I want to make a traditional (paper pieced) mariner's compass block for the center of a quilt for my king size bed, so I want a fairly large block pattern, maybe 30 inches square. Any suggestions about what book to order to find such a design? I'm a beginner at paper piecing, so I don't really want to draft my own block at this point. I believe some books have CDs so you can print your own patterns.

Thanks for all suggestions.

I haven't tried these but they are popular. This foundation
makes a large mariner's compass

http://www.quiltsmart.com/khxc/index...arinerscompass

Is this kind of what you're looking for?

marcia_pa,

I too would like a regular pattern for mariner's compass. I am just not too enthused about the quiltsmart foundation although I have not used it yet.

If you find something please let me know too.
Chris

Look for Judy Mathiesons Mariner's Compass Quilts, she has a 17 x 26 oval compass or Cheryl Phillips Wedge Works I or II

Take a block ( or the sections of the block) that you like take it to Kinko's they can scan it and enlarge it and print it on paper that can be as wide as 48 inches.
You can also download it to a memory stick and take it in that way.
I have done this on more than a few patterns.
If you do not have a Kinkos near find a print shop that prints architectural plans thay can do the same thing. And you can e- mail to them tell them how much to enlarge it and pick it up.

The paper piecing books with the CDs will give you percentages to blow up what you print off your computer to give you the size you need. Kinkos Staples and places like that can print on 11 x 18 paper, if needed, so you could take one quarter of the pattern and get it increased to size then just copy off the 4 copies you need, plus maybe a couple if there is a need to redo (polite way to say, if you mess one up!).

I used the Wedgeworks 2 for the sun in my avitar...it is three demensional and not paperpieced. It was easy and fun to do.

I love the Mariner's Compass patterns. I bought this pattern, but need to finish several other things up before I can start it.

http://www.meadowlilybridge.com/catalog.php?item=22

I drafted my own. It was 40 inches from one side to the other. I've made some notes in a blog (in the drafting section) about how I divided the wedges. There may be some tips that you find helpful.

http://www.plentifulpennies.com/sear...ners%20compass

Drafting the pattern was a fairly time consuming process.

Thank you for the suggestions. I love quilting books, so I'll probably buy one or more. And I'll look at the pattern suggestions.

I indulged myself and also just ordered EQ7. If I get brave enough, I can try to use it to design my own compass (someday!) I haven't used any of the previous versions so I hope I can figure it out. I told my hubby it is a birthday present to myself (even though a few months early! :mrgreen: )!