Sometimes a family member gets on my computer to look something up and they are SHOCKED at how many tabs I have open. I’ve got a lot going on and that’s how I work – what can I say? I opened the Ice Cream Soda quilt “tab” in 2017 and didn’t close it for 8 years. As I searched for pictures to add to this post, I’ve been able to really see how much was going on in my life while I was quietly sewing in the background. For me, the craft of quilting is woven (ahem) right into my life. I absolutely love that I discovered English paper piecing (EPP) because it has given me an opportunity to create in all kinds of places because of the portability.

The Ice Cream Soda quilt is a pattern by Jodi Godfrey at Tales of Cloth. Jodi hosted a sew along but my project took much longer than the set timeframe. Making the blocks when away from home was easy once they were prepped. For me, EPP projects get more constrained as I begin to sew the blocks together because I cannot take a large, pieced project with me wherever I go. I didn’t do a good job of following the pattern and moderating the number of blocks I made. When I started putting the blocks together, I made a quilt that was an awkward shape – long and narrow. That required me to make more blocks. That issue made this quilt take longer than initially planned.

In March 2024, I got an Innova longarm quilting machine. Having the ability to get quilts finished is a big motivator for me. I was determined to get the Ice Cream Soda quilt completed. Once I felt like the shape was acceptable, I then had to decide if I was going to cut into some of my blocks. This was not an issue on the sides, but the top. For the sides, I added 1/3 hexi pieces that matched the white diamond sashing. For the top however, it was not as easy of a finish. Also, I was reaching the point where I needed to have this quilt completed and not keep planning and shifting what I was doing. It was hard for me to me to cut into my blocks – but I did it. Also, I had an issue of doing a little quilting surgery post quilting. Pictures below:

I’m very happy with the finish. Here are the details:
Name: Ice Cream Soda Quilt, pattern by Jodi Godfrey
Finished Size: 61 inches wide x 79 inches long (custom size different from original pattern)
Method: English Paper Piecing, medallion style – 110 full blocks, 10 partial blocks, 1,980 pieces
Notes: Many of the blocks are fussy cut, no repeating fabrics in medallions

I choose an all over edge to edge quilting pattern. The quilt top is so busy that it is hard to see anything except the blocks. The quilting gives it texture and looks great on the back!

This has been a very popular quilt over the past several years. It has been motivating and fun to see so many other quilt makers work on and finish this pattern. Cheers and congrats to anyone who has completed an English paper piecing quilt!
Happy quilting and crafting! ▶︎ ▶︎ ▶︎