Irish Vortex by Shannon Fraser: Pattern Testing

Although things have been quite busy over here lately, when Shannon Fraser of Shannon Fraser Designs put out a call for pattern testers, I just had to do it!

But because things have been so busy, I decided to go with the baby size (the pattern will be available in 7 (yes 7!) sizes from baby to King). And I'm so happy I did! The pattern is super easy, quick and fun and the finished size is perfect for a table topper or a wall hanging (24" square).

And that is why I went with Halloweeny or Fall colours (which is a little weird because I really don't like Fall colours or Halloween for that matter!)

Introducing Irish Vortex designed by Shannon Fraser!

The size was pretty small so I decided to invest a little bit more time in the quilting for this one. I did some square spirals in the black areas, so matchstick quilting in the polka dots and a really fun "spirally" design in the big middle squares.

I left the orange solid triangles unquilted to make them "pouf" up a bit and I'm pretty pleased. I was afraid there wouldn't be enough contrast between my solid and the polka dot fabric but with one quilted so heavily and one not at all, I think it helps with the contrast so that the "star" stand out a lot more.

Anyhow - I'm super happy with this little finish and it'll probably live on my dining room table for a couple of months (or until I decide to make a Christmas table topper).

Stats:

• Pattern: Irish Vortex by Shannon Fraser (to be released in October!)
• Size: 24" square 
• Fabrics: Kona Torch, Kona Black and other fabrics from my stash 
• Thread: Pieced and quilted with Aurifil #2692 (black) in 50 wt and #2150 (orange) in 40 wt

I will be linking at Kathy's Quilts and More for TGIFF this week and at Crazy Mom Quilts next week for Amanda Jean's monthly link up party!