Inspired by the beauty and mystery of the night sky the 'Orbiter' is one of the signature quilts accompanying Janet Clare's 'Astra' fabric collection for Moda. The careful arrangement of the colours and blocks creates amazing secondary patterns and gives a striking illusion of circles and curves.

‘Orbiter’ is constructed using traditional quilting techniques and having some patchwork experience will make this project easier, though the techniques are simple to learn, and with patience and care it can be made by all experience levels! Janet’s quilt features a colour palette of blue and cream fabrics from her ‘Astra’ Moda fabric collection, but you can easily choose your own.

Printed in full colour the pattern includes detailed layout diagrams, fabric requirements and cutting lists. Detailed block diagrams show the exact arrangement of fabrics so you can confidently re-create my design.

The pattern guides you through cutting your fabric, preparing and piecing the blocks, and includes notes on preparing the quilt backing, wadding, layering up and binding.

The finished quilt measures 86 x 86 inches.

The Story

‘Astra’ by Janet Clare for Moda

‘The heavens stretch out above us’

One lockdown evening in May we sat down as a family to watch live the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the ‘Dragon’ crew take off and begin their 250 mile journey to the International Space Station.

Many hours later we were able to see the astronauts arrive safely and could only marvel at the extraordinary achievements of all involved. A truly fascinating and optimistic story for 2020.

And so, I began to daydream about the great wide unknown above us, to doodle stars and constellations and to create galaxies with ink and bleach. Before long I had a sketchbook of ideas and a new fabric collection on the way.

I hope ‘Astra’ encourages you to create quilts for all the star gazers in your life.