Caitlin's Oversized Wild Goose Chase

Last year was our first year participating in the Row x Row Experience. Amber & Keely Shaw teamed up for a really stunning row - the Wild Goose Chase pattern.  I didn't really think I had the time to commit to an entire quilt but loved this organic take on traditional flying geese. Better yet, it's paper pieced, which I find particularly satisfying because it's so much like a puzzle!  

I decided to make a much larger version that I could hang on my wall. With Amber's permission, I went to the copy shop and enlarged the pattern by 175%.  The original row finishes at 9.5" x 36.5", but this larger version ended up at roughly 16.5" x 64".  

I really wanted a subtle gradient in the background, so I laid out all of my pieces and color-coded the pattern based on my chosen fabrics. This was a little time consuming, but so worth it in the end. Shout out to Marta, who I always run to with color questions! She is a color wizard and knows exactly which colors and fabrics work with my style. I was admittedly a little hesitant about the pearlescent linen, but I'm glad I took the risk because it looks so cool!

Pattern: Wild Goose Chase by Keely Shaw and Amber Platzer Corcoran (Free)
Fabric for the top: .5 yards of Light Weight Duck Grey, Freespirit Solid in Raven, Essex Yarn Dyed Homespun in Silver, Essex Yarn Dyed Homespun in Charcoal, Essex Solids in Graphite, Pearlescent Linen in Natural

Once I had the colors set, I got to work!  Paper piecing is not hard, but it does take some thoughtfulness to complete. We have a really great tutorial in which Keely will walk you through all of the steps! 

The panel sat in my WIP pile for about a year.  I was a little perplexed by how to quilt it, but I finally did and I absolutely love it!  It also looks amazing as a table runner, so it may become that or it may live on the wall. I haven't quite decided yet, but I'm excited to have this one completed and on display!