This quilt is based on my When the Stars Align pattern, which I have to say is my favorite of all the ones I've designed. It's also the most time-consuming to make because of all the half-square triangle blocks involved. Not a difficult task -- just labor intensive! This is the first full/queen size quilt I've made from the pattern, and it was basically like making 2 1/2 lap quilts! (The lap size version has 12 blocks -- the full size has 30 star blocks!) 30 star blocks translates to 360 half square triangles! Once I finally got the pieces made and the top sewn together, it took several hours to quilt, and several episodes of Project Runway to bind!
I love the way it turned out, and I'm dying to make the pattern in so many other fabric collections, but that will have to wait until I catch up on some unquilted tops!
So once this quilt was dropped off at the post office, I found myself in a brief "custom-order free" state! I actually have one more custom quilt in progress, and two more orders in the planning stages, but since I am waiting for additional materials for the one in-progress, for the first time in weeks I was able to work on any project I wanted to!
This "Children at Play" baby boy quilt was a quick, easy finish! The top was already done, and the quilting went fast -- I just need to bind it later this week. I'm super happy with this one -- the colors are so nice, and I found flannel fabric for the back in the same orange bicycles print.
I was so anxious to keep quilting that I quickly loaded this vibrant top on the frame. I wasn't a huge fan of the "Terrain" collection by Kate Spain when it first came out, but it is really growing on me! I always love her fabrics, and I have to admit that the colors in this collection were fun to work with. I found this pattern on the Moda Bake Shop called "Charming Stars" and decided it would be fun to use a purple solid for the stars. I also omitted the sashing strips, and I like the way the stars "float"among the charm squares.
This quilt did use up the last of my batting stock, which has been seriously depleted by my custom orders! I buy batting on the roll through Joann's online. Since we live in a remote area, this is so much easier than waiting for a sale and stocking up so I don't run out. I always use Warm-N-Natural, and the roll (40 yards!!) is a good deal with a coupon or a sale price. Usually the giant box arrives on my doorstep within a week. I finally purchased a new roll a few days ago, but other than the piece I set aside for this week's custom order, I'm totally out until the new roll gets here!
However, I do have a bit of Dream Green recycled batting on hand, so I think I'll be loading the remake of my Lorax quilt later tonight. I really do like the Dream Green batting, but I don't usually use it for my Etsy quilts since it doesn't crinkle up in the wash as much as the cotton batting. When I made the original Lorax quilt last spring, I decided the Dream Green was the perfect match -- it is actually made from recycled soda bottles. You would never know it, because it is so soft, and is very similar to the feel of the Warm and Natural before washing.
I finally managed to finish the binding on this fall quilt (made from Sandy Gervais fabrics), and build the additional storage crates I bought from Michaels last week for my sewing room. The additional vertical storage helped me clear up other areas of the room even more. I also purchased and built a shelving unit for the closet, but I am still sorting through the things that need to go back in there. All in all, it was a very productive and fun weekend!
Hi Kerry,
ReplyDeleteThe custom quilt is just stunning! I love that pattern and the way you put the fabrics together.
Can't wait too see more of your creations.
Have a great week,
Mindy
Where can I buy the stars align pattern?
ReplyDeleteDanasorensen@hotmail.com