Mad Dash
Posted on March 7, 2022 by prairiemoonquilts in Mad Dash, My PatternsI have a new pattern to introduce to you today! I’ve been working on this for a very long time. It was a hard one to write. In fact, when I made the first quilt, I never intended to turn it into a pattern — I was making it just for myself.
However, once other people started seeing it, I kept getting asked for the pattern. I was pestered so much that I broke down and started writing! I knew I couldn’t possibly explain to people how I made my original quilt, so I set about to simplify the construction so that I could explain it more easily, yet still have it look exactly like the original.
So it’s been a huge amount of work to get to this point, and I even had to make an entire ‘nother quilt just to be sure it all worked!
Without further ado, I present to you — Mad Dash!
Here’s the original quilt I made, in pinks and grays:
This quilt won an Honorable Mention ribbon at the Fall AQS Show in Paducah in 2017.
Here’s the second quilt I made to test my revised instructions, using oranges and low-volumes:
I must say the second one was easier, so I hope that means I have the instructions simplified enough that anyone can follow them.
I will not tell you this quilt is easy or fast! If you are a raw beginner, it’s probably not the quilt for you, either. But if you are looking for a challenge, and want to make a quilt that is a great conversation piece, then this is a good pattern for you.
The finished quilt measures 60″ square. It’s built in sections. It uses lots of Churn Dash blocks in two sizes, and some of those blocks are split between the colors, so they have special construction. And it’s all put together with some random filler pieces, sort of like a jigsaw puzzle!
Since I’ve talked to several people who want to make this quilt, but are suffering a bit of trepidation over its construction, I’m planning to do a quilt-along so that we can work through the construction together over time.
So if you want to make this quilt, you can join in on the quilt-along, and I’ll be posting lots more detailed photos, tutorials for the tougher parts, and extra information that might help you get ‘er done!
I’m planning to kick off the quilt-along on April 4th. I’ll publish a schedule closer to time. You will need to purchase the pattern, so this gives you time to do that, plus start thinking about what color combo you’d like to use and gather some fabrics (which I’ll also talk about further when the time comes).
The pattern is available in a print version and a PDF version. The PDF version has some section photos that are not included in the print version, since they don’t print clearly. But on screen, you can see them better and zoom in on them. Throughout the quilt-along, I will be posting lots more detailed photos that can also be enlarged for viewing (and printed at home, if you so choose), so even if you have the print version, you will still have access to detailed photos, should you need them. Basically, the diagrams in the pattern are really all you need for construction, but I’ll be showing you lots of photos anyway!
The patterns are available in my Etsy shop HERE. Printed ones will begin shipping tomorrow. PDF versions are available for instant download. And keep checking back for news about the quilt-along, if you want to join in on that! (You can subscribe using the form in the upper right, if you don’t want to miss any announcements.) If you have any questions, just give me a holler!
Love it!
I remember seeing this one when you were working on it at a retreat. It is totally AWESOME! Wonderful you made a pattern now!
I have always loved this quilt, you had it at retreat a few years back.
Oh my gosh, I love it!!
Oh my goodness, this is such a fun quilt! Both versions are stunning. I won’t be able to join in the sew along, but I will definitely be adding this to my “must make” list!
Love it
Looks great!
Love it!
This quilt is beautiful! I remember you sewing on it at one of the retreats in Brunswick.
It’s fabulous.
Wow what a wonderful quilt! Not sure i want to tackle it now but maybe later will feel up to it. Did i miss the block count for February? I did 80 bear paws, 1 pieced quilt back and 4 un-named blocks of squares for a total of 85.
Yea, Yea! I was thinking about this quilt & pattern recently but didn’t ask again. I want to do the quilt along but don’t think I can at this time. This makes me sad. I will join & collect all the extras so I’ll have them when I can do it. Don’t see the join place on my phone but I’ll look on the computer
Beautiful. Have to add another quilt to my list!
I love that quilt! It’s one I’ve seen before, or similar and have always wanted to make. I’ll have to think about the sew a long but for sure I’ll get the pattern. I love it when someone else does the figuring out for me…much more likely I’ll make it😊. Might be a good way to use fat quarters I need to destash…if they have a project I can keep them👏
They are super – all those little churn dashes in between – fun, fun, fun!
Awesome -both of them!! Love it! Also love churn dash blocks. l won’t be able to do the stitch along now as l’ve started corralling UFOs & already have 4 new starts … but will add it to my list.
I’m all in!! Have always loved this quilt.
Can’t wait for the quilt along.
Woo hoo!!
I’m in. Anxious to join in!
!
Love it, Love it, Love it
I am very interested, but not sure…need to see the pattern before committing. I love the light/dark which tricks the eye. You really mastered a great quilt/picture and don’t know if I am up to the task.
LOVE the quilt – and you did it in MY favorite color – orange – looks like basic blocks, my question is why is this considered difficult? I’ve already ordered, just curious! Look forward to attempting “together”!