Ocean Expressions Quilt Pattern
I am sooooo excited!
Designed with the Nortcott Fabrics Naturescape - Voyage Collection and Toscana Basics
Here we are with a NEW pattern!!
This design has a story…don’t they all? And, yes, I’m going to tell it to you.
I created this design for this fabric collection, but not necessarily for Northcott. I love whales! I can’t resist them! I have whale figurines all over my house. So seeing the whales on fabric - well, it had to become a quilt design. Just had to! Yes, I knew it was Northcott Fabric, and I love Northcott Fabric. I was planning to share the pattern with my Alaska quilt shop community, but I thought that was as far as it would go.
So, I was working on the writing pattern when I received an email. It was NORTHCOTT!! They wanted to use my design on their website and at markets to promote the collection. AND they planned to create a quilt-sized digital replica of the design on fabric for shops to receive upon purchasing the entire collection.
I mean…. just WOW! I'm pretty sure I’m very close to being a nobody in the quilt designer world. That doesn’t bother me. It was never my goal to be a somebody. I strive to be a blessing to my community. I have had a few of my designs on other manufacturers' websites, but none have yet wanted to use them for marketing. I had also been dealing with the loss of two of my brothers over the summer of 2025, and had received a cancer diagnosis for myself in September. I wasn’t working all that hard on anything.
Needless to say, this news lit a fire under me. Of course, there were deadlines and very informative talks with the Northcott people. They have a level of friendliness and professionalism that I’ve found unmatched so far in the fabric manufacturing world. They made my first round doing this kind of work very easy.
Naturescape - Voyage is scheduled to be in shops in July 2026. Please keep an eye out for it and make yourself a quilt! It’s simply gorgeous
Now, let me tell you about the testers.
These are such a great group of ladies! Given Northcot's set timetable, I brought in testers during one of the busiest times of the year for most people. The Christmas season! Despite the busyness of that time of year, I received five who accepted the challenge. I’m so thankful these people were so willing to take the chance on this quilt. With 144 HSTs for the two broken chevron block borders and another 392 for the outer border, I unfortunately, I lost two testers. Heck yes, that’s a lot of HSTs! And with the holidays? The end result was an on-the-fly creation of a second version of the design. A simpler finish, if you will.
So, now there was a choice of a lovely, detailed finish and a quick one. I was very fortunate to have finished with testers who were willing to go either way. And hey, if you want - leave me a note about your favorite finish.
Let’s move on and show off their work!
Ocean Expressions Pattern Testers
Find Rachel on Instagram at @rf-_quilt_studio
Rachel Fields was our first finisher. She chose a large-print fabric and brought out those pinks beautifully with all those HSTs! Great work, Rachel. I just love it! Thank you!
Sherri is on Instagram at @SherriWarner3
Sherri Warner loves sunflowers! And so do I! The hope they bring of brighter days is evident in this quilt. She used the quick finish on her quilt, and it is simply beautiful! Thank you so much, Sherri!
Find Stasi on Instagram at @TennesseeQuiltRetreats
Stasi Wilson brought a level of creative insight to this quilt design that I did not know could exist! I am AMAZED! Thank you, Stasi! Great work!
Wow! Just WOW! These ladies did such great work AND during the Christmas season to boot!
Lastly, here is my quilt sample. I pulled fabric from my stash this time. The panel I used was originally part of a kit I bought many years ago! It divided neatly into panels. The upper and lower borders were from another kit I vandalised. All remaining pieces from those kits will be used in a quilt sample for another pattern coming soon!
I appreciate you taking the time to read this. Please note each tester's Instagram handle at the bottom of their picture, and go take a look at all the hard work they put into the quilts they make.
Thanks so much!
Carolyn
