I wanted to do a mariners compass quilt for my Dad. I didn't want a small one...I want one that fills a double bed!! So, I had my pattern increased 200%!!
I thought I would share my trial...I mean...experiment, for those who are interested!
:)

I think you're on to a good thing! good going so far, pics coming later too?

Use a size 14 needle and shorten your stitch length and it should tear away fine. I usually use 20 copy paper and I've never had a problem tearing away. Cut off a little corner that you aren't using and practice sewing two pieces of fabric onto it. See if it tears away okay, if not shorten the stitch length. If it tears too easily, lengthen you stitch. Good luck, looks like a lot of fun. Are you going to do smaller ones around it or at least on the corners?

Here is the fabric that I chose. I chose the yellows (the dark one is a orangey-gold) long before I chose the blues. When I got the blues, I thought I would have to replace the dark yellow, but Hubster thought it looked really good...so I kept it!
Also forgot to mention that I will be surrounding the compass with a circle of flying geese (if I can pull it off.)

That will be very nice! I love mariner's compass.

I bought a roll of exam table paper from a medical supply store for about $6. It's handy for many different projects. I've done patterns for scalloped borders, quilting patterns, larger templates. I think the roll is about 18" wide. There's so much paper on it, I think it will last for a long time!

The fabrics are gorgeous and the quilt will be beautiful.

Man, that is going to be something special. Can't wait to see more.

Can't wait to see this!
I have never attempted this pattern!
love it just looks daunting!

Looking forward to seeing pictures!

Can't wait to see this. Love your fabrics.

This is going to be one awesome quilt when you get it finished. I'm looking forward to seeing pics when you're done. Love the colors you chose.

Wow I can hardly wait to see this quilt as it progresses. Beautiful colors.

love the fabrics, can't wait to see your blocks, take pictures of your progress along the way for us to enjoy, thanks

Oh yes, progressive photos are so informative. Do keep us posted. This will be beautiful.

Can't wait to see it. I love all your fabrics. It will be beautiful!

I used lightweight fusible pellon for my mariner's compass. It is much larger than yours. Go to Kayewoodtv.com and look at the demo there. I think you will like it.

Sounds very similar to the mariner's compass quilt I want to make for my dh. I have embroidery patterns of different lighthouses that I am planning to use on the borders. I have to complete the WIP's and other obligations first.

Your quilt will be lovely. Good Luck

Well. I put my daughter to bed, occupied my Hubster with a silly movie and set to sewing.
Here is my first section. There was only a bit of swearing (shhhhh), no tears (yay!), one seam ripped, and more wasted fabric than I would have liked. Things were going along well until I got to the dark yellow fabric and I all of a sudden seemed to forget how to paper piece!! Had to cut three pieces of fabric before getting one that sorta fit...and it is actually JUST at the edge on the top of the point. I am going to have to be re-he-he-heeeeally careful when I sew it to the next section, or the shorted fabric will come out of the seam.
So, the transfer paper actually does tear away really nicely. However, it doesn't take the ironing very well. I am hoping this block won't be off, because I am not sure if the paper actually shrank a bit when ironed. :(
This is going to definitely be a challenge. You would think that the larger piece would be easier (at least I did) but it is really hard to keep the large pieces of fabric under control! I only stitched my fabric into my seam once!
So, only seven sections left to go...then on to the flying geese!

I will keep posting pics as I go! Thanks for joining me on this ride and for all your great comments so far!

Now to bed with me!
NIIIIGHT! :D

That is going to be an awesome quilt. I love your fabrics. The first panel looks great. It will be so cool to watch it come together. Keep us posted.

Wow! That is going to be beautiful! I'm glad that you will be posting pictures as you go. I will be looking for them!

How beautiful...Good luck with the rest.Will be checking in regularly to see how you're going.

Wow, great quilt, love those lighthouses too!
This pattern I have always been in awe of, but seeing it broken down into sections, I find I can understand it now, thanks to your posts! Look forward to seeing it completed, thank you for posting.

Gal

This is going to be one beautiful quilt, love your colours - your doing well! :D

Please keep us posted :thumbup:

Wow.it IS going to be beautiful!

That's gonna be beautiful.

I love the dark goldish yellow. Can I get 2 yards of it? I have a quilt that I am still looking for fabric for. not sure if I will use white or a goldish yellow. can't find the right one yet. have one and not liking it at all.
Your dad is going to love it. I would put the lighthouses in a random pattern on the quilt top. maybe one in the middle of the compass appliqued on?

Looking great...I have some blocks tucked away that I did in a class one time...you're making me think I should dig them out.
As far as the paper shrinking, make sure you don't use steam while pressing or it will shrink.

Love it and I can't wait to see the finished quilt!

Can't wait to see the finished result! I love paper piecing. Mariner's compass is one of my favorites even though I have never made one.

favoritefabrics from here on the forum has these moda marbles on her site. I got the blues from her. I don't know the name of the gold yellow, cuz I got that from a (very expensive) LQS. Go to favoritefabrics.com and search marble and a whole slew of colors comes up!! :)

I actually never use steam on my iron. :) I spritz my fabric if it needs anything resembling steam...works well for me. However, with the paper, there was no spritzing, no steam...I think it just wasn't designed to take heat. :)