My newest pattern, Pockets Full of Blessings is now available after a fabulous group of pattern testers helped me polish it up! The pattern is the perfect recipe for a new family tradition – it includes a quilted table runner with pockets, printable gratitude journaling cards, and a keepsake pouch pattern, too! Read more about the pattern and how to use it to create new family traditions this year, here.
What are Pattern Testers?
Pattern testers are the heroes of the quilting world! They help quilt pattern designers by making patterns before they are released. They provide feedback about any errors found or any wording that’s confusing. They take beautiful pictures and help get the word out about the pattern on social media. Basically, they’re the BEST.
If you are interested in becoming a pattern tester for future patterns, sign up here.
Testers’ Table Runners
Without further ado, let’s see the testers’ beautiful runners!
Claudia Banks
Claudia is a magician when it comes to color palettes, so I was super excited when she wanted to test this pattern. I knew whatever she came up with would be beautiful and she did not disappoint! Plus, she always gets an adorable photo with her dog.
Claudia used these Fableism fabrics:
- Sprout Wovens fabrics in:
- Oat, Cider, Terracotta, and Midnight for the top.
- Backing is Arcade Wovens in Acorn
- Binding is Sprout Wovens in Cider.
Claudia said, "It’s a great pattern, beautifully designed and written. I love how quick it is, and it's so pretty."
Follow Claudia here.
Emily Maxwell
Emily and I took the same pattern writing course together in 2021, and we always enjoy collaborating! This lady loves her fall decor, so I knew her runner and photos would be amazing!
She also had the great idea to add some Chenille-It (in Natural) details to her quilting and binding. It made it so soft and cozy! I have got to try this out next time.
Emily's hack for stitching shapes with Chenille-It is to trace cookie cutters with a Frixion pen and then stitch the Chenille-It to the lines--genius!
Her fabrics are:
- A: Sashiko Mending Tan from AGF All is Well
- B: Sevenberry Petite Garden in Summer from Robert Kauffman/Sevenberry
- C: Flights of Fancy Spruce from AGF Fanciful
- D: Dream Weaver from AGF Willow
- Backing: Romance Novel Paperback from AGF Bookish
- Natural Chenille-It
Emily said, "Fabulous pattern! I truly just love this idea!! And as always, beautifully written and so detailed!"
Follow Emily here.
Kate Strader
Kate has a knack for earthy, muted palettes that I adore! I just love the pops of orange on the neutral grays in her runner.
Kate's printed fabric is by Mint Tulips for Cotton + Steel, Get Out and Explore collection, Gemma Earthy Botanics in King Protea.
Kate said, "I loved it so much I made a Christmas one, too."
Follow Kate here.
Alaina DePrez
Alaina gravitates toward beautiful, bold, and bright colors! I love these colors she chose paired with the more neutral Rifle Paper Co print.
Alaina said, "This is such a lovely and unique pattern. Having just lost my grandmother who was the backbone of our life and all holidays, including Thanksgiving, the idea of starting new family traditions really spoke to me. The pattern and additional gratitude cards feel really special, but also easily manageable during a busy time. This will definitely have a yearly place as a part of our new Thanksgiving traditions!"
Follow Alaina here.
Brie Wells
Brie and I have become friends through Instagram, and I am always honored when she is able to test for me. We each have 2 kids around the same age, so I know it is no small feat when she is able to fit in a test project for me.
Brie often uses the softest creamiest fabrics, and I love how she paired low volume prints with browns. Plus, check out her textured-runner-under-the-runner styling...I LOVE that look!
Brie made one swap in the fabrics due to how much fabric she had on hand. Instead of Fabric A on the pocket panels, she used extra Fabric D. I love when I can use my stash, so I told her to go for it when she asked about making a change. If you love her version, you can make the swap, too! Just adjust your fabric requirements as needed.
Just look at this gorgeous quilting! Brie freehanded these vines and leaves before quilting them. It's just stunning.
Brie's fabrics are:
-
Fableism Sprout Woven in Creme
-
Kona in Leather
-
Diamond Textiles Manchester Plusses in Natural
-
Cotton x Steel Lissie Teehee Summer Folk Little Florets in Earth
Brie said, "I am in love with my table runner!"
Follow Brie here.
Lu Peters
Lu is a prolific pattern tester! She went with a Thanksgiving color palette perfect for fall! I love her quilting details! She even quilted in some text!
Lu said, "This is a beautiful pattern and the meaning behind it, what it gives and opportunity to do is wonderful."
Follow Lu here.
Janet Best
Janet is a wonderful quilter! She found her fabrics at a recent quilt show near my home! I wish we could have crossed paths.
Janet said, "I feel that you have written a very solid pattern. The concept is so clever and timely…not only for the holiday season. We all need to concentrate more on our blessings."
Follow Janet here.
Full of Blessings
Just like this pattern’s name, I feel full of blessings with these wonderful quilters who helped me get this pattern out into the world! They have sharp eyes and sharper needles. I’ll be listing them on my gratitude journaling cards this year because I’m so grateful for their help, and I’m honored that they spent their time and fabric testing this pattern. Thank you, ladies! You are the BEST!
Please check these ladies out on Instagram and give them a follow!
Related Posts:
- Pockets Full of Blessings – More Than Just a Table Runner
- Check out my post on the Riley Blake Blog all about making Pockets Full of Blessings using their Bee Cross Stitch line of fabrics!
- Helpful Notions – Rulers and more to make sewing this pattern an absolute breeze
- Gratitude Journaling Cards: How to Print Your Cards Perfectly at Home – Including Quick and Easy Rounded Corners
- How to Quilt a Pie – The perfect pie to match your Pockets Full of Blessings table runner for your Thanksgiving table
- Advent Cards and Pockets: A Christmas Table Runner Tradition -- Ideas for how to use your Advent cards to count down to Christmas