Meet Orbit, 365 blocks for 365 days! Memorialise your next orbit of the sun with this customisable throw sized quilt. (There is also an option for a leap year quilt!).
 
A few years back I was obsessed with those crochet blankets where people used them to record all kinds of things: temperature, mood, covid numbers... the list was endless. I actually went looking for a quilting version, there were a few but they involved a lot more than I could manage. Yes, I could use a sewing machine, but I know me, I won't. So here is the solution to my fruitless searching, the Orbit quilt. 
 
If you have used any of my patterns before you know my love of geometric shapes (extreme love), and when you are committing to a block a day, those patterns need to be simple. What’s simpler than a half square triangle, or rectangle? Not much. The fun in this project though is how we Tetris all of these simple blocks together.
 
Some other possible design options could be: 
Use the contrasts to show the month, or season? 
Perhaps forgo the contrast and use two prints to record the highs and lows of the day? Emotionally or environmentally, that is. 
Select a plain contrast that works with your prints?? Or have one print and many contrasts?! 
 
Alternative recordable data: 
 Temperature - Max + Min. This would look incredible with mixed prints and solids, using specific colours to represent temperature ranges. 
Mood - at home and work (could be depressing)
Music or podcast. 
Pages read in your book? 
Something novel - Caffeine consumption, Netflix episodes binged etc It really is endless what you can come up with.
 
Throw Size 69" Wide x 72" High.
 
This PDF includes;
• Basic “how to” EPP Instructions.
• Print at home templates - Half rectangle + Half Square. 
• Assembly instructions.
• Generic basting / quilting / binding instructions.
• Colouring in sheets.
• Journal pages to track your blocks over the year.
 
From your stash you will need;
• Fabric for your project.
• Supplies to Glue or Thread baste E.g. Sewline (glue sticks also work in a pinch).
• General sewing supplies (Needle, sewing thread, thimble, rotary cutter and mat etc).
• Card stock for your templates.
• Craft safety knife and ruler or sharp paper scissors.
• Template plastic (optional and for hand sewing templates).
 
Fabric Meterage Guide - 69" x 72" Quilt;
Please note these fabric quantities are just a guide. 
 
44" - 45" Wide Fabric 
Contrast pieces       5.1mt / 5 ⅝ yd 
Print pieces               5.1mt / 5 ⅝ yd
 
55" - 56" Wide Fabric 
Contrast pieces     4.25mt / 4¾ yd 
Print pieces             4.25mt / 4¾ yd 
 
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: A lot easier than you would think! Beginner friendly. If you do get stuck, just reach out on socials or email hello@cakeandale.com.au 

  SVG Files are available to download as a separate purchase!   
 
 
*** FAQ's ***
 
What weight card stock is best?If you can print on card we recommend that a stock 200GSM - 250GSM be used, it needs enough bulk to hold the sides up but you also need to work within your own comfort zone.
 
Do I really leave the papers in? No!! Unlike our other patterns these templates definitely come out!
 
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Welcome to Cake & Ale! Our mission is all about combining the charm of traditional quilting with a fresh, modern twist. We're here to bring you patterns that you can lovingly handcraft using techniques passed down through generations. But guess what? You don't need to dedicate weeks to these projects – you can finish them up in just one weekend!
 
Now, if you're new to the world of hand sewing, don't worry. We've got your back. We're all about something called English Paper Piecing (EPP). This technique involves wrapping fabric around paper templates, kind of like creating a snug little fabric hug around them. This gives you the foundation to create these seriously intricate and spot-on shapes.
 
Once you've got these fabric-covered templates, it's like putting together a puzzle. You stitch them up, piece by piece, to form a work of art that looks like you spent ages on it. It's like magic, but with needle and thread.
 
So, whether you're a seasoned stitcher or just dipping your toes into the world of hand sewing, we're here to provide you with patterns that marry tradition and innovation. Get ready to create pieces that will leave everyone thinking you're a crafting rockstar!