Pattern Testing the Revolve Quilt

I read way too many online copies of quilting magazines through my library, and at one point became interested in quilt pattern testing.  So earlier this year I answered a call-out for pattern testers by Jittery Wings Quilt Co to test the Revolve Quilt Pattern.

I ended up making the 'throw' size (64" x 76"), and was inspired by the pattern to use some colours I wouldn't normally.  I enjoyed making the quilt, though it was a considerable amount of work, especially as I needed to complete it by a deadline, as I needed to provide feedback and advice on the pattern instructions.  

The quilt is made up of just one type of 12" block, but countless half square triangles which required ironing and trimming to size. It was fun to see it all come together, and see the secondary patterns in the quilt appear once the big blocks were joined together. 

For the purposes of the testing, I only basted the rows together, as I had a vague idea that I wanted to offset the geometric block design with some curvy free motion quilting.  And the best way to do FMQ on the Bernina 1130 is in sections.  So I used Marti Michell's "low-carb quilting" technique, and laid out the backing and batting for the whole quilt, but then only pinned the (sewn together) middle two rows of the quilt top to it.  I then cut away the part of the batting that I wouldn't be sewing on just yet, in a curvy way so that I could align the batting at a later date.  And it was so much easier to FMQ the middle two rows of the quilt when two thirds of the quilt top and batting wasn't in the way.  This is the technique I will use when I finally get around to quilting the Aves quilt top I made in 2018, which is sitting there with it's pieced backing and binding waiting...

It took a while to figure out what to quilt on this, but I eventually decided on ruler work in the small pinwheels, ruler work and back-and-forth lines in the larger pinwheels, and an allover swirl meander everywhere else.  I won't tell you how many hours such dense quilting took.  I'll have to remember that next time I decide to do such a thing.

Some closer up pictures of the quilting for those who are interested.  


One quilt done.  But there are two quilt tops in the cupboard, and three quilts currently being pieced.  Which I may have to put aside as I have plans to start two new quilts in January. 😀

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