Cosmic Crush Quilt Pattern Test: Cool Hued Octopus Version
Testing the Cosmic Crush quilt pattern
I have had the pleasure of testing patterns for Morgan over at Modernly Morgan a few times now. Pattern testers make quilts from a pattern draft to give feedback on the ease of the pattern, the math, proofreading the copy, etc.
And then of course, pattern writers would really love for you to take eye catching pics of the quilts that you make so that other quilters will definitely want to buy that pattern for themselves. This is great for fabric designers too, because quilters love to see how the fabric in their stashes would look in a completed quilt.
I am not a skilled photographer. I know skilled photographers, and they are sometimes kind enough to help me take photos of my quilts (as my friend Katy was, in this case). But what I like very much (and am developing the skills for) is finding fun photo locations around my fine city (some might say “the Finest City”?) that complement my quilts in some way.
Morgan’s latest pattern is called Cosmic Crush, because of the beautifully compacted stars motif. Sorry not sorry, but all I saw in those “stars” were cute little stubby octopuses, with their eight nubbly tentacled arms. So let's see how this Star/Octopus quilt came together.
Fabric Pull: Gentle Coastal Colors with a pop of NEON
I promise I wasn't even thinking of that octopus mural in Pacific Beach when I chose fabrics for this quilt. I ran across it when I was taking quilt pictures for a different quilt nearby, and it must have stuck in my subconscious because the colors are a match made in heaven for this pattern test.
Because these little 8-point stars reminded me of octopuses, I chose some tentacular octopus fabric from Andover in white that I had been saving, and I fussy cut it to display in my star centers.
I matched that up with a scrappy mix of fabrics in mauve, royal blue, neon, sea foam, and black fabrics (with some fun marine-themed prints throughout).
I’ve been using neon fabric in nearly every quilt I have made recently. Neon is the new neutral; you heard it here first!
Cosmic Crush Process: clever block construction
This pattern is special because it has no flying geese and no half square triangles (which are two very ubiquitous pieces in many quilt patterns, both traditional and modern). So to mix things up, Morgan decided to make some stars without those elements.
You'll need to be prepared to stitch-and-flip (sometimes called snowballing) a lot of corners to achieve this block, but don't worry, the pattern instructions are very clear and will walk you through it, if you're new to this technique.
For stitch and flip corners, a great notion to have is diagonal seam tape. This is a washi tape with a red line down the center, and two lines a quarter inch away from the center line. You stick it straight onto your sewing machine, lined up with your needle, so that you can eyeball where your diagonal seams will go, rather than drawing a diagonal line on all of your tiny pieces that you'll be stitching and flipping. A very useful notion for so many quilt patterns.
Finishing Touches make this Cosmic Crush go Coastal
The quilt backing is a sateen from Tula Pink that looks like oil on water, or like an acrylic pour. With these colors, it is a near exact match for the scant coloring on this mural in Pacific Beach, and I am so dazzled by it.
I tend to use Quilter’s Dream Bamboo batting to fill my quilts, and this was no exception. The cotton sateen backing paired with bamboo batting, which is lightweight with incredible drape, have combined to make this a light and airy quilt, perfect for summers, or really most seasons this close to the Southern California coast.
The watery background, the cool oceanic palette, the airy feel, and even the running cephalopod theme all work together perfectly to create a cohesive coastal tribute.
Coastal colors (plus bright neon)
Watery backing fabric
Wavy tidal quilting lines
Lightweight airy feel from bamboo batting and sateen backing
Octopus marine wildlife theme
Final Thoughts on the Cosmic Crush Quilt Pattern
The Cosmic Crush quilt pattern was a delightful make, with Morgan's characteristic clear instructions and penchant for stars.
This pattern works for Fat Quarters or 1/4 yard cuts, and is clearly scrap friendly as well because that's what I used.
She has listed it as appropriate for 'advanced beginners' which seems about right. However, if you're a confident beginner who isn't concerned about directionality, I think you'll have a great time with this one.
No HSTs or Flying Geese for simplified construction
Unique pudgy, eight-armed stars
Fussy cutting opportunities
This quilt is already spoken for, and has made its way to its new home where it is being properly used to keep a mermaid warm. But you can check out the Handmade shop to find something else to your liking, or request a similar quilt to be made custom, from your exact specifications.
