Delighted with Delightful Stars

I know that reading and seeing are brain functions. However, sometimes the message does not get from my eyes to the part of the brain that understands. That happened again this week. I just made 304 four patch blocks. Yes, the instructions say 304  2 1/2 squares for the 4 patch blocks. I did not realize my error until I  pulled out the instructions to put together my border. Oh my... I have a lot of four patch blocks left.

extra 4 patch blocks

Despite this detour, I was able to complete my Delightful Stars quilt today. I omitted the last two borders. One was a pieced border and then a four inch border of the background fabric. I have one half yard of background left. Not even close to what I needed. I know I could have tried to match but  decided against that. It is what it is, and it is finished (except for the quilting). I really like Michele Foster's process for the borders. I used the measurements she provided and pinned from the center out. Everything came together. Oh yeah!

Delightful Stars

 I have some threads to clip, a few pieces of paper stuck in a seam and a final pressing. Once that is completed it is ready for my long arm quilter. I am uncertain how I want this quilted; I know something simple, that does not distract from the design. Perhaps grey, or a varigated grey thread. I think this quilt is going to hang on the wall, so the back is not as important. However, I think it should at least compliment the front in case I change my mind.  Here are a few pictures of the corners.

Corner detail

More corner details.

Another decision is what to do with all those left over four patches. I am thinking about some oversize pillows. There are probably enough left for another quilt. I will just wait till inspiration strikes.

Other news: I am still waiting for my border fabric for the Jump quilt, so that quilt is in a holding pattern. The small lap quilt for my daughter is on hold too. The backing fabric is in the same shipment.

I have promised my sister's grandson a quilt. I think that will be my next project....So many quilts I want to make.  Thanks for checking in. Have a great week.

Stars Shining in Ohio

Oh my stars! I have completed the center of the Delightful Stars quilt along. It been a long project.  I have learned so much from Michele Foster's lessons. I must admit that I am was not a fan of sampler type quilts. I always had trouble getting everything to fit together. Thanks to Michelle's lessons and learning to really pay attention to piece sizes, this went together perfectly.

Center of Delightful Stars quilt

I made a few changes in layout by reversing some blocks. This was mostly to enhance the balance of the colors. I also redid one block. My first version just didn't fit. It's did not go to waste and my granddaughter loved it and we are making it into a pillow.

New and improved block

Original block

I also learned to paper piece. I think it is about the messiest thing I've done in a while. I do like the outcome, so I am sure I'll do it again in the future. Here are some of my paper pieced blocks.

Four of these stars are paper pieced.

Five stars in a row, diamonds and purple star are paper pieced.

This is the first time I have used a dark background and I like how the colors stand out against it.
Although I am excited about the progress I've made, I am far from completing this quilt. There are fiveborders.  There is a border of background fabric, then a border of four patch square. Another plain border and a pieced border. I just taking it a border at a time. I worry I might run out of the background. If I do I'm sure I can improvise.

The next lesson is August 26th. Until then I've tucked this project away and have decided to piece a lap quilt with some sunflower batik fabric I've been holding on to. Thanks for checking in.

Delightful Stars - Paper Piecing-Not So Bad

It's been a week or so since  Michele Foster sent us her paper piecing Tutorial. She included six practice blocks that will  prepare us for the paper-pieced blocks in this quilt. I have been procrastinating.

Luckily there where two other blocks I could work on. Yes, I got behind. But I've made good progress this weekend, and I don't hate paper piecing anymore. I will not go as far as to say I am in love with in, but it's okay.

A really pretty block is Lesson 7 - Block 4. If you have been following along you know my goals are to have the stars sort of float on the background. I am also trying to achieve a softer misty sort of look for this quilt, like am impressionist painting. That explains my lighter fabric selections.

Block 4

The last block before the paper piecing practice is  Lesson 8: Block 23. This looks like an Ohio Star. My picture does not do the block justice as it is more colorful in person. I usually do the square method when I make this block. This time I tried the template method, which are cut from strips. I actually like it and my squares did not need trimming. Maybe I'm getting this accuracy thing after all.

