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Introducing the Derby Day Fabric Collection

Today I am so excited to introduce you to my new fabric collection, Derby Day! It was inspired by the Kentucky Derby and all of the fun things that go along with it! I’ve also included some sneak peeks for my new sewing and quilt patterns that coordinate with Derby Day Fabric and are due to arrive very soon!

Derby Day Fabric collection by Melissa Mortenson of polkadotchair.com for Riley Blake Designs, fun fabric designs inspired by a day at the Kentucky Derby

About the Derby Day Fabric Collection

One of my favorite things about living in Kentucky is the giant spectacle that is the Kentucky Derby.  When I created this line, I was inspired by all of the bright colors and fresh florals that are associated with the Derby.  If you’ve ever been, then you know that it’s a sight to behold. Big hats, bright colors, bow ties, fascinators and fabulous fashion abound.

Derby Day Fabric collection by Melissa Mortenson of polkadotchair.com for Riley Blake Designs, fun fabric designs inspired by a day at the Kentucky Derby

Derby Day Fabric tells the story of a day at the Derby.  From picking out your hat to finding the perfect dress and accessories. The story finishes with a day races complete with jockey silks, floral garlands and of course, horses!

Derby Day Fabric by Melissa Mortenson for Riley Blake Designs

To be honest with you, I’ve never been to the ACTUAL Kentucky Derby, just the races the day before. Everything you’ve heard is true when it comes to scoring tickets to the Derby, it’s notoriously difficult (or expensive). 

Thankfully though, there are many events the week of the Derby that we as locals enjoy! One of my favorites is the Kentucky Oaks races the day before the Derby. It’s the Derby for the “fillies” and is many times a “pink out” with lots of bright colors and florals.  I’d have to say this line is a bit more inspired by the Oaks than the Derby that way.

The whole event is a picture taking, people watching dream.

I should make it clear, this is not Kentucky Derby Fabric. It is fabric inspired by all of the sights, and fashions of the Derby.  It’s a follow up to my first line, Derby Style which came out in 2015.

Derby Day Fabric by Melissa Mortenson for Riley Blake Designs

Would you believe that while I was at the Oaks the year that the fabric came out(2015)  that a guy walked up behind me wearing THIS bow tie!? It’s made from my fabric, how wild is that?!?!  Seriously what are the odds? It was really fun to spot all of the Derby fashions that year, look at this family, so cute I could die!

Derby Day Fabric by Melissa Mortenson for Riley Blake Designs

Photo Cred: @DerbyFan78

I pitched the idea of a follow up to Derby Style a few years ago, and I was so excited that Riley Blake liked the idea.  Not only did I have more ideas for Derby themed fabric, I also had expanded my fabric design skills was finally able to make many of the patterns I had swirling around in my head a reality.

Prints in the Fabric Line

Derby Day Fabric collection by Melissa Mortenson of polkadotchair.com for Riley Blake Designs, fun fabric designs inspired by a day at the Kentucky Derby

The line is available NOW and should be showing up in your favorite quilt shop very soon (if it’s not there already).  It features 21 prints of quilting cotton and 6 prints in Knit, which I am so dang excited to get my hands on! I’m dying to make a pair of joggers out of that Navy floral.

Derby Day Fabric collection by Melissa Mortenson of polkadotchair.com for Riley Blake Designs, fun fabric designs inspired by a day at the Kentucky Derby
Derby Day Fabric collection by Melissa Mortenson of polkadotchair.com for Riley Blake Designs, fun fabric designs inspired by a day at the Kentucky Derby
Derby Day Fabric collection by Melissa Mortenson of polkadotchair.com for Riley Blake Designs, fun fabric designs inspired by a day at the Kentucky Derby

I’ve been “busy as a bee” stitching up samples and taking loads of photos.  Since I can’t fit ALL of the photos in this post (it’s already going to be too long, to begin with) I created a Derby Day Fabrics Lookbook! You can view lots of more ideas in the book. I’ve included information about all of the patterns and projects in the book.

 

Sewing & Quilting Patterns for Derby Day Fabrics

Featured in the collection are three new quilt patterns.  They are all available in the shop!

Patchwork Paddock quilt pattern, a fun graphic medallion style quilt pattern by melissa mortenson of polkadotchair.com featuring Derby Day fabrics

Patchwork Paddock Quilt Pattern

The first one is called Patchwork Paddock. It is offered in both PDF and Print Format. 

Derby Sampler Quilt Pattern

The second quilt is called Derby Sampler. It’s a funs ampler quilt, that uses both pieced and applique blocks. It will be in PDF format only, as it’s served best in that format I’ve decided. I’ll also share more when it’s available.

Derby Sampler quilt by melissa mortenson of polkadotchair.com - a fun horse and equestrian themed sampler quilt pattern using Derby Day Fabrics

Project Ideas

I was able to get my hands on some advance digital yardage of the line in October, and since I had time, I stitched up several samples and had time to snap some photos. Luckily I had a friend with a horse, and she was gracious enough to let us shoot photos at her barn for the day.

Derby Sampler quilt by melissa mortenson of polkadotchair.com - a fun horse and equestrian themed sampler quilt pattern using Derby Day Fabrics

My college daughter tagged along (she was home for break) and loved every second of it. I’m starting to regret not getting her riding lessons when she was young. She took to the horses right away and was not intimidated by them at all.

Derby Day Fabric collection by Melissa Mortenson of polkadotchair.com for Riley Blake Designs, fun fabric designs inspired by a day at the Kentucky Derby

I’ll leave you with a few more photos of the line.  Like I said before, it is in stores now. If you are a shop and carry the line I’ll add you to my SHOP SOURCES list. Just shoot me an email!

Derby Medallion Quilt Pattern by Erin Harris using Derby Day Fabrics collection
Derby Medallion Quilt Pattern by Erin Harris using Derby Day Fabrics collection
Derby Day Fabric collection by Melissa Mortenson of polkadotchair.com for Riley Blake Designs, fun fabric designs inspired by a day at the Kentucky Derby
Derby Day Fabric collection by Melissa Mortenson of polkadotchair.com for Riley Blake Designs, fun fabric designs inspired by a day at the Kentucky Derby

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5 Comments

  1. Love this post. I lived in Louisville for 11 years. Derby time was so exciting! I live in Alaska now and it’s just not the same. It’s barely mentioned! Lol. Beautiful fabric! Hope to see it at my local quilt shops!

  2. Great Post, Great Fabric! Loved everything here! Your daughter and the horse, OMG. Love at first sight. Thanks for sharing all your quilts and pictures, so inspiring! Your Fabric line is perfection for Derby day!
    Also, thanks for the PP Pattern. I also have not ventured into that but now will give it a try. The Kites are too cute.
    Have a great week

  3. I live just outside Louisville, KY in Shepherdsville. I’m new to quilting and just discovered your Derby fabric! I love it! Any idea where I might be able to find a jelly roll or any of your line?

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