I’ve Been Keeping a Secret

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Last May (yes, I know, it seems like years ago already), on a whim, I submitted a quilt design to Make Modern Magazine. If you’re not familiar with the publication, it’s an e-magazine published every other month. I’ve subscribed to it for a couple years now, and I enjoy it because it’s primarily reader created content.

Anyhoo…I submitted the idea for my first ever quilt pattern and was asked to make the quilt and write the pattern for publication in the magazine in January 2021. WOO HOO!! So ladies and gentlemen, that’s the very short story of how Rachelle handmade was born. Now on to the pretty pictures.

Let’s Talk about INSPIRATION!

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Ahhhh…the sometimes elusive “spark of inspiration” us quilters seek on a daily basis. Some of you are designers, looking for that fun new geometric pattern to set your mind twirling and whirling with pattern designs. Some of you are quilters, looking for that perfect colorway or palette to use for your next beautiful quilt.

In this post, I’m going to share my inspiration for my upcoming pattern, Matrikin. Often the inspirational process is NOT a spark, but a linked series of events in your day to day life.

My husband works his family’s 170-ish year old homestead farm, which we live next door to. So, if you drive by our house, nine times out of ten, there will be a tractor or other farm implement in our driveway or maybe even a combine parked in our front yard (insert eye roll emoji here).

What is Pattern Testing?

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So you think you might be interested in pattern testing?

How it typically works:

Pattern testing opportunities are both announced and unannounced; sometimes a designer gives a shout-out for pattern testers or they might have a static patter tester sign-up form on their website you are required to complete………

What is a Quilt Along (QAL)?

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So…what exactly is this “Quilt Along” thing all about?
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions FAQs:
What is a quilt along?

A quilt along is when a group of quilters make the same quilt pattern on a predetermined schedule from the comfort of their own homes. In this QAL, you either participate with the group via Instagram or a private Facebook Group. 

The Iterate Quilt Pattern is Here

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My second quilt pattern is now available! Iterate is a modern strip pieced quilt that is simpler than it looks. It’s available in two sizes, a 40″ square crib size and a 69″ square large throw.

Instructions are are included to make multi-color, 2-color, and scrappy versions.

Crib Size Iterate Quilt Pattern

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By popular demand, I decided to write a crib size version. It will be releasing on December 3rd with the throw size version.

It finishes at 40″ square and is fat quarter friendly, so grab six (6) fat quarters and some background fabric and I’ll see you on 12/03!