SWEET MAE PATTERN TEST!

I was thrilled when asked to pattern test for Katie Zahm.

The Sweet Mae Pattern was adorable.

I began with some Zen Chic FQs some 

friends had given me as gifts.

The line was called Frisky.

I chose a spotted GRUNGE for a background fabric.

It was such a fun design that began with a star!

I committed to make one block

To test her pattern instructions, and

If  time allowed I’d make 4 blocks

For the baby Quilt size.

Even though each block contained 81 pieces

It was such a rewarding make. 

I ended up making 6 blocks.

I just couldn’t stop!

If you don’t have designs boards…

You should consider them and

Make your designing a bit easier.    

A blue and white fabric for the binding was perfect 

A mustard color print, for the backing, was also in my stash. 

My friend Kim Hensley of

Happily Ever Quilting

An E2E design called BELLY BOP!

it’s PERFECT!

All done and ready for a photo op in my back yard 

Phil with his obligatory quilt photo!

I sent in my pattern test notes and received a wonderful response from Katie.

Kathy, I just have to say—you are truly every pattern writer’s dream tester. Thank you for your thoughtful feedback and all the beautiful photos you’ve shared on IG. I’m so grateful for your care and attention to detail! Katie Zahm, Zahm & Company, June 2025

PEACE OUT !

I just finished a pattern test for Frannie B Quilt Company.

One of the best thngs aobut testing for Corinne Wells is...

she allows me to do what I need to do

to make the quilt better suited for charity.

Sew for this I didn't do the Peace Sign or Hearts

on the quilt.

But I was able to sufficiently provide feedback

that she always appreciates. 

This top will go to Stitching Sisters here in CBUS.

We make lapquilts for cancer patients.

They have a sewing center and I pick fabrics from

their huge stash....donations from others.

These colors are gender neutral

and bring happiness galore!

Four patch blocks are quick and easy!

The sashing is white and the backing in the

Navy and white-ish print, also from the sewing center.

I use a PDF on my iPad for my testing.

I make notes as I go thru each step.

Design wall layouts are always fun for me.

This one was very quick BECAUSE I didn't do the applique.

But its SUCH a GREAT pattern for making quilts

for this particular chairy.

Backing and binding is made and this

bundle will go back to the sewng center

for a longarmer to quilt.

I love to pattern test.

Its a WIN-WIN for everyone.

I get to support my designers efforts,

I get to support my favorite quilt charity,

I get to learn new quilting techniques,

I only have to provide my time.

And yes I am busy, but I make time

to 'pay it forward'

IT'S AN EDIT-ORIAL TEST PATTERN

Another pattern test, Another Charity Quilt!

I love pattern testing AND paying it forward! 

This was my recent pattern test!

My favorite quit charity is Stitching Sisters

Columbus OH

A huge effort that to date has made and disturbuted

39,000 quilts, yep three zeros! 

At their sewing center I shop their stash

to make the lap size quilts.

I thought this pattern would be a great

Red, white (cream) and blue color combo!

 

The Editorial Quilt pattern is Jelly Roll friendly,

But I cut strips from FQs.

Strip sets were quick to make.

Blocks appeared just as fast!

Top began to grow!

And before I knew it…

This top was completed.

The fabric choice were a perfect choice.

And gender neutral!

I hope each of you have a chance to make charity quilts.

It’s sew rewarding!

I will make this one again! 

2024 PEAKS

I was asked late 2023 to pattern test, again,

for Corinne Wells of Frannie B Quilt Company.

There were 3 patterns we could choose from...

I was limited on time sew I choose  "PEAKS" pattern.

It's actually a re-write making it Layer Cake friendly.

I had a lot of baby prints and so I decided this could

be a perfect pattern to use for a charity quilt.

Sashing is white and the corner stones are black.

The main prints have lots of fun sheep.

and I kept the PEAKS minimal in contrast using GRUNGE.

All the blocks went together very quickly!

I had a ruler and vinyl strip that

made marking the PEAKS sewing line very easy.

Work smarter, not harder!

Sewing this was very fast.

I did keep notes of anything I felt was 

a possible correction for the pattern test.

This is the finished top...just adorable!

I found fabric for the backing and binding in my stash!

Corrine Wells has a new "SKI HILL" fabric line

with Riley Blake!  It releases in the spring.

Not your typical colors but thats

the modern part of her designs I truly enjoy!

There's a panel for this pattern.

Corrine is from UTAH and has skiied since she was 3 yo.

Cute Skiis Pattern

I skiied back in the day and loved

snow skiing in Colorado!

Snowmass Mountain was my favorite...

and where one of my best friends 'ashes".

We had many great runs down those slopes.

Its where he said he had the MOST FUN EVER

and wanted to rest there forever.

And here the Ski Hill fabric in her pattern

'Stargazers. I did this one as a pattern test last year,

in autumnal colors.

I love pattern testing.  It challenges me as needed.

It gives me a chance to use my stash for

a charity project.

I will quilt this PEAKS quilt and

donate it to Project Linus.

Here's a link to Frannie Be Quilt Company webiste.

Lots of great patterns and fabric over there.

Check it out!

What are you working on now?