Sunday, September 15, 2013

Star Surround





This was such an awesome quilt-a-long.  Melissa broke this down into very workable assignments with lots of size options, tutorials, and charts to make this very user friendly.


First assignment was cutting all your fabrics so they would be ready for the sub-unit stitching.  I chose something a little different - a Connecting Threads fall line "Sun Kissed Harvest" with un-bleached Muslin.


Second assignment was making all the HSTs.  Now that may have scared some, but I just LOVE making these units.


Third assignment was all the Geese units.  Now I freaked some people, even Melissa - as I did my geese and parts of the units a little differently from  Melissa's lovely tutorials.  I went with my methods and wanted to add to some bonus pieces for a future project with the left overs.

 

Of course Bella just loves anything that goes with her complexion - oranges and browns and reds and creams - she was always next to this project if not on it.


The fourth assignment was building the star centers.


Fifth assignment was completing the 'surrounds' in sections so they would be ready for the '9-patch' stitching next.


Lastly - those units all stitched and the completing into a flimsy state for posting up for the grand prize.  Visit HERE at Happy Quilting to see all the wonderful quilt tops that were done.


Yes, it is quilted!  I used a simple stitch in the ditch on the stars and an echo on the sashings and piano key border with a Superior grey thread top and bottom.


I used a StoneHenge slate grey and left over 'faux burlap' layer cakes from the Harvest line for a pieced backing.


I just love this quilt.  We've had a lot of requests for 'male' quilts in the shop lately.  I can see this on a quest bed in a cabin with rustic decor.  Yes, I sashed which I think makes the stars just stand out and pop! And the piano key border just carries those rich Fall colors all around and thru the quilt.


This was going to be a wedding gift quilt - but another was chosen, so this will go into the shop looking for a new home.  Bella will be very upset over that, she thinks it's hers.

Please visit Happy Quilting today as Melissa will be posting a parade of the completed (quilted and bound) quilts and the Grand Prize winner (random draw) will be announced from those who linked their flimsy. 

Sewingly Yours
Sharon

19 comments:

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

It turned out wonderful! Love the Kitty!!

Mary said...

Way to get it all the way done in time for the Parade!

Lesley said...

Holy moly, this is drop- dead gorgeous! Such a stunning quilt! Love your fabrics...the stars just pop, and the piano key border is just the thing to set it off! I don't think this quilt will be in your shop very long...it is exquisite!

QuiltSue said...

That is just gorgeous Sharon. The colours work brilliantly and I love the way the sashing makes the stars stand out.

Dana Gaffney said...

Wow, it's beautiful. I'm so glad you listened to Bella and picked those colors, they're perfect!

Belinda said...

Oh Sharon....I believe this is my favorite quilt of yours to date. It's just stunning!

Michele said...

This one turned out really fantastic and I just love the sashing and little triangles in the corners. Nicely done.

Donna said...

Let Bella keep her quilt. The lovely quilt is perfect for her!

Debbie said...

This turned out so beautiful. Those splendid fall colors are perfect for Bella!

Needled Mom said...

It is really stunning! I just love the colors you used.

Snoodles said...

Wow, Sharon you rocked this quilt! it's just awesome! Love how the sashings work with the stars, and the border is the perfect choice! Gorgeous line of fabrics, too.

Deb@asimplelifequilts said...

What a beauty! I love your rich color choices... just gorgeous.

Joanna said...

Your quilt is a stunner. Loved seeing the process; there were so many choices to make. And when you see the finish it's obvious you made the right ones.

Pauline G said...

This is one great quilt - and the colours are just so beautiful - be proud of ths one!

Bente-I like to QuiltBlog said...

Wow I love this quilt, absoutely gorgeous. Your quilting, the border and the backing - it looks great!!!!
Bente

Sheila said...

Wow , Sharon , this quilt is fabulous , it looks like a lot of work but you did an amazing job!

Wonky Girl said...

Love the colors of your quilt (what's mostly in my stash). Yes, the border really sets it all off. Pat yourself on the back! The kitty looks happy too ;-)

Lyndsey said...

That is a fabulous quilt Sharon. I love your colour choices.

Sarah said...

Looks really good Sharon. Love your piano key border.