Seems like I haven't posted in awhile but I sure have been busy sewing. Sometimes I just feel the urge to sew like crazy and this week was one of those times. I actually ended up with several finishes, cleaned up some areas of the studio and tried out some precision piecing all while feeling a bit of a cold. And we babysat the grandchildren twice! How is it that some weeks I can get so much done and other weeks it feels like I have accomplished nothing! Anyway, first up is my first attempt at a feathered star. I followed an online tutorial on a blog, It's Molly's Place, and in one long morning made this block. I am really pleased with how it turned out and now have the confidence to try this block again in a bigger project. Careful cutting, a perfect seam allowance and slow careful stitching were all it took to get good results.
That afternoon I quilted and bound it making this cute little wall hanging.
It should complement this batik quilt, Winter Blooms, which I quilted the following day. Sadly you cannot see much of the quilting in these photos. This will be perfect hanging in my livingroom after the Christmas chaos when I am in the mood for these more serene colors.
And speaking of Christmas, I quilted and bound this Sampler Magic quilt from a pattern by Lori Smith that I made to use on my bed at Christmas. I love the non traditional colors and touches of shiny gold. Perfect to add a little bling to the holiday.
And my Mystery Gone Astray quilt is now ready to be used as a throw when I decorate the livingroom for Christmas. This quilt began it's life as a mystery quilt but after making 200 flying geese units I saw a photo of a quilt like this and decided to come up with the pattern and use those units in this quilt instead. The mystery was revealed a week ago and I like my version better so I am happy I followed my gut on this one.
Bonnie Hunter's mystery should be beginning next month so I have been clearing the decks to get ready for some power piecing to start. The colors have not yet been released but I am starting to think about what colors I might use, hope I can just raid my stash!
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Your feathered star looks fantastic! Perfect, beautiful points :0) It's my very favorite block but I've never made one before - too chicken.... I will have a look at that tutorial. Your finishes are wonderful as well. Love the Lori Smith sampler and all those soft, pretty hourglasses. I have almost talked myself into trying the Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt this year. Every year I follow along but I've never jumped in. The stash is a great place to shop!
ReplyDeleteWhat fantastic finishes. The feathers star is so precise. I guess that happens when you pay careful attention to details, like an exact 1/4"! I love your medallion and hour glass. The colors are soothing and look like winter colors without being chilling. It's a great applique for the center. Then nothing is better than r&w. It's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe feathered star is gorgeous ! And so are your other quilts ...you certainly have gotten very much accomplished ! :)
ReplyDeleteAll your quilts are lovely! I especially like your feathered star with the fussy cut bird--so pretty!
ReplyDeleteLove your feathered star, and your tips for a perfect finish are so true. Looks like you have been having a fun and productive time in your sewing room. The red and white quilt is gorgeous, good on you for following your instincts,
ReplyDeleteYour feathered star is stunning!
ReplyDeleteI also love your Winter blooms and Sampler Magic quilts!
A big fan of Red & White quilts - Mystery Gone Astray is fabulous!
You have been so fabulous busy - congrats on all these amazing finishes!
Wow. Your feathered star is absolutely stunning. What wonderful work you do!
ReplyDeleteDear Heather,
ReplyDeleteI am amazed about all these wonderful finishes. One quilt nicer then the other. Great accomplishment, love the colors, and the litte featherd star is just beautiful.
Greetings,
Sylvia
I made a wall hanging sampler of Feathered Star blocks quite some time ago. They do take a lot of time to cut and stitch.
ReplyDeletewow what a great one woman quilt show here today.
ReplyDeleteYour feathered star is lovely. I've never made one.Your red and white is stunning too.
great inspiration - thanks!
What a beautiful quilt! I agree with you - the focus fabric really makes the blocks pop. I like your feathered star. A couple of years ago I made one and will use it for a medallion, then I want to make an entire quilt with them. They are so beautiful. Martha McCloskey has the best books on making a Feathered Star. There is a very easy way to cut bias strips, sew them together and then cut out the small HSTs.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the beautiful work, and I too wonder how I get so much accomplished during one week then the next it is very few.