TALKING QUILTS (FEB. 2019)

Finally making a start on this little segment, even if it's only for my own documentation.  Having made my first quilt in 1977, the journey has been ever fascinating, meeting many wonderful quilters along the way, both in magazines & books, as well as in person.  They have all contributed to making this a fun hobby.  THANK YOU, to all & sundry in the industry.
Although I have some very favourite books, I'm starting with one I've used again very recently, as well as in the past.
This the book we'll talk about first.

Stars by Magic, by Nancy Johnson-Srebo.

Block 1 instructions, of 30 different numbered blocks.

The first quilt I actually made using the book was Quilt Map #10 in the book, which is the same blocks & setting as laid out, though my  own fabric choices. 

Rustic Star Medallion.

I called this quilt Rustic Star Medallion & it was a commission by a friend who is vision impaired to go on her guest bed. 
Next up came a quilt I started making from a magazine & half way through I got bored with the same little stars, so put one of "the" stars in the centre & also added broderie perse roses to 4 blocks.
This particular pattern was from The Quilter, March 2007, called Orient Express by Roxanne Carter.

Then along came a much needed wedding gift for one of my nieces' in the UK.  I designed the quilt, but was not happy with the centre, so guess what?  A star of course from the above book.  This was designed & made in 2011, ready for attending the wedding in June, in her chosen colours.

Chelsfield Star.

Over the last few months I've been playing with fabric from my stash along with a few of the "many" designs awaiting for their turn in my graph books & on my laptop.
We have a couple of results, although they aren't quilted yet.

Mandalay.

This came about because I really wanted to use the beautiful gingko pattern fabric & as I had a design in mind I got started from this pattern below.

Wonky Star designed on Quilt Wizard program.

Things didn't go to plan, with the wonky star being a tad complicated to piece & not having enough background fabric, so was redesigned to become the one above.  The centre star is the one from the book.
Another lot of fabric had also been sitting around in a pile, languishing along with it's pattern, so another start was made, with similar complications to the above.  Below is my original idea.

Blue Stars.

I'll show some of my design progress in a few snippets below.

 

And this is what it all became.

Shazzam.

The four blocks surrounding the centre crossed star is a simple block I created to tie it all together.
The odd blocks in the left hand corner of my design wall are the leftovers from the diagonal cutting of the star blocks & I couldn't bear to throw them into the scrap tubs, so the brain started working overtime, as well as the hands & machine & lo & behold, we ended up with this...............

I'm lucky to have a great stash & could find plenty for the background & accidentally found a fat 1/4 of  pretty fabric to frame the centre block.  I actually like this, even though it was a spur of the moment flight of fancy.  I've not thought of a name for it yet.
Thank you Nancy for much inspiration & your great instructions.

OK, my first attempt at the Talking Quilts segment, which I'll try to do once a month.  I've a few in mind so hopefully it won't be too boring & if it is, you can give them a miss.  I'll pop by during the week with some crafty finishes for both hubby & I over the last couple of months, then on Friday, it will be Scavenger Hunt day.  Where has this month gone, as I've just remembered a day out which I've not done.  Hubby has been a little low this week with a nasty cold virus, but is on the mend now, although still has a niggly cough. 
Enough from me!  Hope you are having a great weekend, take care & huggles,
Susan.