An Improv Christmas Star Block
Ho! Ho! Ho!
Today is my day!
Thanks to Madame Santa Samm for getting us all in the holiday spirit by sponsoring this festive blog hop!
To find all the elves who have been busy, busy, busy
getting ready for Christmas,
getting ready for Christmas,
visit our
Thanks, Carol!
For this blog hop I wanted to try something new.
I saw a improv modern star block somewhere on a blog awhile back
and have been wanting to try it ever since.
I saw a improv modern star block somewhere on a blog awhile back
and have been wanting to try it ever since.
So my Twinkle Star Quilt is born!
Here are the gorgeous shimmery fabrics I am using for my new
Modern Christmas Star quilt!
I cut the silvery background fabric in sets of rectangles in three sizes:
3" x 5" , 4" x 6" and 5" x 7"
I cut the corresponding strips for the stars in three widths,
1", 1.25" and 1.5"
I used my Easy Recs Tool to cut the corners.
I did not make any effort to cut these even sizes.
The idea is that the stars points will be uneven.
The idea is that the stars points will be uneven.
I laid out each improv star.
I sewed on the strips for the star shape.
I sewed the rectangles together, pressed
and trimmed into rectangular blocks.
The blocks are not all the same size.
I squared the block by laying a straight line across the middle seam.
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Here are some of my blocks in an improv layout.
The idea is that there will be a lot of "negative space" in this quilt
with the shimmery gray background fabric.
The idea is that there will be a lot of "negative space" in this quilt
with the shimmery gray background fabric.
Butterfly is being very helpful and playful in my sewing room
by keeping me company, pressing my fabric
and helping me arrange ... and rearrange ... the pieces.
I am having fun playing with the pieces to this puzzle, too.
I have an idea of how I want my quilt to look, but I have not drawn it out on paper or computer like I usually do.
For this quilt, I want to keep is easy and let it fall together as it will.
I have an idea of how I want my quilt to look, but I have not drawn it out on paper or computer like I usually do.
For this quilt, I want to keep is easy and let it fall together as it will.
I do wish I had a little more at this time to show you.
Over two weeks ago I made this "test block."
For more "how-to's" on making this block, click Here.
This quilt should have gone together quickly and easily.
For more "how-to's" on making this block, click Here.
This quilt should have gone together quickly and easily.
Unfortunately, this week I have had to take time away from my sewing room for an unexpected visit to an opthamologist.
As many of my friends and regular readers may know, I have had vision problems all my life and for the past few years my eyes have taken a downward turn. Recently my vision has become much worse, much faster than anticipated. For the last month or two, I have tried to ignore the signs while I was focused on my daughter's wedding preparations, but the time has come to face facts.
My regular eye doctor has been telling me the last few years that I would someday need surgery "sooner or later."
"Sooner" has arrived. The first of several eye surgeries is being scheduled three months from now, the earliest that can be accommodated by the surgeons. Afterwards during recovery, I have been forewarned that it may be slower than is usual for this procedure, due to the other problems in my eyes. Then I will initiate the process to repeat the procedure to have the second eye operated on. Somewhere further down the road there will be more surgeries. These surgeries are all efforts to prolong my vision.
I will be taking things each day as it comes.
I have faith that will keep me strong and going forward.
Sewing is my the best therapy for me right now and I will be in my sewing room as much as possible and hope to have more to show for my efforts soon.
... just keep sewing ... just keep sewing ...
Thank you for visiting my scrapatch.
I hope you have enjoyed my post and all of the
You will not want to miss a stop on this merry sleigh ride
so please visit all my quilting friends of the day
in the links below ...
August 9th
Life in the Scrapatch (you are here!)
Christmas will be joyous!
<3
73 comments:
Interesting thanks for sharing
I love the shimmery fabrics!! And I'm sorry to hear about your upcoming surgeries. Prayers that all will go well :)
Those are beautiful and unique stars. Thanks for all the pictures!
I'm so sorry to hear of your vision problems and need for surgery. I know how frightening that can be. My mother is blind in one eye since childhood and I have held her hand as she has dealt with many vision issues. I pray all goes well for you. Thank you for sharing your modern twinkle stars with us and for sharing your life as well. Best Wishes
I'm so sorry to hear of your vision problems and need for surgery. I know how frightening that can be. My mother is blind in one eye since childhood and I have held her hand as she has dealt with many vision issues. I pray all goes well for you. Thank you for sharing your modern twinkle stars with us and for sharing your life as well. Best Wishes
Love your fabric choices for this unique pattern! Thank you for sharing.
