Friday, September 16, 2016

A Pattern Comes To Life

As with the past New Block Blog Hop blocks I've made, I always try and make a 'real' thing from the block.  It reassures me that the design really does work!  Star Thistle was no exception.  This time I didn't make a quilt, but a table runner.  Since this block was paper piece, it would have taken far longer than I had time!


STAR THISTLE12 1/2" UNFINISHED
The block is available in my new Craftsy Store if you'd like to download it!


16" x 43 1/2"
Making three blocks was very doable for a test project!  I was itching to use these colors! I love how graphic this combination is.  The fabrics are Kona Black, White, Lipstick and Ash.  



Deciding how to quilt it seemed daunting at first.  I ended up letting the block dictate the design.  There were a lot of threads to bury!  I used my walking foot for all of it.  Much to my surprise, it was so easy!  

  

Yes I did!  I used red and black thread!  And white and grey.  I thought it would make for an interesting back, and it did.



The inside black border is 1", the same size as square in the block.  The outside border is 1 3/4". I'm wondering what it would look like if the binding had a red flange added to it?!  Next time perhaps!



I don't know if anyone will use my paper pieced block pattern, but if you do I hope you share it with me!  It's always exciting to see what the possibilities are!



That being said, I put a call out for pattern testers on Instagram.  I was stressing!  Because this is my first paper pieced design, I wanted to be sure my pattern was correct...instructions and templates.  If you ever need a tester....Instagram is the way to go!  

Here are what they came up with for me!  I was so thrilled that anyone would want to test for me, thankful that they did and amazed at their blocks!  I can't really thank them enough!



Katie @Katie Quilts did this one!  We had the same 'red' idea!  I really like the patriotic vibe...it works so well!



Tish @Tish's Adventures In Wonderland picked prints, which I was excited to see.  I tend to shy away from prints, but wondered how they would look in this block.  I do believe I like it!



Isabelle (Instagram @southbaybella) did a beautiful print too!  Alison Glass fabrics never disappoint!  Having the dots on the blue print all going the same direction is such a great idea!

Before I left on a quicky trip to Atlanta to visit IKEA, I made a smaller version of Star Thistle. Hopefully after I get my furniture assembled from said visit...I can finish this little one!


6 1/2" STAR THISTLE
 Another pretty combination to inspire you...and me!

LINKING:

38 comments :

  1. I got the pattern downloaded but heaven know when or if I will make it - I'm working on so many things right now - love how you quilted it.

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    1. I totally understand about having a lot of projects going on! Maybe one day you’ll have the time!

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  2. The table runner is so striking, Jayne! Beautiful design and it is so fun to see it brought to life in a quilt.

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    1. It’s always a lot of fun to use a block in a real project! Makes all the difference. I couldn’t resist using the color combination. Graphic and bold!

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  3. I really love it in the red, black, gray and white! The dot to dot quilting was the perfect choice for it. I'm hoping to get the borders on my this weekend and get some quilting going. Thank you for letting me pattern test for you, it really was a fun block to work with.

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    1. And once again, thank you for testing for me! I can’t wait to see your block finished!

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  4. Wow, wonderful in any color! Great job, Jayne!

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    1. The classic color combination was hard to resist with this block!

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  5. Love it- can't wait to make it!

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    1. I had to give it a try in an actual project…and it makes me very happy to see it can work!

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  6. Love, love, love your table runner! And all the variations as well. It's a fantastic block!

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  7. Fantastic block Jayne. I love that table runner!

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  8. So gorgeous, Jayne! I love how it comes together in the table runner. I must on my project list ;)

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  9. OMG I love this so much! Thanks for the free pattern - so generous of you. I'd really like to make it in the 6-1/2" size you created and add it to my Splendid Sampler. Would I just minimize your pattern by 50%?

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    1. In theory, reducing the template by 50% should work! I’m happy to make a PDF for you of the smaller size! Just let me know!

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  10. I love this as a table runner. I can see it in pale teals and light grey. Like frost on a window at night. :)

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  11. I loved your block when I first saw it and times by three, it is even more striking. Wonderful colours and quilting!

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  13. That is a beautiful block and the red, black, gray combination is so striking. Gorgeous!

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  14. can't get the links to work. Keep getting an error... :(

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  15. This is such a pretty block and I love seeing what it looks with all the different fabric combinations. Yours is so strong and graphic, but with patterned fabrics it has a daintier look. I also really, really like your clever quilting (now there's a thing!)

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  16. The colors really bring out your design - right to the edge! Striking is the word. Your pattern testers did a great job too, wonderful how each block has its own character.

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  17. I've seen these beauties on your Instagram and the block is just so amazing! The table runner is gorgeous, well done 👏

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  18. I printed out your pattern and made it yesterday. I usually struggle with paper piecing but this one was fun to make and I love the design. You're instructions were super helpful too. Thank you!

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  19. Congrats on your pattern and your new Craftsy shop! Great block and great runner. Love seeing it in the various combinations from your testers.

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  20. I adore this design - it's just perfect! I love the table runner you made, and it looks like so much fun! Super super job! This is, as I said, a real winner!

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  21. wow this is stunning. the colors you used are fantastic. i got the pattern and will be making it some time. thanks. right now i have way too many projects going. baby quilts, burp clothes, baby stuffed toys, Christmas gifts. But it is out and printed.

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  22. I love this block! And, love your color combinations. Would have liked to have been a pattern tester for you but had too many commitments at home (putting up apples and tomatoes). Hopefully I will be able to download the pattern and make up a table runner for Christmas! Your pattern testers made really pretty blocks, too. They are to be commended. Nadine W. in Northern California.

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  23. I love how you quilted it and like the way it looks on the back side. It's funny how so many quilters (myself included) always want to see the backs.

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  24. Wow! Every combination looks great. The table runner is spectacular!!!

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  25. Beautiful Jayne - both the block and the table runner! Bravo!

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  26. Gorgeous! The red with the neutrals is so wonderful! <3

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  27. Those Kona colours...oh my...I want to make a table runner now. It's just so striking.

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  28. Wow! Just Wow! A great block and love seeing all the color combos. Thanks for linking up!

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  29. Looks great! Really striking design!

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  30. Love block but I can't find paper pieced pattern.

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