Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Giveaway--Variable Star Within a Star Pillow


I needed something to practice quilting on,
and have been spending lots of time looking
at block tutorials. Caroline at Sew Can She 
has a treasure trove of projects, but I 
especially love the block tutorials and tips. 
This block is the Variable Star, part of her 
Classic Quilt Block series, and I sewed 
it as she did with a block within a 
block, within a block. I'm so thankful for
her wonderful resources she shares.


I experimented with my own color palette,
and, of course, it has some pink. *Should I
repeat this again, I would be more aware
that the second star would stand out better 
with more contrast in the fabric patterns. The 
colors are very similar. Perhaps that subtley does
work as the middle star, but it appears 
a little muddied to me when the others
are so much better defined.

I rarely do this, but that color issue was 

bugging me. I went down all ready to tear out 
the middle colors, but hadn't remembered 
I'd already sewn it together. 
I must have been in the zone!



I made the decision to keep it as it was, and

just see if there would be a way to help
define the floral star points from the chevron
background by highlighting it with a
FMQ pattern somehow. I pushed on.



I outlined the daisies to keep it simple,
and added directional lines to the 
chevron fabric to pull your eye in.
It's more defined than it was before 
quilting--not entirely 'fixed', but I 
do like it! I pebbled the dark grey 
with my Aurifil bright pink, and it 
added texture AND color!

Another thing I tried was adding piping

in the same Riley Blake floral. It helps
the eye focus on the repeated daisy centers.
The back is a simple gingham.
and a long, covered zipper to remove
the insert for laundering.



If you're curious, the prominent 

fabrics are here in the selvages 
I saved, and it will have a tag 
this afternoon, I promise.



This is the Giveaway prize for the 
month, and also a finish for Adrianne's 
Q2 On the Windy Side.
The details are all in the post HERE. I
will mail the pillow without the insert
to the winner anywhere in the world.

Follow the directions in the link 
above, and let me know
the details in an email~
juliebehappy1@gmail.com with any
questions.

You have through April 30th at midnight,
and the winner will be announced on
Saturday, May 2, 2015 with the Pink Doxie
Pet Project Show.

*Please, please be sure to list your email
address if you are a No Reply Sender.
If you are unsure, just list your email
in your message. I try very hard to respond 
to all my comments, but there are times
I cannot as you may have no listed email
on your profile. An email from me is not 
crucial, but I wouldn't want you to 
miss out if you're the winner, though!

Linking up today with~
On the Windy Side
Blossom Heart Quilts
Late Night Quilter Tips and Tutorials
 Freemotion by the River
Show and Tell Tuesday
Quilt Story Fabric Tuesday
Sew Fresh Quilts
Quilting Jet Girl
My Quilt Infatuation
Thank you all for hosting your
link parties!


Time to work.
Come on, Doxie Girls.
Let's go sew.

7 comments:

Maryse said...

It looks fabulous!

Sherry said...

I really like your colors and pattern, but agree that there isn't enough contrast in the pinks. Have you ever tried the Ruby Beholder? I think that is what it is called, but it is a piece of red plastic that you view fabrics through and it helps with color value to show the difference between darks and mediums and lights. I have had troubles in the past with using colors too similar and this really helped. JoAnn's carries it.

Kathy H said...

Beautiful pillow. I hardly ever sew with pinks so I especially enjoy seeing what others have done with pink. I love all the FMQ you have done too, all the types I want to improve with my skills.

Michelle said...

Great choice on quilting! You really made the second star pop out and become more noticeable. I am definitely saving this for the future.

Cathy said...

I love the pillow. I agree about the contrast, but the quilting did help give it some definition and the colors are gorgeous!

Ruth said...

I do like the fussy cut centre and love the freespirit background print you've chosen.

Wendy @ Wendysquiltsandmore said...

Very cute!! *Visiting as a member of the official 2015 Finish-Along cheerleading squad*