I knew what the project was going to be as the quilt plan for 2018 was laid out back in December of last year. The real decision is determining how much I can actually get done on this project during the month. The plan for June is to work on my oldest UFO, the Red, White and Blue Star blocks.
These blocks were started as part of a class on constructing them. So there wasn't a plan at the start, I just started making them. With no plan, it was hard to determine what the next step was for this project. So last August I worked out a final setting.
Turns out there are two problems with this setting. The first is a design consideration, the star points between the two different blocks do not match up and that bugs me. Second, there's not enough blue fabric left to make this layout. I had planned to cut off two rows and make a square quilt, but I really prefer my quilts to be longer than they are wide. So while sitting around waiting for the maintenance guy to show up to the SIT's dorm, I played around in EQ and came up with this version.
I've got enough of the blue background fabric to finish this layout and only five more star blocks need to be constructed. That should be no problem. Before we left on Saturday, I selected the fabrics to make another seven blocks.
Now to pick my favorite five from the set and make those blocks. All that's left to decide on is what's the goal for June. I've been struggling with making my goals this year. Work has been crazy and life seems to have other plans for me than spending time in the sewing room. As much as I'd love to get this project to finished flimsy stage, the goal this month is to just finish the five blocks needed for the new layout. If more gets done, then all the better.
Linking up with the:
One Monthly Goal
Monday Making
Main Crush Monday
Monday Design Wall
Are we really almost half way through the year?
ReplyDeleteI like the second layout too. As soon as you said the star points don't match up on the first one, that's what my eye was immediately drawn to. Too funny! Good luck on reaching your June OMG!
ReplyDeleteI'm like you, if they were more offset I might be able to live with it, but when they are so close it would bug me. Your alternate plan will be just as wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI love your new layout with twelve blocks! The red cornerstones and sashing strips will look like a frame floating on the blue background!
ReplyDeleteOh so pretty! I like your new layout. and wait!! What?? I am way behind in my blog reading - but SIT went back..... they are supposed to stay until you are tired of them!!! ;-)
ReplyDeleteSecond EQ layout would also be my choice even though an additional five blocks need to be made.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, your Americana Star quilt is fabulous. I love reds and blues together anyway.
ReplyDeleteI like your new layout. Five more blocks is much more do-able than eighteen! Good luck getting them finished this month. I hope work slows down and you find it easier to get in your sewing time.
ReplyDeleteStars are my favourite blocks, and yep, I can see why that would bug you where they don't line up, so good redesign!
ReplyDeleteOur kids transitioning into adulthood is like that. It does get less consuming....enjoy your planning. :) Sew days are near.
ReplyDeleteThese are great blocks! Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and good luck with your project.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty quilt! Just in time for the Fourth. Good luck with your OMG. Yes, finding out about the toilet was a lucky break.
ReplyDeleteHi, Kate! I love your star blocks. Glad your daughter's move-in went smoothly!
ReplyDeleteSorry you didn't get much sewing time this weekend. I hope they got the toilet fixed before you left.
ReplyDeleteI really like your first stars layout, but I understand about the fabric limitations. It's not fun having to find matching fabrics after a long delay. The points not matching would bug me too. I like your second design and would have loved it without question if I hadn't seen the other one first. ;)
The star blocks are cool, and it will be nice to have your oldest UFO off the list! I'm struggling with goals this year, too. Some months I'm barely home enough to get anything done at all. Have fun with yours!
ReplyDeleteThat's a very clever layout! Lots of interesting movement in the sashing.
ReplyDeletelouise dot hornor at gmail
I really like the blocks, maybe there will be a show and tell how they are made?
ReplyDeleteWow, these blocks are gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteReally like your new layout and look forward to seeing the blocks come together.
ReplyDeleteSashing always helps when things don't line up exactly. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI really like the new layout. Can't wait to see it come together.
ReplyDeleteThe blocks are great and I like your final layout. I am like you in that I have to have a plan or the project just lingers....forever!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pattern and great strategy. Maybe I need EQ.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good example of blocks designed in different grid numbers, and you do see it a lot in older quilts. When there's a lot of angles coming together I'm bugged by it, but I actually like it here. Your white stars have so much lighter value in this design that they pop anyhow. The chain looks so angular with them, but almost looks rounded when you focus on the little lone stars. So I like it, but it's not mine, and your fabric limitations really are the final decision. I also like the second layout with sashing because I think it gives such a nice piece to quilt. You're going to have a beautiful quilt regardless, Kate. Enjoy piecing the rest of these classic stars.
ReplyDeleteGood progress on your stars quilt. I like both layouts, but the second is less work for you, and you have enough fabric for it. I like reading your blog and about your SIT. My kids are all grown abd on their own, so life is now fun when they come visit, and peaceful and quiet when they leave.
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