Sometimes, all it takes is a little fabric inspiration to pull me in a direction I don’t normally go. That’s exactly what happened with this quilt. I don’t often work with traditional blocks on their own, but when I saw the Rainier collection from Moda Fabrics — with its deep navy florals, soft cream prints, golden apple accents, and just a hint of blue — I knew these fabrics were begging for something classic.
And what could be more classic than the Shoo Fly and Churn Dash blocks? These two old favorites have been stitched by generations of quilters, and when combined, they create a quilt that feels timeless yet surprisingly fresh.
The Fabric Inspiration
The Rainier fabric line has a quiet elegance — florals in rich navy, creamy neutrals, and warm golds that give just the right touch of tradition. I loved how the fabrics naturally divided into “light” and “dark” groups, which made them perfect for alternating blocks across the quilt.
The Blocks
Shoo Fly Block (Dark Backgrounds)
Each block uses deep navy and darker florals as the background.
Half square triangles sit in the corners, framing the lighter center square.
Built as a simple nine-patch, this block is both easy to sew and beautifully bold.
Churn Dash Block (Light Backgrounds)
These blocks feature the cream fabrics as the background and center.
- Long strips, pieced and cut, form the “frame” of the Churn Dash.
Like the Shoo Fly, each one is also constructed as a nine-patch, making them approachable for confident beginners.
Both blocks are repeated in three fabric variations, giving the quilt visual interest without overwhelming the eye.
Putting It Together
The magic happens in the layout. By simply alternating Shoo Fly and Churn Dash blocks — light, dark, light, dark — a stunning rhythm emerges across the quilt top. Rows of five blocks stretch across, with six rows total. The finished result is balanced, classic, and full of charm.
It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes the simplest combinations make the biggest impact.
Why I Love This Quilt
This project reminded me that traditional doesn’t have to mean boring. With the right fabrics, even the most familiar blocks can shine in a new way. I love how the gold accents catch the light and how the navy grounds the design, giving it a timeless feel.
If you’ve ever wanted to revisit classic quilt blocks but with a fresh spin, this quilt is a perfect starting point.
Make Your Own
Quilt kits for this project — using the Rainier collection — are available through my favorite quilt shop, Vintage Pink and Green. Each kit includes the fabrics for the quilt top, binding, and a printed pattern so you can create your own version of this heritage-inspired quilt.
Final Thoughts
Two old favorites, one jaw-dropping quilt. This project reminded me that quilting tradition is something to celebrate — and sometimes, all it takes is a beautiful fabric line to breathe new life into blocks we’ve known for generations.
Have you ever combined Shoo Fly and Churn Dash blocks in your quilting? I’d love to hear how you’ve worked with traditional blocks in the comments below!