'Super' Star Thistle

This quilt has been in the works since May!  I was shocked when I realized that, but not to surprised considering what the last half of the year has been like.  

The block may look familiar to some of you.  I designed it over a year ago and have fiddled around with it on many other projects since then.  'Star Thistle' is a paper pieced block that is available in my Craftsy Shop:  Star Thistle.  

Because I love the block so much...I had this idea to super size the block to 18" and play with the background by using different shades of gray.  I used Moda Zen Gray, Kona Slate and Kona Graphite.  

SUPER STAR THISTLE
52" x 70"

There were many different ways I could have taken this design and and even now I see what I wished I had done or could have done.  I'll save those ideas for the next one!  



I've always love magenta and orange together and when I came across the print with the exact colors I knew it was a match made in heaven and where I'd start.  They were all in my stash and pretty much scraps.  Therefore...I haven't a clue what the colors are let alone the manufacturer.  (the print is Art Gallery)

 

I had the quilt pinned and collecting dust for a long time before I decided it was time to do something about it!  It seemed like it needed something special, something I could handle on my domestic machine.  And I'll admit, I knew it would be geometric!  

Auriful provided me with the thread as part of their Aurifil Artisan program.  I'm so thankful to be a part of the group and thankful for the opportunity.  

The star thread is Aurifil 50wt #2530 Blossom Pink and #2535 Magenta.  Thanks to my thread card I was able to match the colors exactly.  

The background received a combination of grays.  #2630 Dark Pewter, 2610 Light Blue Gray and #2600 Dove.  



The first areas quilted were the star and from there I echoed around the points, marking with my Hera marker along the way.  

Nothing planned.  I would figure out what I wanted in certain sections, mark it around the quilt, quilt it and move on to another section.  Over and over...one section at a time.  It all happened over the course of weeks!  



You all know I love geometric quilting!  For the most part turning and twisting the quilt to accommodate the quilting wasn't as bad as it looks.  Although there were a few tough spots here and there.



The top picture is the front of the quilt with So many converging lines!  It did get interesting and super dense but worked.  The bottom picture is from the back where you can see the Magenta thread.



More quilting detail!  I just kept going and going and going!  



Until every single space was filled.  Dense, geometric, symmetrical.  I have to admit I thought I would never get it done!  Over the course of weeks and with determination it was over!  Except the back...



Pieced together using each gray from the front and of course, the extra block I had.  I finished off the quilt with a binding of Kona Graphite.  



If you'd like to see other projects I made using the Star Thistle Block, here's a list of the blog posts I've done about it:

Star Thistle Blog Hop
A Pattern Comes to Life
Christmas Party Fun
The Stars are Shining Brightly
Finishing Mini Mini WIP's
Get The Point

Hmmm...I guess I do love this block!



Do you have a favorite block you use over and over?  Maybe one that you change up depending on the project?  

It's exciting to see what can become...the magical wonders of quilting!

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Christmas Party Fun

After a long week of giveaways, it's time to get back to normal blogging again!  I had a lot of fun last week with the giveaways and plan on making it an annual event.  I learned a few things while it was in progress and plan on making a few changes for the next one!

This past Saturday was our annual guild holiday party.  It's packed with a pot luck spread like no other!  I totally over indulged on everything!  It was so good I couldn't help myself!

We also have a Secret Santa Swap.  It is always a treat to see the look on peoples faces when they find out who got their name and then open their gift.  The talent, thoughtfulness and generosity is amazing!  Today, I thought I would share what I made for my person, Jenny!



Jenny's list was very helpful to me, yet I was worried when she talked about bags and zippers! She is the queen of all things zippers and bag related!  Yikes!  How could I impress her?!  I swallowed my fear and got busy! 

The first item I made was a set of pot holders (also on her list).  This I knew I could handle! There I go again with my 'Star Thistle' block!  The background color is her all time favorite!  I aim to please! 



I used four different colors for the points, a copper accent and  a print from Anna Maria Horner's 'Fibs & Fables line.  Star Thistle makes the geometric dot-to-dot quilting so easy and I find myself going back to it time and time again!

  

I wasn't sure if Jenny was a 'hanger' person or not.  The majority of the time I do not add hangers, but this time I thought I'd try something different.  I added twill tape on the corners for the hanging option.  What do you think of that idea?  



Next up was the dreaded zipper project!  A scissor pouch was on the list and I knew exactly which one I was going to make!  The Scissor Cozy!  Check out the tutorial from Svetlana @SOTAK Handmade...it's pretty easy and pretty amazing!  



