Lightning, from my book Machine Quilting with Style is one of three examples in the book of “structured” improv: my method of using improv techniques to randomly sew pieces together, then assembling them into a recognizeable block.
Lightning 72″ x 96″ by Christa Watson. Photography by Brent Kane for Martingale.
The traditional rail fence was my starting point for Lightning. However, rather than using only the same 4-5 fabrics, I used a favorite colorscheme of scrappy black, white and gray, with pops of yellow and green to create the lightning streaks.
I also created a secondary composition on the back with leftovers of many of the same fabrics I used in the top. My publisher, Martingale/That Patchwork Place was kind enough to create a free PDF download of the backing pattern.
Let’s play and see what happens when we substitute the yellow streaks with another popular color such as blue:
Alternate colorway, designed in EQ7.
What if we use red for the flashpoints, and then choose only black and dark grays for the background:
Alternate colorway, designed in EQ7.
As you can see, this is just the tip of the iceberg of possibilities!! Click here to see another version, made pretty in pink.
Quilt Market Giveaway!
Since I just returned from quilt market (more about that later), I thought it would be fun to share a little bit of swag with you. Hoffman fabrics gave me two of these fantastic fat quarter bundles from their Me + You batik collection. That means I get to select two winners this week!
To enter, leave a comment letting me know if you’ve ever made a rail fence quilt before, and which bundle you would prefer to win – cool or warm. For a bonus entry, share your rail fence quilt in my Facebook group: Quilt with Christa. (US winners only, or willing to pay shipping if int’l.)
I’ll choose the winners next Thursday and share their names on next Friday’s post with the next re-imagined quilt from Machine Quilting with Style, and another giveaway! Lightning is the 8th quilt in the book, so that means there are only 4 more to recolor. I hope you are having as much fun seeing the alternate versions as I am!
Click here to purchase a signed copy of Machine Quilting with Style.
Click here to see all of the quilts from the book.
Christa Quilts 
I have never made a rail fence quilt. I would love the cool fabrics, but they are both gorgeous!
I am thinking about making a rail fence quilt for one of my grandchildren, but that’s as far as I’ve gotten. I’d love the cool FQs for some inspiration.
Yes, I made a sort of rail fence it was a memory quilt for a work friend w all of our names signed in the center white rail. she loved it
I made a rail fence about 14 years ago – my second quilt. I have not made another since but I love your “Lightning”. pattern. However, I do like both colorways but I think I would lean more toward the cool.
Hi there – I have never made a rail fence quilt. If I win, I would love the warm bundle…
Jackie
I am working on one now…yours are a real inspiration! I love both color ways but refer the cool just a little more.
I have never made a rail fence quilt but I love yours. I prefer cool colors.
My FIRST quilt was, she has been taken out of circulation since she is 26 years old.
Made a rail fence for my first granddaughter. Don’t have a picture. It was my first real quilt or maybe I should say it was my first quilt when I really didn’t know how to quilt but did know how to sew.
I would like the cool set or really either set. Thanks
I’m working on my first one now!
The blues bundle is my choice if I’m lucky!
I did but it was very basic……my instinct say cold but my stach say warm lol
Never made a rail fence but your version looks like fun. Love those warm colors 🙂
I made a few rail fences. One a big sofa throw with cats applique on it and Gaithersburg quilts. Sorry no pics..all given away.
I’ve made bits of a fence rail in block of the month type things, but never just a fence rail. I’d like the cool colors, though I should go outside my comfort zone and take the pretty warm colors.
Never made a rail fence quilt, I like how the lighting gives the quilt some pop. Either bundle.
Rail Fence is on my To-do list, especially since seeing yours. Fabulous inspiration.
I’ve never done a rail fence but have always wanted to, If I were to win I would like the warm colors. Thanks!
I’ve never made one, but yours look great! I’m always partial to cool tones.
I have never made a rail fence quilt before. I like the cool colors best but would also like the warm colors
I have made a rail fence quilt long ago. Right now I am using more warm colors but love both bundles. Thank you.
