I was able to finish Optical Illusion just in time to submit it to QuiltCon (the all-modern quilt show and conference). Then I got the exciting news that it was selected for judging along with two of my other entries, Abacus and Spiraling Out of Control. There were over 1300 entries submitted this year which totally blew away the amount of entries received the first time around. What an awesome show it’s going to be!
Optical Illusion, designed, pieced and quilted by Christa Watson
Here’s a detail shot where you can see the quilting a little better:
I had a lot of fun sharing this one on Instagram, because when my followers scrolled the reduced sized picture up and down, they could get the lines to move. What a fun trick! See if you can get it to move when you scroll this blog post up and down – it’s an interactive quilt!
Another “optical illusion” for this quilt was totally unintentional but added a fun surprise: when you hold it up to the light, you can see the geometric backing fabric shining through the white squares, creating a “stained-glass” effect. Cool huh?
This quilt is as fun to play with as it was to make! Since I finished ahead of schedule, I took a little time to make a not-so-fancy but utilitarian label for it, using the embroidery stitches on my machine. (It’s a Bernina 710 – since I know you are going to ask!)
I know several of you have asked for a pattern for it, so that’s in the works. I probably won’t release it though until after QuiltCon, to give me plenty of time to get it ready (and to see how it does during the judging process, LOL!!)
Now, it’s onto the next quilt….
Christa Quilts 
I have enjoyed seeing Optical Illusion literally ‘come to life.’ This time when I looked at the Quilt Con photo, it looked like one of those huge, heavy stage curtains with all the folds. Amazing just how many different ‘looks’ one gets with different viewing angles and distances. Just amazing!!
Congrats! it looks really neat – If I stare at it I can see it move 😉
Congrats on having three quilts accepted! One thing the photos above show is how exciting it will be to see these quilts in person so we can see the detail. Your quilting is awesome! Have a wonderful Holiday season!
It does move here, but not as much as on IG 🙂 Such a fantastic quilt! Love your label too – I’ve been meaning to try that too.
Definitely get the strips moving effect! Very cool quilt in so many ways!
Congrats on a great finish and the QuiltCon news.
Beautiful, Christa! Congrats on having your quilts selected for QuiltCon — that’s awesome!
A great design! Love the black and white!
Congratulations. I really like the Optical Illusion quilt. I also like your label. Can you tell me how you made the label? Good luck, and I hope you win all the ribbons.
Sure – I just programmed it in, one line at a time and tried to line it up roughly by eye.
Backing design showing on the the front is really cool. When I first looked at it, I thought you used a print, not a solid. Thanks for the explanation, and see you in Austin 🙂 I also like your Spiraling out of Control quilt. Congrats on three quilts getting accepted.
Hope you have great luck with you entries. They all look good.
Christa….I love this quilt! What an amazing design. Every time I look at it I feel a little tipsy, but in a good way! You so inspire me! Not only do I want to make a black and white quilt, I want to find an ‘optical illusion’ to showcase! Fabulous quilting too! Congrats on 3 quilts picked!
Congratulations!!!! Even the best of quilts get turned down in the selection process, so what a triple blessing to have 3 selected! I wish you the very best and I hope you will share about your experience once everything is over.
Wonderful quilt finish, it really is an optical illusion! I love the contrast and the quilting designs you used. Congrats on getting your quilts into QuiltCon, I am excited to see them all in person!
This is gorgeous! Love the quilting on it as well. Congratulations!
Wow that is beautiful! Can’t wait for the pattern to become available. Good luck but I don’t think you’ll need luck since you have talent!!
I’m so looking forward to seeing your quilt, it is fantastic!
Congratulations! That’s so exciting! I’d love to go to QuiltCon! Can’t wait for the pattern release!
It is a such a cool quilt, I’m glad it was accepted and I get to see it in person!
The ‘movement’ is definitely there!!! Fun!! Congrats and the best at QuiltCon……….
Congratulations! I am planning on going to Quiltcon so will look for it there.FYI, the lines DO move if you scroll up and down – COOL!! 🙂
WOW Christa! That is amazing and AWESOME that you got 3 quilts selected!!! I look forward to seeing them (and you) at Quiltcon. Way to go!
Congratulations on getting all three of your quilts accepted!!! Looking forward to seeing them with ribbons on them!!
I really love this. Really fun design.
Congrats on getting three entries accepted…I expect they will do well in the judging.
What a great finish! The name is so perfect, the movement, all of it! Of course, the quilting is awesome too 🙂