Pattern Testing, Space Gem

I am familiar with pattern designers asking for testers. When Diane from fromblankpages put out a call to test a new paper pieced block I decided it was time to give this a try.The pattern is 27 pages long!  For a very good reason, there are pieces for 4 different size blocks, from 9″ to 24″.  The instructions were very precise and clear, DO READ THROUGH BEFORE STARTING.  I’m bad at this, I like to just jump in, not a good idea.  One of the things I love is that she included the complete pattern so we could color in and come up with different layouts.Instead of using bright modern fabrics, I decided to use muted florals, even threw in a Civil War reproduction style fabric.  This made it all the more challenging.One thing that I love about Diane’s patterns.  She gives accurate templates for the pieces. Many  paper piece patterns simply say, use a larger piece of fabric, that doesn’t always work out well. With this kind of detail having the accurate pieces made putting the block together so much simpler. Another wonderful thing she does is offer an option of cutting out the center, so if you are so inclined to fussy cut your patches – it is simple.

This is not a beginner block, which is what I like, I didn’t take photos as I went along, I was too engrossed in seeing the block grow.I made the smallest size, 9″, which is probably the hardest since the pieces are very small.  I had to go back and switch out some of my fabric choices because I didn’t like the placement, contrast is very important with this kind of work.What is also incredible is the accuracy in piecing one gets with paper piece patterns.  I just love how this comes together.Here is my finished block as posted to Instagram.  They now have a new tool Layout, that lets you easily create a collage. In this case I used the same block.This is a fabulous tool for quilters, here you can see how a quilt top would look using just this block. This gives me ideas about changing color placement and mixing and matching blocks for a very different look.

Diane is giving away a free pattern, and boy is it worth it.  So I will do a random number  from comments here on the blog.

Also, go check her out on Instagram, she is sharing many of the other blocks people made. It is fun to see how one pattern results in so many different looks. Of course this is what I love so much about quilting.