The Story of Andover: A Pattern, a Place, and a Whole Lot of Scraps
If you’ve been hanging around here for a while, you know my secret: I don’t just pick pattern names out of a hat. Every design is named after a town in Maine—usually a place that has some kind of "soul" to it.
But Andover is different. This one hits a little closer to home.
The Wedding Town
If you look up Andover, Maine, you’ll find a quiet, beautiful spot tucked away in the western mountains. It’s the kind of place where the air smells better and time feels like it actually slows down.
It’s also the place where I was married.
And before me? My parents were married there. And my sister, too. For my family, Andover isn’t just a pin on a map; it’s the backdrop for our biggest "happily ever after" moments. When I started sketching this design, I kept coming back to that feeling of tradition—of something that looks classic enough to belong to your grandmother but clean enough to fit into your modern life.
Modern Vintage (Without the Stress)
The Andover pattern is my love letter to "Modern Vintage" design. I wanted to create something that felt like a heritage piece but didn't require a master's degree in geometry to finish.
Let’s be honest: We all have that one "special" bin of scraps. You know the one—the fabrics that are too pretty to throw away but too small to know what to do with. You look at them, sigh, and then buy five more yards of new fabric because "starting over is easier."
I designed Andover to be the cure for that scrap-induced paralysis. It’s structured enough to look intentional, but forgiving enough to handle your wildest fabric leftovers. It’s about taking those little fragments of the past and turning them into something permanent—just like those family traditions in Andover.
And if you’re still feeling stuck on which scraps to pull or how to get that floral print from the 1990s to blend seamlessly with your more modern fabrics, be sure to read my post on choosing colors for scrap quilts. You’ll be a pro in no time!
Celebrate With Me
Because this pattern means so much to me, I didn't want to just "release" it. I wanted to turn it into a party.
From April 16th through April 19th, you can grab the Andover Digital Pattern (and literally everything else in the shop) for 20% off.
Use code EARLYBIRD20 at checkout.
Andover at a Glance
I know many of you like to plan your projects before the rotary cutter ever touches the mat, so here is the breakdown of what you can expect inside the PDF:
Four Sizes: From a quick-finish Mini quilt to a bed-sized Double/Queen.
Skill Level: A confident beginner who isn't afraid of a few points.
Fabric Friendly: Optimized for charm packs, 5" squares or your scrap bin (I’ve even included a FREE FQ bonus guide so you can use up some of your stash if you’d rather).
The Details: You’ll find detailed diagrams, clear cutting charts, and a nesting seams (if that’s your thing).
You can view the full back-cover details and requirements over in the shop on the product page.
Whether you’re sewing it to clear out your stash or to create a new heirloom for your own family, I can't wait to see your version of Andover. Just remember: it doesn't have to be perfect to be a masterpiece. (Take it from me—I accidentally cut the border on my scrappy version too narrow. Apparently I struggle to stay focused when trying to multi-task.)
Happy sewing,
Kate
