Scrappy Stars - DONE



Square innies and outies.

 We think we survived the big ISP changeover, i.e., TV, Internet, Phones - what an ordeal!  I gained a TV and my OWN remote control (!!!!) and we're saving $70.00/mo.  (Hope that aspect lasts for a while!)  DH and I are back to speaking with one another - I knew the changes would be stressful, but it's DONE.   I still don't have my blog comment e-mail where I want it, but that will come in time.

I'm finished with this Scrappy Stars, a class I took in May, from Bonnie Kucera, of eastern Nebraska (Fremont?)

I'm loving how it went together and also am pleased with my chunky border.  My Janome 6500 always behaves. 

One thing that always confused me, when I first started machine quilting,  given those infamous instructions at the end of a project, "Quilt as Desired,"  I would look out in space, "Does anyone know what I desire????"   Who knew?  I'm getting better at choosing what I desire, and in this quilt, I've included a variety of motifs.  Perhaps you might desire some of these choices.  The overall quilting is similar to a posey petal thing, but I accidently made them squarish and THAT is very appealing, and cog, or gear-like.

I've included a photos of the backing - I used that fabric to narrow my "Pull" choices.  The only fabric I purchased was the inner music border. 

The blocks are 12 inches, and the total quilt size is about 58 x 70. 

Paisley-type motifs





Diagonal lines, following the small print.




Vertical and horizontal lines - not sure I like it but ...




Swirls quilting motifs - easier than it looks.




My favorite quilting example.




Cog-like quilting motifs



Inner "music" border - look closely for quilting!

Quilt colors pulled from the backing suggestion.

I just liked looking at it hanging over the rail. 

RED, top nearly completed

I'm adding the border today - these pieces are only laid down - some of them need  adjustment in length.  I had planned another similar border, but it was getting too large.  This one will be about 63 x 75.  Blocks are 6 inch finished, first light border finishes as 1.5, triangles finish at 3, and last border finishes at 3.  If you are new to triangles for a border, be sure you plan the layout first before sewing them - sometimes those little rascals trick you!

For those of you who struggle with color choices, what fabrics?, will this match,? is that too light?, etc. The only fabric that I had questions about, was a pinky/yellow-y Valentine heart-type fabric and you guessed it, it's the piece that gives the quilt punch and interest.  So, LESSON # 846, don't fuss and fiddle and overthink your fabric choices --  pick a pallette and then JUST GOOOO FOR IT!   IMHO, this quilt BEGS to be scrappy!!!  You simply need lights and darks.

All fabric was from stash.  8-)  This is sometimes called Jewel Box, or Buckeye Beauty, Quiltville has one called Blue Ridge Beauty.  This is a VERY versatile block, so simple, yet design options are endless!  I've used it for a great border.