Block 23

Okay, finally nothing left to do on this project but practice. I am so glad that I purchased the specialty paper and the add a 1/4 ruler. The paper came off really nice and the ruler came in handy. I was skeptical about the rule because I have used other templates to add a 1/4 on other projects. This really did work well. I also ended up using it to fold the paper on the longer folds.

So......the reveal..drum roll please......

Here they are. At least most of them. The heart is my favorite. I love the little basket too, but I made a mistake on it. Somehow I was off 1/2 inch at the top on some pieces. So I just made a little brim on the basket. I know it's only practice. I just can't stand to waste the block, so I improvised. I think it is kind of cute.

The basket with the boo-boo

Lovely Heart

Nearly Perfect Star

Deluxe Square-in-a-Square

Bluebell - should have not used the same fabric-but it's for practice right?

 I still have one practice block to do. It is a twisted log cabin. I decided that I had taxed my brain enough for one day. My sewing area is a disaster so I am cleaning up. If tomorrow's day at work isn't too bad I may try to complete the last practice block so I am ready for Paper Pieced Lesson when it arrives.

Michele says that after doing these practice blocks "you will have the necessary knowledge and skills to tackle any beginner/intermediate project". Bring it on!  I am ready! Thanks to Michele Foster. It's not to late to participate. See the Delightful-Star link on this blog.

Little bits of this and little bits of that.

I can't believe it myself. I am not working on any large project. No grandchildren this weekend. They went to a hockey game. Nothing but time. Another winter storm is heading our way. So this weekend I am just piddling.

There was a new lesson for the Delightful Stars Quilt-Along. It had a fair amount of pieces. Michele Foster, suggested we  measure as we went along. I am glad I followed her advice. My star went together easily. Keep the pieces organized was the biggest challenge. Each lesson has taught skills that are built on. It's fun seeing the progression of the quilt and my skills. I am proud to say, things are coming out as they should!

chil

Lesson 6: Block 14

It's hard to see the light fabric, but it is a lovely Japanese fabric. I felt it really brighten up this block.

close up of center

I was the most happy about how the pinwheel block matched with the flying geese to create the star.

I really do need to get a design wall, or something other than my basement floor. But since I am looking down at it. I seem to get the best pictures that way.

With my star completed I decided to work on an old leader and ender challenge. I think Bonnie Hunter issued this challenge two years ago. I was late getting started and continue to go "spooling around" on this project. I completed more spool blocks and some kits to work on tomorrow.

spools

 

Four spools make one block. Four blocks make a bigger block..I have several hundred by now. But the blocks are not that big...I may need a few hundred more. I plan to just keep making spools and making spools with scraps from each project. In fact I think I'll make some spools from the Delightful Stars scraps tomorrow.

However. My progress on the spool quilt might be delayed by the newest Leader and Ender Challenge-Lozenges! Bonnie Hunter announced this project yesterday on her blog.. It is inspired by an antique quilt Bonnie posted. Here is the link http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2014/02/2014-leader-ender-challenge-lozenges.html.

Bonnie Hunter's newest Leader and Ender Challenge.

Wouldn't this be fun to do in Christmas fabric.  I also thought it would be neat in grays and blacks for a nice crisp modern looks.

Before I can start this I do have one small project hanging over my head. A challenge quilt. I pick the phrase Christmas Morning. You would think it would be easy, and I have lots of ideas in my head. They are stuck there. I can't draw. I am making this thing small, maybe 24 x 36 inches. I am thinking of a Christmas tree in front of a window, with a cat sleeping in tissue paper under the tree. Sounds sweet does it? Question is, can I pull it off. It's due the end of March. So with much trepidation I plan to at least get the background and window done. (no fireplace) I think the tree will be appliqued. But without the lights, maybe some button ornaments? Hopefully I'll have something to show next week. Stay warm everyone. Think spring!

The inspiration.