Solstice Stars Sampler: the Finished Quilt

Solstice stars was completed just before Thanksgiving both quilting and binding. I machine bound the quilt because I wanted to give machine binding a try and since it was a quilt I was keeping for myself I didn’t feel like I needed to go over the top with perfection. My machine binding needs a lot of work but I learned a bit doing it so that counts right?

Lucky for me the washer and dryer in my apartment building are over sized so I was able to wash this mammoth quilt without going to the laundromat! Though because it’s so big I’ve yet to get a big photo holding it up so instead I made my bed to show you just how lovely she is!

Quilt Name: Solstice Stars
Yield: 86.5″ x 95″
Completed: Oct 2013 – Nov 2013
Pieced by: Terri Ann Swallow (me)
Quilted by: Terri Ann Swallow (me)
Recipient:  Terri Ann Swallow (me!!)

Techniques

• English Paper Piecing (EPP) *
• Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) *
• Machine Applique *
• Traditional Piecing
• Domestic Machine Quilting
  wavy lines, straight lines, ditch stitching and zig zag all with walking foot
• Machine Binding *

* Indicates first time in a finished quilt

 

Fabric & Notions

• Prints are from 2 Jo-Ann’s FQ bundles
• Pink and blue solids are Kona or Bella solids from my stash
• Bella Solid in Stone (background)
• Backing is from the Calico Cotton wall at Jo-Ann’s
• Coats & Clark variegated thread in old lace for quilting
• Gutermann 100% cotton white for piecing

 

I use a Coats & Clark variegated thread for quilting. I like the way it adds a bit of subtle depth to the quilting. It’s not terribly noticeable which is intended. The hexagons were machine appliqued to the top but my hand stitching between them was a bit weak so I went over all the seams with a long narrow zig-zag and a outline along the top and bottom border.

I was unsure about using backing scraps as binding cause the grays weren’t a perfect match but the Bella Stone was a warm enough gray and the backing a cool enough gray that the contrast looked intentional not accidental.

I love that when I fold out the corner the three randomly pieced left-over hexagons peek out.

Also the label is centered so I see it when I’m laying in bed reading, the quote is a lovely little last reminder before bed to be fearless which is always a good night & good morning message.

It’s wonderfully comfortable to sleep under. I wish I’d considered overhand on the bed when placing the stars, unfortunately one of my favorites is between the wall and the bed. Oh well….

And that’s in for Solstice Stars. I hope to get a good picture holding it up when I finish up the Christmas quilts and get good photos of them to post after the 25th!

It’s hard to explain how proud I am of this particular quilt. So many firsts 🙂

Lessons learned

1. Plan placement well and when making a bed quilt consider what will over hang
2. Measure measure measure. I wish I’d moved the hexagon strip up 6 inches and the stars up 4; it doesn’t sound like much but it would have made better placements..
3. Imperfections are character not flaws – either way washing tends to crinkle enough to hide most of the flaws!

 

Linked up with Finish it up Friday!