I'm so sorry to hear about the problems you're having with your eyes! I think you have the right attitude, though. One day at a time. You're strong, you can get through it! Sew as much as you can leading up to the surgery! Just keep sewing :)
I love your idea here and the beautiful outcome so far. The fabric is gorgeous. I look forward to seeing the finished quilt! The problems with your eyes.... That must be a true nightmare. I do hope that your surgery does the trick and give you sight a long while longer.
Oh your fabric choices are outstanding and the outcome of the quilt is beautiful. Thanks for sharing your creativity and a great tutorial.
Thank you for this great tutorial. I love the fabrics you used.
Hope your eyeproblem will get better soon
Love your idea for these stars. I pray your surgeries reverse the downhill ride your sight has been taking.
Great stop on this hop. Good luck with your eye surgery.
Your blocks are quite interesting. I think it will be very sparkly when you finish. Just keep sewing. I know that all will turn out right. Blessings to you.
Very nice stars. Love the improv way they all turn out different. Thanks for sharing your process.
Best of luck with your surgery.
The improv quilting is one that I haven't followed much but it does look interesting.
Good luck with your surgery.
I love your stars!
Best wishes for your upcoming surgery - take care!
My dear Pat, first I kept reading your vision, oh my...good that you will have surgery...I also believe in prayers and healing thoughts, so yes I will be there....
now your quilt wonky and full of stars...is soooo becoming of YOU...I am thinking you may be on to something of a trend here...xx
Take care of your eyes pat....Your quilt is very unique...anxious to see more
Love your wonky, shimmery stars! So sorry about your vision issues. I'll pray for you as you begin the surgeries and healing process. Please take care, be strong, and enjoy each precious day!
What gorgeous fabrics! I'm so sorry to read of your vision problems. I have two aunts who lost their vision over time and through watching them I learned that attitude is a huge part of how one deals with it. You are strong and you will have many joys in your life, even through the difficult days of surgery and recovery. My prayer is that God will give you peace and healing. blessings, marlene
These stars are really unusual and will make a beautiful quilt! I'm sorry to hear about your eyes but it sounds as if the surgeries will make it so that you can see better - that's a blessing! BTW - I love all your purple wedding quilts!
I think your stars are really neat! Blessings to you as you go through your surgeries.
Oh I love your twinkle star creation.
Your eyes are very important and taking care of that surgery and getting back to normal is what you need to take care of. It is going to be wonderful. Keep sewing the time will go fast. Take care B
Prayers for your recovery! Thanks for sharing your starry creation!
I'm sorry you are having eye troubles. My Mom suffered with Macular, . I hope all goes well with your surgery.
Your star modern block. cute and different.
Well, that is certainly interesting and different my Friend. Can't wait to see the finished quilt. I'm so glad you are stretching your wings and trying different things. My prayers are with you for this next step in your journey (((HUGS))).
I love those stars and look forward to seeing them all together. Thanks for showing how to make them...I want to try it! I'm sorry you have to go through surgery, but I hope it makes your vision better. I'll be thinking of you.
Hi Pat now you know I am all about the wonky thing and I love the quilt it is awesome...thanks for the tutorial. I will be there with prayers and good wishes both for you and the surgeons. Things in our life do happen that make us scared but I remember a post you sent me one day when things were down and it was filled with care and best wishes and that is what I am sending you. Please keep your chin up and keep us posted and yes keep stitching it is the best therapy I do believe...
Looking forward to seeing how your quilt will come together. Wonky is always fun! Sorry to hear of your vision problems. My thoughts and prayer to you.
Praying for your surgery and your wonky project is so fun.
Sorry to hear about your eye issue. My MIL has issues and it is so frustrating for her. Take care of yourself.
What a nice block! Your quilt is so pretty!!!
My prayers are going up for your upcoming surgeries! It must be hard to stay positive, but that will help you through.
This is going to be so gorgeous when completed. I am so sorry about the trouble with your eyes. I will say a prayer for you and your doctors. Also, I will pray for patience as you recover. Blessings to you as you go through this difficult process.
Good luck with your eye surgery. Hope everything goes really well to preserve your precious sight
Your improv is a great idea and your fabrics look wonderful together! Best of luck with your upcoming surgeries!
Your site really got me into Christmas mode with the background music. Thank you. I pray your surgeries will go well and you will not experience too much time away from your passion. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Thanks for sharing your creation. Good luck to you with your surgery.
Thanks for sharing your Twinkle improv stars. Good luck & best wishes for your upcoming surgeries.
Cool stars and lovely fabrics! I pray all goes well with your eye surgery, and that you will be comforted during recovery... Thanks for joining the blog hop!
I think hearing the song is what made me smile all the way down to my toes...Walt Disney would of been an awesome quilter with his great visions. Look forward to visiting you in the hexie hopp. I have the hexie virus and it should be a good cure
Hugs
Twinkle twinkle, so sweet stars!
