Simple Star

 

I am always thrilled with how simple and beautiful a basic 12 inch star block is.  It always makes me want to do an entire quilt.  

These will be used for a Christmas themed quilt I am working on but they are so beautiful, I thought I would share it with you.  Such an easy pattern for any quilting ability level.  

The center square measures 6.5 inches. 

I was tempted to use this as a foundation for a bunch of gold and yellow strings but opted for a simple solid yellow for the entire star.  

You will need to cut 4 corner squares of the blue 3.5 inches.  

The star points are a flying geese unit.  Blue 3.5 X 6.5 with Yellow squares cut at 3.5 inches, then mark the diagonal and sew.  

 

You end up with 4 lovely flying geese units.

Sew two of these to the opposite sides of the center square, making sure you sew through the cross point.  Then sew the blue corners to the opposite ends of the two left over flying geese units.  Then assemble.  

One width of fabric of my blue gave me all I needed for one block.  

Hope you enjoy sewing this lovely star if you choose to do so.  I would love to see what you make!  

Here is a peek at another new project I started.  It is from my husband's old jeans, my stash of ribbon, and machine embroidery- Design from Sweet Pea.  It will end up being a tote bag someday.  I only make a block or two a day and I need 16 before I can start assembling it.  And it has to take its turn with about 100 other projects....

Happy October!

A few more Project of Doom blocks

 

Have I told you that I hate paper piecing? 

 I HATE PAPER PIECING!

But I am so happy with my singing mermaid egg!  You can't tell from the picture but the white part is actually sparkly metallic silver.  However this is not even the best one....

Enter Hedwig... I actually simplified this one deciding that some of the detail will be done with quilting rather than fabric.  I am a bit frustrated because I couldn't find the fabric I originally purchased for her.  It was about the same color combination but the texture was more feathery rather than mottled.  I looked.  I gave up.  At this point, done is better than perfect.  I want this quilt finished!  She will sit on top of the book case, thus the different back ground.  

I am currently working on the Monster Book of Monsters that will join her in pride of placement.  Then I just need two more book blocks and will start assembling the book case.  

My major home keeping task this week was to paint the garage trim.  We have had the new garage doors for about a year, making the trim look awful!  Finally got it done.  Now the window at the front stands out as nasty so it will be next.  The red front door could use a redo as well.  I think it will end up a dark shade of blue.  There will be no stopping point.  

I will leave you this morning with a view of my faithful companion, Cosmo.  He is so calm in the mornings, preferring to snooze in the chair, until I try to get busy with something.  Then he is Mr. Needy.  

If ignored, Mr. Needy turns in to Mr. Naughty. So, a brisk walk may be in order on this brisk October morning.  

October

 I can't believe it is October already!  And almost half gone at that...

Helping us to move into the Fall mood, we brought home quite the haul from the church pumpkin patch.  My daughter has already baked that "pink" pumpkin in the foreground and it is delicious!  She made a pie that is half gone- I may have had a piece for breakfast this morning- and there is plenty of pumpkin left for more delicious treats.

We had a blue pumpkin last year and it was delicious so we grabbed another of those.  The swan necked gourd will be just for us to enjoy looking at, and the fate of the "warty" beauty in the back is yet to be determined.  It was my daughter's favorite though, so it had to come home with us.  

I have been rereading the Harry Potter series, about to start The Order of the Phoenix- again.  So, I have been inspired to pull out my "Project of Doom" that has been decades in the making.  

14 blocks made.  Currently Working on the Singing Egg block.  Then I want to add Hedwig and a few other book blocks.  Then I will put it together.  Can't just keep making all the cool blocks or it will never end!

My daughter has been helping us to get in the mood for Halloween.  Watching scary movies and creating this lovely piece- a challenge given to her from her work.  They provided the skull and employees were encouraged to decorate as they saw fit.  

She added this lovely snake that she created out of air dry clay.  then moss and stones and paint.  

It is currently at work for judging but I hope we have it back by Halloween!  

I have also been trying to get into the Halloween spirit by taking part in the Sweet Pea Halloween Sew Along.  Here are two of the many blocks I have made.  3 more to go and I will start sewing it together.  I will be doing well if I get it hung up by the 31st!

I am also working on a shower curtain and window curtain for my bathroom, done with machine embroidery and some sewing.  Would love to get that done, including towels to match.  

Lots to do, never enough time!

I am determined to have some nice finishes by the end of the year and hopefully to have my house a great deal more organized!  

Happy Fall Stitching!