer in your pattern test is a definite YES!”
Her feedback was priceless because it was honest. This isn’t your “make in a day” quilt design, but if you’re looking to master new techniques, expand your quilting skill set from beginner to intermediate, and create an heirloom piece you will cherish, this is the pattern for you.
If you love the original version, its a throw size (64” x 64”) made with Kona Cotton Solids.
I have also partnered with 3 fabric shops to offer quilt kits:
If you are on the hunt for some beautiful backing fabrics, I am head over heels for the two that were used in the sample versions and have linked them below.
I am excited to see your versions of Will-O-Wisp begin popping up. Use the hashtag #WillOWispQuilt and #wellspringdesignspatterns for inspiration from other makers. And tag me @wellspringdesigns_co because there is nothing I love more than to watch you all make these designs your own. I hope they bring as much love and joy to your world as they have to mine.
