These stars are taking on a life of their own today – the quilt now looks so different then it did a couple days ago. I got the portable design wall put together and then carried it back to the sewing room to set it up in front of the permanent wall and spread the stars out on it 4 rows x 5 rows. Ciera’s star quilt is coming together. I am linking up to Sew Fresh Quilts: Lets Be Social today and Freshly Pieced Modern Quilts and to My Quilt Infatuation.
By noon I had all the pieces on the wall and I was ready to start to sew the longer pieces together – sew two strips together for above and below each star then you put a strip on each side of them.
Once you get the strips in place you have large 15 inch blocks. I have the first 2 rows of blocks finished. I have not sewn them in rows yet as when I get done with all the blocks I will square them up – here and there with my inaccurate piecing things are off a little bit so I will probably trim the blocks down about 1/2 inch. As you can see I ran out of room and the bottom row is on the floor.
In between sewing – I do take breaks you know! – I made a small batch of applesauce, I love home made chunky applesauce and tend to make it several times a year – just 3 or 4 pints at a time. It did take a little more than an hour away from quilting when you add in processing time but I needed a break.
Then I went back and sewed a little more and took another break – it got up to 65 degrees outside – sorry all you guys in the northern states – this is Arkansas after all 65 yesterday and today and then back to the 40/20 readings for the upcoming week. Back and forth all winter long with the weather teasing you of spring when you know it is still off a way. I found the dandelion that I mentioned last week – thought I better show you it really is here.
And here is the one clump of early daffodils that are not covered up with pine needles and if you look really closely you will see buds in there too. These daffodils always open early and frequently we get winter weather after the buds open. I took several walks in the afternoon around the property – I didn’t get in 10,000 steps yesterday but I did get in a little more than 6,500. I think I must have walked in circles all around the yard and field about 8 times or so two different times to stretch. Plus I have my ironing board set up in the kitchen so I go back and forth frequently to press the fabric – get in the exercise one way or another.
I love daffodils! A promise of spring. Ours are still covered with snow. No spring for us for a long time.
Wow, Ciera’s quilt is really coming along … that’s going to be one gorgeous quilt!
I noticed, when at DD’s yesterday, that their maple tree in front has a lot of good-sized leaf buds … it’s waaaay too early for that here in Illinois!! Hope the tree will be able to withstand the freezes we’ll have between now and spring.
Star quilt looks great – it does look quite different with the surround, i really like the multicoloured effect.
How pretty this is with the fabrics that you are using.
It’s TWELVE degrees here. 🙂 That’s before wind chill.
That quilt is going to be so bright and happy! It seems to be coming together quickly and easily too.
The star quilt is really coming to life!! I thought the stars by themselves were great, but adding those border strips really makes it pop! Cannot wait to see the finished quilt.
The quilt top looks great – the bright colors are really fun. I like making larger blocks like these 15″ blocks; they can help a quilt come together quickly.
Ciera’s quilt looks great; such bright, happy colors to brighten up these cold, snowy days! I know it’s warm where YOU live, but not here, so I am enjoying your colorful pictures.
Ok, now you KNOW you have a problem when you have to have TWO design walls — one design wall can’t keep up with your production ROFLOL!!! Ciera’s quilt is looking great!
The stars look awesome. I love working with bright colours. This will be a very lively quilt when it is done.
Enjoy the applesauce!
You star are twinkling! Love the colors and that portable DW idea.
Your star blocks are so pretty Karen and they look so great surrounded by the tumblers! This is going to be a great quilt! Ohh – yummy looking applesauce!
Your star quilt is so pretty. I really like how the strips around each block make the sashes. So much more fun IMO to sew blocks together than having to add in rows of sashes. Your applesauce looks yummy. And I envy your plant life. We woke to 7-degrees up north today.
Interesting quilt top. The framing makes a great setting and I love the effect of the tumblers in the border. Yep, you need to be able to see it all to get the colors so nicely arranged.
I love the bright colors. Have you thought about rotating the second and fourth row blocks 90 degrees to off set the pieces?
for all of you have think the tumblers look so good as a border — these are two separate quilts – one just in front of the other as I stated while I work on them
Yes the blocks well be rotated – every other block as I decide on it’s permanent location
I love how Ciera’s star quilt is coming along… so fab to have the backup design wall to use as well! You have been quite busy and I love the nature shots.. 🙂 I will look forward to spring to really come around though for more! lol Kathi
Ciera sera tan feliz con sus estrella
¡¡¡son tan alegres!!!
que grande ya los narcisos
para nosotros empiezan a brotar las mimosas
saludos
The stars look wonderful – it’s going to be a great quilt, and Ciera will love it!
Wow! That quilt is unbelievable. It would take me an entire lifetime to finish a project like that. The pattern and colors you chose are just beautiful.
I can’t believe your daffs are coming up already. I bought a small bunch at the market this morning because they won’t be popping up for months.
I like the idea of rotating the 2nd and 4th rows too. Breaks up the frame from having to meet exactly. I can see that. Wish I could piece that fast. The quilt is beautiful.
What a pretty quilt top in progress you have up on your design wall! All those beautiful stars! Your applesauce looks yummy, too!
Lovely stars!! And thanks for sharing your spot of green!
Your quilt is coming along beautifully. I love the colors and pattern! I like to can, too. We put up peaches, pears, applesauce, peach jam, crabapple jelly, and pickles during the summer and fall. It’s so nice to just go downstairs to do some of our shopping, and it tastes so good! 🙂
You are really going to town on the star quilt! My daffodils are coming up too! One that is in a protected area is starting to form buds. I just love them to death wish I had more in my yard.