Tiny Dancer | Pattern Release

It’s pattern release day! I’m could definitely use a change of pace around here, so a happy dance emoji would totally be appropriate here!

Pattern releases are always so much fun for me because it’s payoff day for A LOT of hard work AND I get to brag about all my wonderful pattern testers and all the hard work that they put in. So, make sure you read all the way (or skim) to the bottom of this post, not only will you be inspired, but these gals earned it!

Size Matters

This cutie was made by Sierra W. – I love the simplicity! This would make a great baby quilt for a little boy.

Let’s be real- that perfect quilt pattern always comes in every size EXCEPT for the one you’re looking to make. I’ve been striving to create patterns that include ALL sizes as much as possible (although, I have to admit, sometimes it really isn’t possible). I’m excited to share that this pattern comes with full instructions for Baby, Throw, Twin, Queen, AND King sizes.

…and yes, there is a diagram for EACH size in the pattern…

…because clarity is awesome

All the Fuss

Now, onto what we are all thinking about here: Fussy Cutting.

There’s something Just. So. Satisfying. about a fussy cut quilt.

As much as I love the look of a fussy cut pattern, it can be stressful. So, in my pattern, I’ve taken the pressure off and included a fussy cut window page. You actually cut out the center of the template, place it on your fabric, and get the placement just like you like it. Then, mark and cut!

Easy peasy.

Fat Quarter Friendly

Kim L. captured my heart with her Tula Pink fabric selections <3

My original Tiny Dancer Design includes just four focus fabrics for the large diamonds, BUT you can actually make each diamond a different color easily with fat quarters (if you’re confused about these precut names, check out my blog post that deciphers them all for you!) The fabric requirements and instructions for using fat quarters are all included in the pattern, of course!

Now for the Story…

I know many of you enjoy learning how these pattern designs come to be & honestly, I love to talk about these stories, because they are all SO different!

In this case, I have to confess, that TECHNICALLY my daughter designed this quilt block. She’s three. So, you know there must a backstory here.

My daughter is not one to play along (we’re working on it) so, her smart-as-a-whip mommy decided to get some toys that not only would entertain a three year old, but also a 20-something quilting mommy. Let me introduce Tangrams.

These shapes have been keeping us both busy for hours and hours…especially during the COVID lockdown.

It just so happens, that these blocks make for great quilt ideas. And sweet little A just happened to make something awesome one day.

I snapped a picture as quick as I could and a quilt was born.

I slid that inner diamond over slightly to give it a little more breathing room, but I don’t think I would have thought of this on my own, so I’m crediting my little gal on this one and naming it Tiny Dancer…because you should see this girl pirouette!

From there, it was just deciding how to make this pattern as easy as possible. With all the angles and sashing, I found that Foundation Paper Piecing made this thing a breeze AND it gave me the opportunity to teach the No-Tear Method in the pattern. So, this pattern isn’t only lovely, but it’s a great way to learn how to do FPP without tearing a single piece of paper!

Danielle O. went for bold and beautiful with her Tiny Dancer Quilt…love it!

Get Your Copy of Tiny Dancer Here!

Now, it wouldn’t be a pattern release celebration without some sort of deal, so here’s the deal. Anyone can get the Tiny Dancer pattern at 10% off from July 9—16. BUT if you’re a subscriber, you can get 25% off with a subscriber only discount code! So, subscribe, check your inbox and get the better deal. I do subscriber-only sales all the time, so make sure you check back now and again for more goodies.

Subscribe to get your Discount Code!

Thank You Thank You Thank You!

A big round of applause to all the pattern testers that made this pattern possible. Thank you for sewing, taking notes, filling out feedback forms, and wrangling quilts for glam shots. You’re truly the best.