I am very pleased to present to you my newest finished quilt. Cleopatra’s Fan Dance was made to highlight the design possibilities when using Accuquilt’s Cleopatra’s Fan Block on Board die. You can read more about it and find directions on the Accuquilt blog today.
Block on Board dies are designed to be able to cut one complete block with one trip through the die cutter. Following the instructions on the package, cutting becomes very easy. However, if you use EQ8 to come up with some exciting new colorations, using more than the 3 colors originally planned for, it becomes more complicated. Luckily, I took extensive notes, so a pdf pattern is coming soon. For now, you can get very thorough diagrams and instructions on the Accuquilt blog.
*I used Lori Miller’s EQ8 Block Library – BOB Set 2 for the block. I could probably figure it out on my own, but why spend my time doing that when I can jump right to playing? You can read my interview with Lori and learn more about her block libraries here.
My favorite part of this quilt pattern is that it was a totally new block to me. According to Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns, the pattern for Cleopatra’s fan has been around since the 30’s, but it was new to me a few years ago. (My favorite reference book helps me feel smart.). Also, look at all of these curves! Woohoo! 20 separate pieces, all with at least one curved edge. And I took it from 3 fabrics to six, and also four different block colorations. (Insert devil emoji.)
This project was immensely gratifying. It came out exactly how I drew it, and better than expected. Special thanks to Accuquilt for the die, Michael Miller Fabrics for the beautiful Cotton Couture Solids, and Hobbs for the wool batting. Being able to work with all of these different industry partners makes my life wonderful.
Accuquilt has a free in-person event coming up next week. On Sept 28 they are having an event all about Qube dies. My system came with an 8″ Qube, and it is still one of my favorites to use. I don’t usually make time for their live events, but I’m intrigued by this one. If you have time, check it out. You can see why I love my system so much. It’s only an hour long, and they have prizes from Riley Blake Fabric.
The layout is wonderful, and the colors you chose really make the design pop. I’ve had this block on my “make someday” list for a long time. Nice finish, Jen!
Thanks, Wendy! It’s a fun block to play with.
I love the movement you created in the layout and with the quilting. And the colors just glow!
Stunning! And on my bucket list!
Wow!!! A stitching masterpiece.