Patterns, Patterns, Patterns, HELP!!!
 

Okay here we go. This years local show is over, I took first on two of my pieces and now time to plan for next year. Heres the problem. What patterns to choose. I am looking for four different patterns. Two for wallhangings, one for lap throw, and one for a full size quilt. I usually do the basic squares and rectangles. I want to up the stakes and challenge myself. I have decided to go for the judges choice and based on the past years choices they are looking for the following things. Well executed techniques of the more complicated side, high contrast in colors, size doesnt seem to matter, and most of the choices were pieces that are old school patterns with a more updated feel. A good example is this years was a Baltimore wallhanging and one other year a Sun Bonnet Sue. I have been thinking of Cathedral Windows using the 10 minute block technique to save on fabric, Mariners Compass, a really updated Sun Bonnet Sue, and since I had so much fun with crown of thorns last year doing another one. there are so many patterns out there that I am not fimilar with that I would like to have lots to look and choose from before making my final decision. I also am thinking of entering another show shortly after the beginning of the year in Hampton, VA. It is a juried show and therefore would need something that is competitive yet not so complicated that I cant finish it. So, all my fellow board members let me have it. If you could make something for a show and wanted to wow them what would it be. BTW, I love to applique and to learn new techniques. Thanks for your help.

Do a Mariner's Compass! Or a Double Wedding Ring. Those should keep you busy for awhile... lol

I love challenging myself as well :)
At the moment I am working on Affairs of the Heart, which has been a work in progress for the last 18 months, I am hoping to get it finished for my guild's show next year. http://www.amazon.com/Applique-Maste.../dp/157432859X
I am also working on Sea Urchins by Judy Niemeyer, which I hope to finish by the end of this year http://www.quiltworx.com/patterns/sea-urchins/
I recently made a mini quilt which was fun (never tried one of those before) http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...t-t208253.html
This cube quilt was also a lot of fun and it got so many positive comments at the quilt show I entered it in, http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...s-t163579.html

If you want something different how about a Bargello or OBW?
Good luck and have fun.

Woody, thanks so much for the suggestions. I am in love with the Sea Urchins, looks alot like crown of thorns and I loved doing that one. The 3D cubes are also very interesting. Will definitely keep those in mind especially that Sea Urchin.

I think a Cathedral Windows would always wow, but I don't think the 10 minute block would wow. I've been testing it, and it just doesn't come out as nice as a true Cathedral Windows. If you love to applique, I wish I loved to applique, how about a Baltimore Album?

Since you like applique, I just today got an AQS Sept-Oct catalog, and there are two beautiful BOM applique quilts in there: E I E I O (Old MacDonald's farm animals), and Audubon's Christmas Quilt (gorgeous birds in winter).

I love Affairs of the Heart...so awesome!
mdall try Christmas Pickle!

I love to see applique on top of piecing, and it shows off two skills at once. Yesterday at the Expo in Portland I saw a French braid with broderie perse - lovely!

Why not try dunster's pattern? That is a wow!