Meet Cross Track Pattern Tester: Sarah of @feather_flint

I am so excited to introduce you to all of my amazing quilters that tested Cross Track. This meant the world to me to see these quilts come to life as this was my very first pattern to write. Thanks to Quilter's Candy Quilt Pattern Writing Course. It is so incredible to see something I designed come to life and how each one has a totally different feel. I have enjoyed getting to know each one of these talented testers and would love for you to get to know them as well. Even better get to see the amazing quilts they created.

Sarah of @feather_flint pattern tested a Throw size of Cross Track. I love this quilt. It reminds me of an amazing sunset. Sunsets are my favorite and I try to walk the pup at that time to catch them every day. Check out Sarah on Instagram here.

Where do you live? I’m a California native, originally from Santa Rosa, living in the beautiful Napa Valley.

How long have you been quilting? I have been quilting since 2015 but have dabbled in sewing off and on throughout my life. When I was little, I had a kid’s singer sewing machine which I used to make little doll dresses and things. My mom is amazing at sewing. Growing up, she tried to teach me how to make clothes, but as a pre-teen, I was uninterested. Sewing and quilting finally took hold in 2015. I think it finally became an interest because I switched jobs and wasn’t commuting anymore. I had more non-work time to pursue my interests. In about October of 2015, I made the ugliest quilt imaginable (I even attempted to top stitch on my domestic machine using some of the built in embroidery stitches like flowers and leaves… ugh it was so embarrassing). Because of that slight failure, I was even more motivated to learn how beautiful quilts are made. The pursuit became a bit of an obsession that took over an extra bedroom and resulted in the purchase of several more sewing machines including a serger and a longarm machine. I haven’t looked back! Quilting is an interest that doesn’t have an end point. There is always more to learn.

Why do you pattern test? Pattern testing is wonderful for so many reasons. I learn some great sewing techniques that I might not otherwise discover. I am a creature of habit and many times, I just make my own quilts without patterns while relying on skills I already have. Pattern testing stretches me out of my comfort zone by forcing me to choose fabrics that meld my own aesthetics with the quilt designer’s intention in their pattern.

I also enjoy meeting other quilters who are just as obsessed as I am. Seeing the various color palettes they have chosen for their quilts sparks more interest and contemplation of future fabric choices on quilts. Pattern testing has also inspired in me such awe at the level of detail that quilt pattern designers put into their work. There are so many details to consider it just blows my mind!

What do you love about Cross Track? Initially, I asked to test the Cross Track quilt because I loved the design. I loved the modern look and feel of the quilt. I was also curious about how the design could be made. The blocks are on the diagonal and I couldn’t fathom how it would come together so beautifully. It was the same feeling as putting a puzzle together! I just hoped my fabric choices would compliment the design of the quilt in the way I hoped it would! As I started cutting the fabric and piecing the quilt, I fell in love with the techniques that were used. My favorite parts to piece were the log cabin blocks. They were so satisfying to complete because they helped me visualize how my fabric choices for this quilt would come together. Upon finishing the Cross Track quilt, I found myself thinking about the next time I make it. There are so many sizes available, I could envision making this quilt for a baby shower present or as a queen size quilt for my own bed. The possibilities are endless!

This pattern was an absolute joy to test. I highly encourage quilters to try it. It is such a versatile quilt to make. There are many sizes available and it would look beautiful with endless varieties of color palettes. I’m already looking forward to making this quilt again!

What was your inspiration or colors used for Cross Track? I went through several color palette ideas for the Cross Track quilt before finally landing on a gradient of solid colors that I just loved. The gradient was inspired by the sunset but I chose the off white background because it made the colors pop in a way that was pleasing to my eye.

I settled on solids instead of prints so that the design of the Cross Track quilt would be clearly emphasized. I didn’t want the background to somehow meld into any of the patterns of the fabric. However, the other testers have created some beautiful quilts using gorgeous print fabrics which put my theory in to serious question (lol!). Next time I make the Cross Track quilt, I will definitely choose patterned fabrics!

The colors I chose were:

Confetti Cottons- Canyon Rose

Confetti Cottons- Salmon

Confetti Cottons- Marmalade

Confetti Cottons- Harvest

Confetti Cottons- Cloud