Meet Space Cadet and the 2027 Patchwork Calendar

Space Cadet Quilt is finished, and she is scrappy joy in the best possible way. 🥰

This quilt began with vintage patchwork block inspo caught my eye and I've tweaked to where it is now. It was introduced to me by my friend Jane and she made her version years ago with templates I drew up for her, she made a banging quilt.

The result is an interlocking galaxy of diamonds, plus some curves and peels. I originally tested this block three years in March 2023. Since then I've been collecting Petit Pan and other fabrics for this quilt. There are checks, florals, some novelties, animal prints, quite a bit of Liberty Tana Lawn and lots of low volume with pink neon pops. It's a scrappy quilt with lots of sherbet prints, plus some hot oranges, teals, blue and yellows. It's all mixed in.

Space Cadet definitely leans towards the hand piecers. The Y-seams and pivoting seams allow the shapes to fit together without being broken into simpler units, creating that continuous chain of stars and diamonds across the quilt.

It’s an absorbing slow-stitching project with enough repetition to find your rhythm, but plenty of variety to keep things interesting.

And because this is a Craftapalooza quilt, Space Cadet is gloriously scrap-friendly. You can work with a carefully planned palette or send every star off in its own colourful direction.

Then there are two cheeky sides of the quilt that have scalloped edges. The top and bottom of the quilt are straight. As long as you use bias binding and some patience I know you'll be able to sew the binding!

CLICK: JOIN THE 2027 PATCHWORK CALENDAR WAITLIST ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Space Cadet is part of the 2027 Patchwork Calendar

Space Cadet will make her official debut in the 2027 Patchwork Calendar alongside an incredible collection of patterns from 11 other independent quilt designers.

The Patchwork Calendar combines a beautifully printed 2027 wall calendar with downloadable PDF patterns created by all 12 designers.

This year’s collection includes traditional and modern patchwork, hand piecing, machine piecing, English paper piecing, appliqué, curves, colour play and plenty of opportunities to use your scraps.

The 2027 Patchwork Calendar will be available for six days only, from 7–12 October 2026.

CLICK: JOIN THE 2027 PATCHWORK CALENDAR WAITLIST ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Choose how you make Space Cadet

The downloadable PDF Space Cadet pattern is included with your 2027 Patchwork Calendar purchase.

You’ll also have a choice of optional tools to make preparing your pieces easier:

Rubber patchwork stamps

A custom rubber stamp set has been made and I've sourced a larger ink pad to accommodate these shapes! Stamp the cutting and sewing lines directly onto your fabric, then cut along the outer line and hand stitch along the inner line.

There are no paper pieces to prepare, baste or remove (I have included EPP sheets you can print and use for EPP if that's your preferred construction method). Just stamp, cut and sew.

If you already love my paper-free method for hand-sewn hexagons, you’ll feel right at home using the Space Cadet stamps.

Acrylic templates

Reusable windowed acrylic templates give you a clear view of the fabric underneath, making it easier to position individual prints and fussy-cut your favourite details.

Simply trace around the template, mark your sewing line and cut out your piece, ready for hand piecing.

The rubber stamp and acrylic template options will be sold separately and are not included with the Patchwork Calendar. A exclusive link will be included inside the Space Cadet PDF to these options.

CLICK: JOIN THE 2027 PATCHWORK CALENDAR WAITLIST ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

New to hand piecing?

Don’t worry if you haven’t tried hand piecing before.

Space Cadet uses straightforward hand-piecing techniques, and I’ll have additional tutorials and resources available to help you confidently sew the blocks, including support with Y-seams and pivoting seams.

You can also join my complimentary three-day hand-piecing mini masterclass and learn the basics before beginning your quilt. Click below, scroll down a little, enter your details and receive the emails and short video instruction.

TAKE THE FREE MINI MASTERCLASS ON HANDPIECING, DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Meet the 2027 designers

The 2027 Patchwork Calendar brings together:

Barbie – @_barbiemitchell
Blair – @blairs
Christina – @sweetpotatoquilts
Emma – @emmajeanjansen
Jemima – @tiedwitharibbon
Jen – @jenkingwell
Leela – @the_makers_stash
Lynett – @lynsavenue
Megan – @megancollins_a
Rachelle – @rachelledennenydesigns
Wendy – @the.weekendquilter
and me! Nic – @craftapalooza

Each designer brings a different style, technique and creative point of view to the collection.

Six days only

The 2027 Patchwork Calendar will be available from 7–12 October 2026.

Join the waitlist and I’ll let you know when it’s available, share more Space Cadet details and give you the chance to win a copy of the gorgeous printed 2027 wall calendar and the PDF patterns included. Prize isn't transferable or redeemable for cash. Winner will be notified 6 October 2027 via email.

CLICK: JOIN THE 2027 PATCHWORK CALENDAR WAITLIST ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

I can’t wait to send Space Cadet out into the patchwork universe and see where you take her!