Love your quiltie. Best wishes for your eye surgery. If it makes you feel better, my best friend has had multiple surgeries herself, and comes thru them great. Best wishes with the wedding plans!
Different and interesting. I especially like the fact that it is sort of improv, so there is no right or wrong way to do it. Love the fabrics!
I always enjoying seeing what you have invented. I love your improv stars - very unique. Thanks for the tutorial. They are complete - I think even I can do them.
I am praying for your eyes and hope that you will be able to continue to quilt, that which you love. I complete understand. I just came from the opthamologist today and he is sending me to a pediatric opthamologist because they take care of this is children and adults. I have an eye muscle imbalance causing double vision. It was a trick last week trying to thread a needle and then trying to see the seam line to hand stitch a binding down. It was an absolute nightmare. I certainly will keep you in my prayers.
Thank you for participating, sharing your marvelous creativity, and being and inspiration for Christmas in the summer.
At first I wasn't sure about the wonky star, but when I saw them all together on the quilt, I was sold. They look great. They do have a twinkling facet to them. Nice job. I'm sorry to hear about your eye problems and wish you well. Butterfly is a sweetie.
Thanks for sharing your creation, your quilt will turn out beautiful when it finished.
Good luck to you with your surgery,
best wishes!
Very, very pretty. It really does twinkle.
Very pretty fabrics and a cool design. Thank you for sharing. I am sorry for all the problems that you are having with your eyes. I pray that all will go well with your surgery. Big hug!
Very unique indeed. Will be lovely when completed. Best of luck to you with your surgeries.
Your work is so beautiful. I am so sorry to hear about your vision. I pray that they will be able to heal you.
I am so sorry to hear about your eye problems! I wish only the best for you.
xo jan
It almost looks like a modified spool design in the end, Pat.
I hope that your upcoming surgery will be a success and put your recent troubles behind you.
Thanks for being part of the fun blog hop. I enjoyed your blog.
Very unusual but stunning!
Prayers will be sent your way for a speedy recovery!
Lovely and creative quilt. Very cheery.
I hope and pray that your eye surgeries are very successful.
cheers
maggie
maggiemine42@gmail.com
How brave to try something new, and with such beautiful fabrics. I love the shimmer. I hope your eye surgeries go well, my thoughts are with you.
PS-love your little helper!
That is a cool idea. They look great so far. Good luck with your surgeries and Godspeed on your recovery.
Thanks for sharing such a unique quilt block...hope you get them finished soon. Prayers for a successful eye surgery...problems with vision is scary...I know.
I enjoyed your stars project! Hope you have a merry Christmas this year and all the joys a Christmas can bring.
Lovely and thanks for the tips for sewing. Good luck with the surgeries.
Lovely stars. great job.
I like your innovation. This is a really great block. Your fabric choices are nice too. Just perfect!
What a fun and relaxing block! ... will have to give it a try. I hope and pray your surgery goes well!
Very pretty! Hang in there -- hugs. :)
Best of luck to you! Hope for your speedy recovery. Your stars are lovely. Thanks for sharing.
You've chosen gorgeous fabrics for your quilt, which is very pretty too.
I wish you much luck with your surgery and others to follow. I'm sure it is scary for you.
Hiya!!! What an interesting concept for a quilt. I would have never thought of it, but I like it. Love shimmery fabrics too. So sorry to hear about your vision problems. I have worn glasses since I was 2 years old, so I know about the eyes. Now have glaucoma and retinopathy. I know that isn't spelled right. Hope your surgeries go well, and an improvement is seen. Will send healing energy your way. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas, blessed be, hugs!!! Pam
pamspretties57 at gmail dot com
Love your fabrics! I hope your surgeries go well and you recover quickly. Thanks for sharing your projects.
I am so sorry about your eyesight I hope and will pray your surgeries are successful. My grandson was born blind and he is such sunshine in my life but now I have an understanding what blindness really is.
Maybe you have been over doing it some with wedding and all of quilting you are doing. Do what the Dr's tell you sight is something so important.. Blessings and hugs.
I am so sorry I was so busy lecturing I didn't mean to be a busy body I just care but I know that God is always there for you.
Your Christmas stars are very beautiful, I always love your work it is so beautiful.
I see spools in the twinkling stars :).... thanks for sharing in the hop. Praying for God to bless the surgeons with wisdom as they care for you and that you will be blessed by the mercy and grace of God to be able to continue sewing for a long time. Take care
Janita
Pat, sending strength and prayers your way to heal from the surgeries and good luck to you in the upcoming surgeries. Glad you have such a good outlook. That will keep you going during recovery. God Bless you!
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