I’e never made a rail fence quilt. I have many quilt pattern on my bucket list and this is one of them. I like both colorways and I would be thrilled to win either! Thanks for the give a way!!!
I have not made a fence rail design before but your wonky style has inspired me to try one. I love the blue bundle. Thanks for sharing!
a simple rail fence was one of my first quilts – I am a rather warm person – love autumn colors!
It’s been a while since I made a rail fence quilt. Your modern version inspires me to try again.
I like both bundles and am drawn to the cool one so would pick the warm one to broaden my palate.
Love your book
I’ve never made a rail fence quilt, but it looks like a fun one. I like both, but LOVE the cool bundle.
I have not made a Rail Fence quilt yet, maybe someday. I always like cool colors, thanks
I have not made a rail fence quilt, but have it on my to do list, especially after seeing yours. You inspire me!
Yes, I helped make a Rail Fence charity quilt. It was made of scraps & beautiful. I would love to win the warm colors bundle.
I NEVER MADE A RAIL QUILT BEFORE,BUT MY GRANDMOTHER MADE QUILTS ALL THE TIME,HAND MADE,I LIKE THE WARM QUILT,I WOULD LOVE TO MAKE MY CHILDREN A QUILT!!!!
I don’t recall making a rail fence quilt before, but in 18 years, it is possible. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway. Warm colors, definitely.
I have not made a rail fence but I would like to some day. Put it on my list! I like the cool bunch of fabrics.
I haven’t made a rail fence yet, but it is next on my list. I prefer the cooler colors.
I have made a simpler rail fence quilt. It is difficult to decide between the two bundles but if I would have to make a choice it would be the blue one.
I have not made a rail fence either, but I certainly would like to try one. It looks like a design that could incorporate many fabrics and colors and look different each time.
I have not done a rail fence quilt…yet. I LOVE Lightning! I have a small stash of black & whites, so it could be one that I can do soon. I also love all the colors in the bundles, but I’m kind of in a cool blue mood today…tomorrow might be warmer! 🙂
My very first quilt was rail fence twin bed quilts for 2 of my sons. They were much simpler than your Lightening! I love both fabric bundlesand am having a hard time choosing one! If I HAVE to choose, make it the cool one but honestly I would LOVE either one!! Thanks for your generosity! cotten.gloria@gmail.com
I have not attempted to make a fence rail block yet, but this pattern has me itching to try!
I’ve not made a rail fence before. It looks like another with LOTS of possibilities though. I like both color bundles.
I hope you had a great time in Houston Christa! And thanks for this awesome giveaway. I absolutely love Hoffman fabrics. My very first quilt was a rail fence – made with cotton polyester calicos from the 1980’s. I think my mother in law’s dog is still enjoying it on her porch. It looked nothing like your gorgeous modern improves. (Thanks for sharing all the eye candy!)
I’ve never made a rail fence before, but I do have your book and one day will try it. I like both colorways and would be happy with either!
I have a set of rail fence blocks in 60s fabric. Does that count? Either bundle is gorgeous.
I have never made a rail fence quilt. I like the warm bundle, thanks for the give away
The first quilt I made was a rail fence for a baby gift. Both of the bundles are beautiful, but I would choose the warms. Thanks for the chance to win!
I made a rail fence quilt with blue and yellow fabrics. I was new to quilting and looking at it later, I realized I didn’t have enough contrast. Still very pretty ! I love both of these so either packet will be lovely to receive. Thanks so much.
I have never made a rail fence quilt – just a beginner- love the cool colors! Thank you, Susan
Yes I like rail fences for easy and striking. Love both bundles but cool always wins!
I have made quite a few rail fences, as they are great for scraps and playing with color. I prefer the cool colors though both color ways look great!
The very first quilt I made was a rail fence. I used flannel to make quilt for my nephew. I like both bundle, but I would choose cool and then make another quilt for my nephew.
I have never made a rail fence quilt but it looks interesting. I would be happy with either warm or cool but I lean toward cool. Thanks.
I have never made one but it looks like fun! I would love the warm.