Monday, February 14, 2011

A Little More of Virginia's Star Quilt . . . .

With Belle Meade done it was on to my next project. After working with nothing but French General reds, whites, and blues, I was in the mood for some different colors.

So I went with this . . .


Virginia's Star Quilt by Lori Smith for From my heart to your hands Quilt designs. My favorite part of this pattern, it comes with 5 different quilt size options. The star block can range in size from a 4 1/2 inch square to a 10 1/2 inch square, and this pattern has detailed directions for each size.


So here are all my stars . . .

I wish I could take credit for choosing all that lovely fabric, but this project is the result of a kit, a kit I've had for several months. This project was kitted for the 6 inch square blocks, so that's what I went with.

So that was easy, the size was chosen for me, the fabric was chosen for me, no drama for this project, right....right...., uh not right.....

I wasn't particularly fond of the border provided in the pattern, a 6 inch piece of plain fabric with a star in each corner.

I thought I could come up with something a little better ( you know me and borders) and thought maybe a scrappy checkerboard inner border would have a good look and feel.


It didn't take long to figure out that the scrappy checkerboard border fought with the scrappy stars, so back to the drawing board......I was a little limited since this was a kit, and I really don't have much in the way of fabric on hand.

Then I noticed the binding fabric that came with the kit, and tried this.....


This I like,

so the binding became the border!


I'm still deciding on the perfect width for plain tan inner border, and plan to add another plain strip of fabric to the other side of the checkerboard border. I'm also still deciding about whether to add the hst units along the outside, like the pattern.

This I am sure of, I ran out of fabric! The kit didn't come with enough fabric to finish the border using my pattern changes!! I was able to order more of the dark fabric from the quilt shop where I got the kit, the plain tan border fabric, it's available, but the color is a little different. It has a hand dyed look that probably changes on each bolt. Luckily for me, I know a quilter who had also bought this kit and she is willing to part with her border fabric so I can finish mine! Aren't quilters the nicest bunch of folks you would ever want to meet!

So while I wait for more fabric to finish this project, I guess I'll get started on Eventide!

Stop back tomorrow for an update on my Eventide progress and some sew along updates!!

Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm wearing my Valentine's Day socks and eating red food all day. I just love it when I have to eat Red Velvet Cupcakes for breakfast, just in the name of a holiday! I'm all for any holiday that adds a little fun to what would normally be another boring winter day. If a valentine doesn't find its way to you, don't hesitate to treat yourself to a little something....it's all about love, and shouldn't you give yourself a little love everyday, but particularly this day!!

12 comments:

  1. As always, I really like the changes that you've made. And not surprised at all! :)

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  2. Red velvet cupcakes for breakfast! What a great idea :D And what a beautiful quilt - very inspiring.

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  3. I can't believe you whipped up all those blocks already! It looks fabulous! The size of your inner border will depend on the size you need to make the checkered border after it work out right...won't it? That's why I hesitate to add borders like that because I fuss around too much making the corners meet in a way that continues the pattern.
    Happy Valentine's Day!

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  4. You are the queen of coming up with great borders, that's for sure! Love it as usual and what good luck finding a fellow quilter willing to part with their fabric so you can finish. Can't wait to see the finished top!

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  5. It's looking lovely, Thelma. Happy Valentine's Day - enjoy all the red. :-)

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  6. Another fabulous quilt by you. Love the fabrics. I am in awe. Have a great Valentine's Day

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  7. Of course, isn't there always drama? But o worth it in the end - can't wait to see the final product! Hmmm, red velvet cupcakes are my favorites!

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  8. You have a great idea! I love the changes you made. Happy Valentine's day!

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  9. I love the bright and cheery stars. Still laughing about the border, I'm glad it's working out.

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  10. Gorgeous quilt ! Another finish for you ! The borders are just perfect !
    HAPPY VALENTINES DAY !

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  11. I love this pattern! How big does the quilt get to be? It is going to be beautiful!
    Marsha

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  12. Love your Virgina's Star...your border choice is fantastic!

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