I decided to use my small stash of selvages for this one.  Another thing I know about Jenny is that she is a 'super fan' verging on stalking (kidding Jenny!) of all things Denyse Schmidt! First, I pieced two panels being mindful of where I wanted the most interesting part of the selvage to end up.  And then went about following the directions for complete it.



I wasn't sure what size her scissors were and prayed this pouch would work!  My scissors fit perfectly and come to find out...we both have the exact same ones!  Cozy just as the pattern title states!



For the final 'make' I scoured my stash for every stitch of Denyse Schmidt I could find.  I didn't need much, but I needed 18 different prints.  They say variety is the spice of life!  



Since it used paper piecing on one gift, selvages on another, it seemed fitting to use English Paper Piecing for the third!  You know...that variety saying and all!  



I think Jenny was pretty happy with her gift(s)!  It's always a nail biter when making something for someone you admire and inspire to be like!  

One thing is for sure, quilters love getting gifts from other quilters.  We know what goes into projects and can appreciate every single stitch!  

Next time I'll share my 'goodies' from the Secret Santa Swap!

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Day 2 :: The Stars Are Brightly Shining

Welcome to Day 2 of Seven Days of Giveaways!  

This gift has a special place in my heart.  It was the first paper pieced pattern I designed and the reason I finally started my very own Craftsy Pattern Shop!  It feels like every year I say this...but I would love to write some quilt patterns.  

I designed Star Thistle as a 12" block, but far be it from me to stick with the plan!  I quickly reduced the pattern to 50% and came up with this lovely color combination.

You can read about the design here:  
Cloud 9 - New Block Hop
Finishing Mini Mini WIP's
Get The Point

It's obvious I love this block?!  



This Mini Mini finished at 6" square and has dot-to-dot geometric quilting.  The perfect design for that kind of quilting!



What's a giveaway with out a little fabric?  By little, I mean an assortment of mini charm squares! Bits and pieces!



If you would like do download the pattern, just click here: 'Star Thistle' .  If you do make it...I would love to see your version.  Feel free to email a picture to me!

I know...get on with the question!
Answer one simple question to be eligible for the drawing:

Real of artificial?  
(I know what your thinking...I'm talking Christmas Trees here!!)

This drawing will stay open until 6PM CST December 11th, at which time I will pick a winner using Random Generator.  I'll email the winners by Monday the 12th.  

Click here for Day 1 giveaway!

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***this giveaway is now closed***
Thank You!

Get The Point :: Wall Hanging

I mentioned last week that I was well on my way of completing a challenge:  Round Elements & Square Trouble.  Afton who blogs @Quilting Mod, asked for volunteers to 'compete' in a challenge using Art Gallery 'Round Elements'.  She supplied a rainbow of fat eights and basically, left the design up to us!

I will admit that I used this challenge in a very selfish way.  Naturally I was excited about the fabric, but I felt like it would be so much fun to use with my Star Thistle block.

'GET THE POINT'
23" x 23"

Truth be told, I'm not ready to put this block to bed!  I see so many possibilities with it and feel like exploring them!  So, I came up with 'Get The Point'.  Besides using the Star Thistle block, I created an additional block for the on-point frame.  



I wanted to explore the frame aspect of the block.  I decided to use a light grey for the center and bring a darker different shade of grey radiating out.  The centers of the blocks are a really dark grey that was also used in the final on-point frame.  



You can see the shade variations here.  Light grey to a black border.  Too bad about that dark grey looking black!



The original block was comprised of (4) 6" blocks to make one 12" block.  This time I reduced the block size, making the center block 8" finished.  

  

This quilt screamed loud and clear that geometric quilting was the only way to go, so I naturally obliged!  Aurifil off-white thread...only!  I have to say I feel like I used a lot of restraint in the quilting.  I didn't quilt on any of the colors, not one section!  

  

The back shows what I'm talking about!  Restraint!  There are times when it's needed, when it's called for.  



I really like how this turned out.  I had no idea when I first designed the block that it would have so many possibilities.  

  

Thank you Afton for the fun challenge and the fabulous fabric!  I'm excited to see what the other competitors came up with!  

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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!

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Star Thistle ~ Cloud 9 New Block Hop

Welcome to the last day of the 2016 Cloud 9 New Block Blog Hop!  If you have been following along, you no doubt have seen some amazing blocks!  If not, you can check out all the beauties on my Pinterest Board!  

A huge thank you to Cloud 9 fabrics for sponsoring this Blog Hop and to Yvonne @Quilting Jet Girl, Cheryl @Meadow Mist Designs and Stephanie @Late Night Quilter.  It's always a pleasure to participate in this event and pushing myself to create a new block!

