Vintage Sheet Schoolhouse Quilt

Happy Tuesday! Today I have a finished quilt to share! This one is my take on a traditional schoolhouse quilt, made using reclaimed vintage bedsheets.


This past winter, a vintage schoolhouse quilt caught my eye and got my gears turning. I couldn't get it out of my head, so I decided to make one schoolhouse block (with no intentions of making a whole quilt to be honest). The problem was, I couldn't find a block pattern that I liked. So I drew this one up! I made it just how I wanted. It's a big block, using 2.5" strips for most of the construction. For the roof, I chose to do a paper pieced strip instead of messing with templates or funky seams.

I had so much fun putting this block together that I decided to make a whole quilts worth! Each block features a different colorful focal fabric with a different white sheet as the background. On some blocks I made the focal and background fabrics coordinate, on others I didn't.


I normally like to cut out an entire quilt before I start sewing, but for this quilt I cut and sewed each block as I went. It was actually pretty satisfying to work this way. Since I don't have large chunks of time to sew anymore, being able to start and finish a block in a sitting was really nice.


Despite my very limited sewing time, this quilt came together fast! I felt so motivated and inspired to get it done. It was a joy to sew.
Since these blocks are so big (18" finished), I could get away with making just 12 and end up with a decent sized throw quilt.


I used all different white fabrics for the background of each block and for the sashing pieces. I did choose a single fabric for the cornerstones, to keep it from getting too wild! I auditioned quite a few options but eventually landed on this colorful tropical fabric.


I sent this quilt to Katie at Autumn Moon Quilting for longarm quilting. I still can't get over the fact that I can send out an all sheet quilt for professional quilting, I'm giddy over it!! For this quilt I chose the "Lollipop Garden" quilting design. I think it's so fun! Katie did a great job, as always.


Speaking of, the backing is this incredible blue and green floral. I've been holding on to this one specifically to use for a quilt back!



I had to use a striped binding, right? There are just too many good stripe prints to ignore! I chose a blue stripe for this quilt to match the backing.


I loved making this quilt. From choosing the fabrics to designing and making the blocks. It was one of those quilts that I just head to get out of my head! I think I would like to try making some more quilts in these sweet bright fabrics, using more traditional block designs.

Vintage Sheet Schoolhouse Quilt
Pattern: Self-drafted personal pattern
Fabrics: Vintage Reclaimed Bedsheets

Happy Quilting!