Karen Desparois

courtepointière / quiltmaker

2nd wedding anniversary

Posted on December 1, 2015 by karen

A truly romantic quilt, commission by a sweet husband for his stunningly beautiful bride on their second wedding anniversary. The bride’s wedding colours are showcased with Kona solids and gorgeous tonal batiks. The couple’s wedding logo was transferred to cotton and their touching wedding vows quilted, line by line, in blocks across the quilt. Lush feather quilting makes an elegant textural border. The back of this quilt features a line of blocks made with the leftover bits of lovely fabrics from the front.

size : 53″ x 71″

materials : top, back and binding Kona 100% cotton, Quilters Dream 100% cotton; assembled with Gütermann 100% cotton thread, quilted with Superior Thread “So-Fine” 100% polyester thread

techniques : assembled and quilted by machine; logo transferred to Kona cotton; double-fold binding hand-stitched to the back

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Sisters

Posted on December 1, 2015 by karen

Commissioned for a beloved sister, this memory quilt features family photographs that span the decades.

size : 56″ x 66″

materials : top, back and binding Kona 100% cotton, Quilters Dream 100% cotton; assembled with Gütermann 100% cotton thread, quilted with Superior Thread “So-Fine” 100% polyester thread

techniques : assembled and quilted by machine; photos transferred to Kona cotton; many photos required digital restoration before transfer; double-fold binding hand-stitched to the back

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Champagne Too

Posted on March 25, 2015 by karen

Modern minimalism embraces classic elegance in this shimmering king size quilt, its warm, monochrome golds textured with lavishly stitched medallions and Victorian feathers. The reverse side is seamless champagne dupioni. Three sumptuous pillows are the perfect complement to this custom quilt.

size: 113″ x 101″

materials: top, back and binding 100% dupioni silk, Hobbs 100% wool batting, assembled with Gütermann 100% cotton thread, quilted with Superior Threads “Kimono” 100% silk

techniques: assembled and free-motion quilted by machine, double-fold binding meticulously hand-stitched to the back for a smooth, tailored finish

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Mod Minky

Posted on June 3, 2014 by karen

Pretty rings adorn a cool grey background on this reversible toddler quilt. The back is a deliciously soft grey minky. Both sides are beautifully framed by a graphic black and white stripey binding. Perfect for tummy time and as a playmat.

size: 42″ x 52″

materials: top and binding 100% cotton, back in 100% polyester minky, quilted with Superior Thread So-Fine 100% polyester thread

techniques: machine pieced and quilted; free-hand edge-to-edge square meandering with spirals; double-fold binding attached by machine for extra durability

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Polar Bear Peekaboo

Posted on June 3, 2014 by karen

Polar bears peek out of triangle blocks in a generously sized toddler quilt featuring “Brrr!” prints by Laurie Wisbrun with coordinating solids. The modern layout and colours of this fully reversible 100% organic cotton quilt make it the perfect accessory in a modern nursery. Sure to be a longtime favourite, this soft, cuddly quilt goes from crib to toddler bed. The reverse side features more sweet polar bears. Front and back are perfectly framed by the stripey binding.

size: 53″ x 62″

materials: top, back and binding 100% organic cotton, Polyfil organic 100% cotton batting, assembled with Gütermann 100% cotton thread, quilted with Superior 100% polyester thread

techniques: machine pieced and quilted; quilted in echoing waves; double-fold binding meticulously hand-stitched to the back

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Champagne

Posted on November 18, 2013 by karen

To the happy couple! This elegant, queen sized wedding quilt boasts a luxuriously soft silk satin panel bordered by gorgeous dupioni. The reverse side is seamless dupioni silk in a rich burnished gold.

size: 82″ x 92″

materials: top 100% silk satin panel with 100% dupioni silk borders, back and binding 100%, back and binding 100% dupioni silk, Hobbs 100% wool batting, assembled with Gütermann 100% cotton thread, quilted with Superior Threads “Kimono” 100% silk

techniques: assembled and free-motion quilted by machine, feathers, feathered wreaths and parallel lines motifs, double-fold binding meticulously hand-stitched to the back for a smooth, tailored finish

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Casper’s Quilt

Posted on September 9, 2013 by karen

This toddler quilt features adorable “Marty Goes to Mars” prints by Camelot Cottons and Kona cotton solids. Baby will love the exquisitely soft and touchable ivory Minky on the other side. A stripey binding in earth tones makes the perfect finish to this snuggly quilt.

size: 42″ x 54″

materials: top and binding 100% coton, back in 100% polyester Minky, Quilters Dream “Select” 100% cotton batting, assembled with Gütermann 100% cotton thread, quilted with Superior Thread So-Fine 100% polyester thread

techniques: machine pieced and quilted; edge-to-edge quilting design “Circuit Path” by Kristin Hoftyzer (Digi-Tech Patterns); double-fold binding attached by machine for extra durability

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Birdy Polaroids

Posted on April 10, 2013 by karen

56 different snapshots from lovely designer prints star in this modern quilt. Each block is randomly cut for a little movement. The other side of this fully reversible quilt features a grey chevron print flannel. Kona cotton solids, a flannel back and textured quilting make “Birdy Polaroids super soft and durable.

size : 74” x 83”

materials : top 100% cotton with some linen/cotton blend prints, binding 100% cotton, back 100% cotton flannel, Polyfil organic 100% cotton batting, pieced with Gütermann 100% cotton thread, quilted with Superior Threads 100% polyester So-Fine thread

techniques : machine pieced and quilted, Polaroid blocks are outlined on a background of quilted vertical parallel lines, double-fold binding attached by machine and meticulously stitched by hand to the back for a smooth, tailored finish

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Der Kommissar

Posted on May 21, 2012 by karen

size : 68” x 85”

materials : top 100% silk dupioni and shantung, back and binding 100% dupioni silk, Quilters Dream 100% wool batting, assembled with Coates 100% cotton thread, quilted with Gütermann 100% silk thread

techniques : assembled and free-motion quilted by machine, double-fold binding meticulously hand-stitched to the back for a smooth, tailored finish

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Trapunto feathered wreath pillow

Posted on May 8, 2012 by karen

Classic feathered wreathes embellished with modern trapunto work, an updated method of a centuries-old technique for adding an extra layer of batting to highlight certain elements of the design. Intense background quilting puts the feathers centre stage.

size : 18” x 18”

materials : 100% cotton sateen top, lining and envelope back, top has trapunto elements of the design double-stuffed with 100% polyester batting; 100% cotton batting, quilted with Superior Threads So-Fine 100% polyester thread, pillow assembled with Coates 100% cotton thread; 100% polyester pillow form

techniques : machine trapunto, quilted by machine, pillow cover assembled by machine

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