I’m so excited to share my newest quilt pattern: Swirling Oceans. This pattern is for machine-piecing, which is different than my other hand-piecing patterns.
This pattern will require a bit of accuracy in cutting the fabric, using a scant 1/4″ seam allowance and in the trimming or squaring up of the blocks. There are a lot of half square triangles (HST) in the quilt, and many steps that require pressing and trimming. That said, you can chain piece through most of the steps making it go pretty quickly for what it is.
I re-wrote this pattern 3 different times and I’ve made a few test quilt tops to get the right flow to the pattern. I’m dyslexic, so that was my biggest problem. Once I know the issue is me and not the writing, I could move on.
While writing this pattern, I also released The Kaleidoscope Quilt Pattern for hand-piecing. I wasn’t going to make that quilt into a pattern until someone asked for one… and I had all the ‘maps’ and math already laid out in Illustrator, so it wasn’t too difficult to wrap it up and make it a pattern – or so I thought! Only AFTER I released it, I realized there were some additions and a couple edits that were needed. My heart sinks when I make mistakes like that… but all changes were made and the revised version is now accurate.
So, when it came to releasing Swirling Oceans, I’ve been a bit reluctant. I really wanted to make sure there were no edits to make – that it was all accurate BEFORE I publish it. Even now I’m a bit nervous to let it go… I want to create patterns that are easy to understand and make – not cause headaches.
I would like to purchase this quilt pattern. Please advise.
I’m working on the Swirling Oceans Pattern update this week! Should be reposted and ready for purchase in a week or two!
‘Hi Gail, I have been admiring your “swirling oceans” pattern for several months and my grandson looked at the snails trail design I had and liked the swirling look. My concern is to make it big enough for a college dorm bed I need to enlarge it and thus the easiest way is to double the length and make 2 tops pieced together (I am an intermediate quilter and the process is one that I can handle) I like your design and think buying your pattern would make it easier; I see a note where you were reworking the pattern in 2021, so I am guessing the current release is updated and corrections are included..
Have you had anyone modify or double your design? Thanks for your help. Kathy Pfaltzgraff COLO
Thanks Kathy! I don’t know if anyone has modified this pattern? It is divided up into quadrants that could be doubled and added to the sides maybe? The updated pattern has been tested and all the math is correct, but I still haven’t re-formatted it yet- thinking of redoing my patterns to be more graphic/less word intensive, like a Lego booklet. Just haven’t had a chance to do that – oh life!!