Monday, May 21, 2007

YOU CAN'T HAVE TOO MANY 9-PATCHES


I showed you my 9-patch stars previously, and I have had some snatches of time to work on that quilt. I know that every time I show a project I tell you how much I love it. I hope you don't think that I am bragging. I just get enthused about creating stuff, and whatever project I am working on is my new favorite! As I go around the blogs I am always so impressed with the amount of talent out there. The stuff I do is always quite simple, by comparison. Well, those Home Sweet Home houses were more complicated, but I just followed the directions and was inspired by the wonderful designers. Anyway...



These stars are actually called Dolley Madison Stars. I love anything with 9-patches, so they were a natural for me. I said before that I had lots of no-brainer 9-patches to make and that is just what I did. See photo example above. I actually did this no-brainer version several times. I think I fell asleep and went on auto pilot. I am trying to come up with a good excuse. Anyway, I am really swift with the seam ripper, so no harm done.


I would love to have been in a 9-patch swap, but I wasn't, so I had to make a big variety of blocks. It takes longer, as you know. But it is done. I found myself counting and recounting to see how many were completed. Then I decided to count them into piles of 10 and safety pin each group together. Lots easier to know how many I had completed.


I have all the stars joined together with sashing for the body of the quilt. I found the sashing at 50% off at the LQS. It is Moda Christmas fabric, if you can believe it. It is a pretty tan with a cable design on it. Now I am working on the border. And so it goes.


Today is another fabulous day in Virginia Beach, so I need to get out and run errands and work in the yard! Big smiley face :D

13 comments:

Knot Garden said...

I love it! You've got such a nice mix of fabrics in each star block. The whole thing looks gorgeous.

tami said...

Beautiful quilt. Simple patterns have a special charm.
I always get caught up in what I am making too and it is my current favorite. I don't think anyone takes it as bragging.

Libby said...

It's the simplest blocks that can make the most stunning quilts and this one is no exception *s* Looks great.

Elaine Adair said...

Just lovely! Sometimes simplicity is the best.

Leigh said...

This is a lovely quilt. I particularly like dolley madison stars. Bunny Hill has a gorgeous pattern using them.

Patti said...

I think every single one of us can understand what you mean. When I get excited about a project - and I tend to get excited about any project that involves fabric - I just want to share that excitement with everyone! Years ago I used to run across the street to my friend Sylvia's house - Sylvia's daughter is 6 weeks older than mine and they've been best buds almost since birth. Sylvia sews - sort of - sometimes - not often - and always turns it into such a big deal. At this time I wasn't quilting - I was making all our clothes. I was sharing fun little outfits I'd made for my daughter out of scraps of fabric from our clothes. One day she just looked at me and said she really didn't want to see anything else. My constant bragging was getting to her and I needed to stop. I'm sure my jaw dropped to the floor. Bragging? I was just excited and sharing. Obviously she didn't get it. I got it, however, and never shared another thing with her. That was almost 30 years ago now. All I can think is how very empty her life has become, while mine is enriched beyond measure by my quilty friends - both in real life and in blogland.

And I love your stars project! Nine patches are my favorite also. Maybe I said that already? :-)

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

That quilt is perfectly lovely and speaks directly to my heart! It's fabulous. Well done.

Gail said...

I like 9 patches, too, not sure I could ever have 'too many' quilts made from 9 patches. Love the stars with the smaller 9 patch cornerstones- the sashing fabric is terrific!

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh my gosh - I LOVE this! It looks wonderful! I really love the stars and 9-patches!

Jeanne said...

Fabulous quilt! I love nine patches and stars and this uses both. I would be excited, too.

Rose Marie said...

So, here is a another lovely 9 patch quilt to admire!

Quilting Kim said...

I'm also a big fan of 9-patches (it's my favorite block to make) and I love the 9-patches as the center of the stars and how you tied it into the sashing. Hey, if you are excited about a project, you need to shout it from the rooftops. And, look how much you have done.

Judy said...

This is such a stunning quilt! Simple but the geometric-ness of the blocks makes it stunning! ANother one to add to the things I need to think about and do later on!!

Wonderful Marcie! I love making 9 patches and making hourglass blocks, they do so many cute things in quilts! Thanks for the inspriration. No one thinks you are bragging. We are all excited to see everything anyone does and we love to share what we do. That's what makes blogging so much fun and so exciting. SO you keep sharing all the fabulous things you make!