I started with two fat quarter bundles of a fabric line called Stars of Provence from Deb Strain. I bought the bundles on impulse with nothing in mind except that I loved the colors. Then I got inspired by a quilt I saw in the May/June 2008 issue of Fon's & Porter's Love of Quilting. At first I made a few stars with reproduction fabrics, but the muted colors didn't seem to suit the design. I was looking around for something brighter when I saw those bundles which had been sitting patiently on my shelves for so long.
I tried making a couple of blocks and I knew I had found the perfect fabric. My only worry was finding enough of the green to use as a background. Luckily there was a bolt of it left at my LQS, so I had enough to play with. I have enough white and another green in the line to be able to add generous borders, my next step. Ordinarily I'm not one to worry too much about using a particular fabric line for a quilt, but in this case I'm making an exception.
I was also pleased at how well it went together. Sometimes with blocks that have been made over a long period of time, especially hand sewn blocks, the measurements get a little wonky. I was able to sew the blocks together with very little easing, although, as you can see, I used enough pins to make a porcupine proud. I did lose a few points, but that's okay with me.
I enjoyed sewing the blocks so much that I'm almost sorry I've almost come to the end of this project. Have you ever felt that way? But there are so many more things I want to try out, including more with eight-pointed stars
You can see what others have on their design walls this week by checking out Judy L.'s blog Patchwork Times.
12 comments:
I agree, the colored points do make them sparkle a lot. So, so pretty, that fabric line. Porcupine Stars is a good name, no?
The stars do sparkle! It is a beautiful quilt. I'm sure you'll really enjoy it.
What a treat I found as I checked my blog dashboard!!! Your 8 point stars are gorgeous and the fabric line is beautiful, the green is the perfect background. They almost look like gears to me I can imagine them turning like the gears in your brain while sewing the blocks together.
Great job!!!
Colleen
What a lovely quilt (and a lovely blog)! I found you by way of Design Wall Monday :-). The stars are stunning! I've done the odd block or two (for samplers with the ladies in my club) of this pattern, but never attempted a whole quilt. I'll have to remember how the dark points make them scintilating! :-D
Blessings,
Mary Lou
Oh! how I wish I liked doing points for I think this quilt will be beautiful...but stars and I do not see eye to eye and then I get frustrated and give up.
But love your stars they almost twinkle
hugs Laurie
I love that quilt!! Very striking!
Pretty, pretty quilt and it does sparkle! You should be proud!
Very nice. I love how the stars appear to be random, but are in fact orderly.
You were so right about these fabrics -- they're perfect for this pattern. I love your star quilt.
absolutely beautiful! great job.
My goodness .... this is gorgeous!!
You are kidding me! Right! You hand pieced these gorgeous stars?! I made one, 8 pieced,8 pointed,handpieced, star in my lifetime. I am in awe!! BEAUTIFUL! I agree with Amy, I love the apparent ramdomness. Nice, nice quilt.
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