Carol's Stars

Before quilting

When this blue and yellow quilt was brought to me, Carol told me the pattern was supposed to form circles, but neither of us could see them. The top of the quilt is shown at right as it was draped over my machine (with a few sticky notes attached to remind me of what I planned once the quilt is loaded.) The pink contrasting stars are a "cancer awareness" reminder.

colored pencil sketch to help me think

Often,  I draw the quilts out on graph paper so that I can play a bit and get my creative juices going. When I drew this one out, the circles really popped out at me, so I sketched them in and started playing with some possible patterns.


This really looked like a wedding ring quilt in my drawing, and I had to stare at the actual quilt for a while to allow the pattern to set into my mind.

finished quilt

Once I had the pattern fixed in my head with a few ideas going, I loaded the quilt and got to work. I did the circles first, since the remainder of the patterns would depend on them. These were very large circles - I think 26" - so I had to do them as 1/2 circles to fit into my throat space.












When all the large circles were complete, patterns were placed into the shapes formed by the overlapping circles.

circular pattern detail

My quilts usually evolve as I work, since they seldom end up like I thought they would when I began. Line patterns were designed to fit into the outlined areas, and, in this case, I felt some background fill was needed around the star areas, so I used a pebble pattern.

"Pillow" area

star detail

back of quilt

"Chain of Fools" on my design wall

This quilt took me a while to complete, but I really like the finished look, and I hope you do too.



On another note, my "Chain of Fools" quilt is coming along. I cannot even begin to count the number of times I have had to take things apart because I got the triangles turned the wrong direction, but I think I am about two thirds of the way done!




That's it for now. Until next time, happy quilting!!!

Cathy

Verse for the day: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unaware." (Heb 13:2)

Chain of Fools

A Change of Pace

pieces of the puzzle

The summer seems to be the only time I find some time to work on my own quilting projects, as the school year responsibilities come to a halt. That's what I get for over-committing myself!!! Anyway, thought I would start a few blogs on my own projects just for fun. Currently, I am working on one called "Chain of Fools". I am having fun putting lots of colored pieces together, with lots of 1/2 square triangles and flying geese. I am trying to get all the puzzle pieces to come together - at least that's what it feels like I am doing! (In fact, I'm thinking maybe it's called "Chain of Fools" because only a fool would even begin the project!)


So far, I have four of the blocks assembled, and it is slow going. Right now, my lights are out above my work table, and my not-so-handy, but willing husband has not been able to fix things, so we are waiting for an electrician.

putting the puzzle together

That's it for now. I am still doing lots of long-arming, and will hopefully have an interesting one for you soon!
Until next time, happy quilting!
Cathy

Verse for the day: "Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face always." (I Chronicles 16:11)