Become a Quilt Pattern Tester For a New Pattern: Diagonal Dazzle!

Want to test a quilt pattern? See a preview and read details of my first quilt pattern, Diagonal Dazzle. Plus, find out more about becoming a quilt pattern tester.

Introducing Diagonal Dazzle!

Today I’m excited to introduce my soon-to-be-released and first quilt pattern, Diagonal Dazzle.

Diagonal Dazzle is pieced traditionally in 9 large blocks, and makes a 72″ square quilt. However, what’s unique about the Diagonal Dazzle pattern is that you can create bonus half-square triangles (HSTs) during construction. And you can use these bonus HSTs to create a whole other bonus quilt, 40″ x 53″.

The bonus quilt with HSTs can be sewn up in endless variations, but here’s my version:

I love quilts with strong diagonal lines that lead your eye across the quilt. As well, I love patterns where you can find lots of different, smaller patterns by changing the angle you view it from, or focusing on different shapes. This quilt pattern has all of that.

The Diagonal Dazzle pattern is suitable for a confident beginner who has a number of quilts under their belt. The blocks are simple, but you will need to be able to piece precisely.

I’ve only finished my quilt tops and I still need to quilt and bind both quilts, as well as make a second version. (And better photos are coming, including a DIY project for hanging quilts).

I love using Kona solids for the Diagonal Dazzle because it allows the design to be the star. However, patterned fabrics will also look good. I have a great selection of patterned fabrics for a second version that I’m excited to start on.

A scrappy version could also look amazing. My recommendation for a scrappy Diagonal Dazzle is to choose one colour of scraps to swap for each colour in the quilt. (Ie. swapping all the solid yellow with various yellow scraps). This will help to maintain the obvious visual design.

Pattern Testers Needed

Before I can release the quilt pattern, I am in need of a small group of volunteer pattern testers. Since I intended the pattern for a confident beginner, I require testers with some quilting experience. However, I would love to include quilters with a wide range of skill levels and experience to more accurately test the pattern. I aim to select testers and provide the draft pattern to them no later than February 18th.

Here is what I expect from a volunteer quilt pattern tester:

• In general, you will need to construct the quilt top only for the Diagonal Dazzle quilt, and provide photos and feedback by Sunday, March 27th.
• Construction – I expect you to construct the quilt top for the Diagonal Dazzle quilt according to my instructions and diagrams. You may use fabrics in colours and/or patterns of your choice.
• You can quilt and bind the quilt, as well as complete the bonus HST quilt at any time/pace after that date. If you happen to finish any of those tasks by March 27, even better!
• Feedback – I am looking for specific and detailed feedback, not just “Love the pattern, thanks!” Great feedback will include catching typos, inconsistencies and other errors. It will also include pointing out where things are unclear, and suggesting ideas for improvement.
• Photographs – I require quality photos of your completed Diagonal Dazzle quilt top. I plan to share them (with permission) on my social media accounts, blog, and newsletters when I release the pattern.
• Exposure – As I’m just starting out, I need help spreading the word and increasing the exposure of the Diagonal Dazzle pattern. I will ask you to share photos of your progress (fabric pulls, block construction, and finished quilts) on your own social media accounts. I’d also appreciate it if you can share any quilted and bound versions, as well as the bonus quilts whenever you complete them. Use #DiagonalDazzle and #DiagonalDazzleQuilt and tag me @mixmeasuremake.
• Note: Please save the final reveal photos of the finished quilt top until pattern release day. Also, please do NOT share any photos of the pattern, instructions, cut list, or diagrams as that is proprietary information.
• I will invite testers to a private Facebook group with me for the duration of the test period. We can discuss, ask and answer questions, and share ideas for improvement of the pattern together. I do not require testers to participate in the group.
• Feedback can be provided via email in a number of ways at the end of completion of the task. (Such as typing up notes, writing on printed pattern pages and scanning, etc).

I am just beginning my business, and I am not established yet. Some day, I would love to be able to better compensate pattern testers according to the value of their time and expertise. But unfortunately, I’m not able to do that right now.

Here is what I can offer a volunteer quilt pattern tester:

• A draft version of the pattern to work from, sent via email
• When you have completed the quilt top and provided photos and feedback by the date required, I will provide a revised version of the pattern on release day. If something comes up and you cannot complete it in time, please let me know and we will have a discussion.
• I will share links and promote any of your social media accounts or blogs along with finished photos of your quilt (with permission) on my own blog, social media, and in my newsletter
• I will provide a small thank-you gift upon completion of the task and receipt of feedback. This is not meant to cover the cost of materials, especially as I will send it afterward. Rather, it is just a small token of appreciation for helping a pattern designer who is just starting out.

You might also like my felt embroidery pattern, the Blooming Along Basket.

Or check out the Quilt Block Resizing Worksheet or Backing Quilts With Flannel.

Interested in Pattern Testing Diagonal Dazzle?

EDIT: Thank you so much to everyone who reached out – I have responded to all of you. Anyone who contacts me from now on will be added to a contact list for future pattern testing!

If you are interested in being a volunteer quilt pattern tester, and you can construct a quilt top and provide feedback by Sunday, March 27, please send me an email at danielle@mixmeasuremake.com no later than Tuesday, February 15 with the following:

• Your name
• Your skill level (how long you’ve been quilting or what level you would label yourself at)
• Any links/handles to your social media or blog sites
• Anything else relevant you’d like me to know

If I receive lots of responses, I’ll reach out to a few individuals that I feel would be a good fit. I plan to work on more quilt patterns in the future and I will save any contacts for future pattern testing.

Thank you so much for helping me get one step closer to my dream of releasing my own quilt pattern! I appreciate it 🙂

All the best,

Danielle