SHUTTLE QUILT PATTERN RELEASE
The release of the Shuttle quilt pattern is a major milestone for me.
In 2021, I set the goal for myself to publish and release my first pattern. Shuttle is actually not the first pattern I’ve written. I’ve actually written several patterns–for handbags and quilts. I just never released them.
As a neurodiverse person, putting myself out there like that was just too scary. So, I’d write the pattern, layout the document, create the diagrams, etc. And, then, it would sit in a folder on my computer.
So, in 2021, I took baby steps toward this goal. I enrolled in and completed Alderwood Studio’s Pattern Writing Academy. This series of workshops introduced me to a community of pattern testers and other quilt designers. It also provided a framework for the release process. I learned about technical editors (expert quilters that review your pattern and your math!). This workshop made pattern writing seem like a more attainable goal.
I started the Shuttle pattern in that workshop, but it got set aside so I could focus on QuiltCon Community Quilt projects and QuiltCon submissions. But, I finally got back to it and got the draft of the pattern to a technical editor just before year end.
12-Color Queen size sample quilt by Heather @gladhand_sews
In December, I finished my sample quilt, made using Century Solids from Andover Fabrics with a 108” wide back from Anna Maria Horner. Haley Schober of Mistletoe Quilting Co. added vertical straight line quilting to it, and I added big stitch hand quilting using perle cotton #8 from Alison Glass. I wanted the quilting to add to the “woven” feel of the quilt.
Hand stitching in 8wt Perle Cotton
In January, an awesome group of testers helped me test the pattern, checked my math and provided feedback. Here are some photos of the amazing quilts they created.
Haley @mistletoequiltingco
Haley was feeling tropical and used bright colors in combination with a dark background for her 11-color throw. She’s also planning on creating a custom quilting pattern to quilt this in. Check out her digital longarm quilting patterns on Etsy.
Marisa @marisawilhelmidesigns
Marisa made the throw size in 2 colors, which creates a bold, modern design.
Emily @harkincquilting
And the winner is… Emily took a poll and let Instagram choose which color palette she used. Her 2-color throw turned out so amazing that she’s going to offer kits in her shop, CuttingBolts.com.
Heidi @sewnheidi
Watery vibes flow from Heidi’s 2-color throw size.
Karen @praguequilters
Karen made the 11-color throw version with a dark background fabric, which really makes for a dynamic quilt.
Stephanie @stephjacobsondesigns
Stephanie used Speckled fabrics from Ruby Star Society in her 11-color throw. Be sure to check out Stephanie’s annual Modern HST BOM.
Melanie @melsewcrafty
Melanie used a lovely palette of peaches and blues with metallic accents for her 11-color throw.
Aislan @aislanhoffman
Aislan mixed gray, coral and a sweet print with bumble bees for her 2-color throw.
Sydnee @seamsalittleoff
Sydnee used Kona pickle, @alisonglass iodine sun print and a lovely print by @missmelodymiller for her 2-color queen version of Shuttle.
Nikki @nemmyforeverythingelse
Nikki used shades of green in her 2-color throw to achieve a fresh and dramatic result.
Sam converted the pattern to use a jelly roll she had on hand for the strips along with a solid for her background.