This year I tried something new!  Star Thistle is my first paper pieced design!  You can get the free download with templates at my newly opened Craftsy store!

Let's get started!

STAR THISTLE
12 1/2" UNFINISHED

Template #	Color	Size	Quantity	Subcut
A 1	Pink	3” x 2”	4
A 2 - A 3	Dark Blue	3” x 3”	4	Cut Diagonal
A 4 - A 5	Light Blue	2 1/2” x 3 1/4”	8
B 1	Dark Blue	6 1/2” x 3”	4
B 2 - B 3	Grey	5 1/2” x 9”	4	Cut Diagonal
C 1	Pink	3" x 3 1/2”	4
C 2 - C 3	Grey	2 1/4” x 4 1/2”	8

Print four (4) copies of the template.  (Download template)  Using paper scissors, cut around each section about 1/4” from the outside line.

SECTION A - MAKE 4

Using the cutting chart from above, prepare your fabric for piecing.  

***If you are using a print fabric, the first piece will be face up on the back of the template, all other pieces will be stitched together right sides together.

Starting with Template A, center A1 fabric on the backside of the A1 section.  Using a dab of glue on the first piece is helpful.

Align fabric A2 on fabric A1,  1/4” over the seam line.  Holding the template up to a light source helps.  Note:  a little more than 1/4” is advised.  The seam will be trimmed.

Shorten your stitch length, stitch along the line between A1 and A2, back stitching at the point.   ***I back stitch at points and inside seams when I paper piece.  All other lines are from one side the the other.

Fold the paper back, and trim your seam to 1/4”.  Unfold the paper, flip the fabric open and press.

Repeat steps 4, 5, 6 for the A3 section.

Align fabric A4 on A3 fabric, 1/4” over seam line and stitch from one side the the other.  Trim and press.  Repeat with section A5.

SECTION B - MAKE 4

Center B1 fabric to the backside of the B1 section.  Glue in place.

Align fabric B2 on fabric B1, 1/4” over seam.  This section is a little tricky!  Flip your B2 fabric making sure it covers the template.  Pin in place to avoid shifting.

Stitch along the line between B1 and B2, back stitching at the point.  Fold the paper back, and trim your seam to 1/4”.  Unfold the paper, flip the fabric open and press.

Repeat for section B3

SECTION C - MAKE 4

Center C1 fabric to the backside of the C1 section.  Glue in place.

Align fabric C2 on fabric C1, 1/4” over seam.  Stitch along the line between C1 and C2, back stitching at the point.  Fold the paper back, and trim your seam to 1/4”.  Unfold the paper, flip the fabric open and press.

Repeat for section C3.

TRIM FINISHED TEMPLATE SECTIONS

For one (1) block you will need four (4) of each template.

Trim your templates 1/4” from the dark line around all the templates.  

Your pieces will look like this.  Neat and tidy and ready to assemble!

Join A and B sections, stitch together.  The hope is everything fits together perfectly.  If you are unsure, stitch along the seam using a longer stitch length.  Check alignment and re-stitch using a shorter stitch length.  

After stitching, press seams open.  ***I like to remove the paper in the seam after stitching and before pressing.

Join section C to B, stitch together.  Press seams open.  You will have four (4) blocks like 

this.

Arrange the blocks according to the diagram below.  Stitch blocks together and press seams open.  

 

 

And there you have it!  Your Star Thistle Block is complete!  Carefully remove the paper, this is where tweezers come in handy!

There are Helpful Hints for paper piecing attached to the pattern on Craftsy, along with a color sheet!

I made a table runner using this block and it turned out great...sharing that in a couple days!

There are options in terms of color and layout with this block:

                  

 

Here is the list for today's New Block Blog Hop:

Wednesday, September 14th

Host: Stephanie @Late Night Quilter

Kathy @Kathys Kwilts and More

Paige @Quilted Blooms

Mary @Strip Quilts Pass it On

Allison @Woodberry Way

Seven @The Concerned Craft

Olusola @Alice Samuel’s Quilt Co.

Ann @Brown Paws Quilting

Jodie @Persimmon + Pear

Vicki @Orchid Owl Quilts

Kitty @Night Quilter

Francine @Mochawildchild

Shelley @The Carpenter’s Daughter who Quilts

Jayne @Twiggy and Opal

Geraldine @Living Water Quilter

Velda @GRANNYcanQUILT

Shannon @Shannon Fraser Designs

Lisa @Sunlight In Winter Quilts

Jessica @Quilty Habit

Cassandra @The (not so) Dramatic Life

Deanna @Stitches Quilting

Denise @Craft Traditions

And again, all the blocks can be seen on my Pinterest Board!

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