We have so much respect for Yvonne Fuchs of Quilting Jetgirl. She is incredibly creative, contributing so much to the beauty of the modern quilt world while also offering carefully constructed, impeccably designed patterns. She creates with form, function, and versatility in mind, often weaving between geometric precision and the organic meanderings of free motion quilted or thread painted motifs. It’s even more fascinating to know that her background as an aerospace engineer beautifully informs her approach to the craft.
If you’re meeting Yvonne for the first time, we’d strongly encourage you to click through to her site and explore a bit. A visit will be both inspiring and educational.
Today, we’re honored to help Yvonne introduce her latest Quilt Along, Diatom, launched just yesterday.
Diatoms are unicellular organisms and they are either solitary cells or colonies. Diatom colonies can take the shape of ribbons, fans, zigzags, or stars. Living diatoms make up a significant portion of the Earth’s biomass and they generate a large percentage of the oxygen produced on the planet each year. The Diatom quilt is a collection (or colony, if you will) of star blocks.
The Diatom Quilt Along works through 12 beautiful star blocks and offers two setting options, two size options, and three fabric choices. There are so many wonderful options for you to consider and explore! Not interested in making all 12 blocks? No problem! Each block comes with its own yardage suggestions and you can pick and choose to make your own customized quilt.
The Diatom pattern offers four main options:
- Star Setting Throw (54″ x 72″) (no curves)
- Star Setting Twin (72″ x 96″) (no curves)
- Postage Stamp Setting Throw (54″ x 72″) (3″ finished curved piecing)
- Postage Stamp Setting Twin (72″ x 96″) (6″ finished curved piecing)
The Diatom quilt pattern can either use 4 fabrics OR a fat quarter bundle (with 24 or more FQs) with supporting background and star point yardage. The fabric requirements will include coloring pages for each quilt setting and size. The instructions for each block will also have individual fabric requirements in case you would prefer to make your version even more scrappy.
We know there are always more questions and we’re confident that you’ll find all of your answers at Yvonne’s launch post or the primary QAL page, available via the buttons below.
From the QAL schedule to FAQ to further visual inspiration, Yvonne has thought of everything. And don’t miss the sponsors! Aurifil is offering 3 different thread prizes to help keep all of you creative stitchers motivated!
Ready to register? Pre-sales for the Diatom Quilt Along are open. While the QAL doesn’t officially kick off until Dec. 1, there are significant savings available between now and November 30th. Click on the button below for more detail!
Oh! And be sure to follow along with Yvonne on Instagram – she’s at @quiltingjetgirl.
