Tribute to Lucy Kemper Pattern: What You Need to Start
By Paper Pieces for English Paper Piecing | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Buying Guides
The Tribute to Lucy Kemper pattern is a 58-inch square applique quilt reproduction. Here’s how to decide if it fits your skills and what supplies to gather before you begin.
Quick answer
Buy the Tribute to Lucy Kemper pattern if you already enjoy needleturn or prepared-edge applique and want a manageable 58-inch square reproduction project. Skip it if you are looking for a quick pieced quilt or your first English paper piecing project.
This is an applique pattern, not an EPP kit
The pattern is sold as pattern only, so you will need to supply your own background fabric, applique shapes, and templates. If you are shopping for English paper piecing starter supplies, this is not the project to buy them for. The 58-inch square finished size is small enough for a wall hanging or lap quilt, but the applique detail means it will take time.
Because the pattern does not include papers or pre-cut shapes, check whether your preferred applique method uses freezer paper, starch, or needle-turn. That choice affects which supplies you buy before you cut fabric.
What the reproduction background means for fabric choices
The design is an interpretation of a quilt made around 1860 and reproduced with permission from the DAR Museum. That context matters when you choose fabrics: reproduction prints, shirtings, and muted solids will look more at home than bright modern collections. If you want a contemporary look, treat the pattern as a line drawing and pick a tighter palette so the applique shapes stay readable.
The pattern does not specify a fabric quantity or colorway, so plan to audition fabrics against the background before you commit. Buy a little extra of any fabric you plan to use in repeated shapes.
Decision rules before you buy
- Applique experience: Choose this pattern if you have completed at least one applique project and are comfortable with small curves or points. If you have never appliqued, start with a small practice piece first.
- Time and size: The 58-inch square finish is a reasonable wall hanging or lap quilt, but the applique detail means it is not a weekend project. Estimate your available sewing time before committing. Measure your wall or lap space before buying fabric.
- Supplies to gather: You will need background fabric, applique fabric, templates or freezer paper, needles, thread, and a marking tool. The pattern does not include papers or pre-cut shapes. Make a supplies list before you shop so you do not buy duplicate EPP papers.
- Fabric style: If you want the reproduction look, choose civil-war-era prints and shirtings. If you want a modern look, use a limited palette of solids or small prints so the applique shapes remain clear.
Pattern facts
- Tribute to Lucy Kemper Pattern by Irene Blanck: Pattern only; finished dimensions 58" x 58". You will need to source your own fabrics and applique supplies, and the finished quilt is lap or wall size rather than bed size.
Tribute to Lucy Kemper Pattern by Irene Blanck
Who should buy this pattern
Best for
- Quilters with some applique experience who want a reproduction-style project
- Makers looking for a 58-inch square wall hanging or lap quilt with historical interest
Not for
- Beginners looking for their first English paper piecing project
- Quilters who want a quick pieced quilt or a full kit with supplies included
