Monday, 10 March 2014

Retro Giant Star Quilt

A few weeks ago I learned that a colleague and friend was facing some health challenges.  I've worked with him for several years and he's always looked out for me.  I think many quilters will understand that when there's nothing else you can really do, you make a quilt.  I went straight for my go to pattern for when I want a quick but beautiful quilt, which is the Giant Vintage Star Quilt Tutorial from In Color Order.

Giant star bundle

I wanted to make something masculine but cheerful, so I had a look through my stash and found the top print which has a fun retro kitchen vibe.  The colours in that fabric led me to the other fabrics and then Denyse Schmidt's Ladder Dot fabric provided the perfect serious base to let everything else shine.

Retro Giant Star Quilt 

You'll see that there were a couple of tweaks to get to the final quilt.  This was the result of a bit of experimentation and not settling for "good enough".

Retro Giant Star Quilt 

Sue Burnett quilted this on her long-arm for me, in record time. I dropped it off on a Saturday and she had it ready to be picked up by Wednesday.  I love the circle pattern - I think it works well with the slightly retro vibe of the quilt and it left the quilt super soft and squidgy.  The thread colour was a bit of a surprise - on the spool it is a slightly ugly brown/gold colour, but once sewn it transformed into shining loveliness that blended really well with all the fabrics (and it only shows up on the background like this when you get up close).

Retro Giant Star Quilt 

Of course, what would you put on the back of a comfort quilt other than minky?!  Has anyone else noticed that the blokes are particularly fond of minky?  Expect to see this orange chevron again - I have  a pretty big chunk left over from this quilt.

Retro Giant Star Quilt

I machine stitched the binding on this quilt - it's not something I do often but I didn't have a heap of time.  I used my clover clips for this binding and they made a huge difference (I generally used the Red Pepper Quilts Machine Binding method, except with clips instead of pins).  I wanted to show the result - it's still nowhere near as neat as my hand stitched binding method.

I went to visit my friend this weekend and I think he was very pleased with his quilt.  He's on the mend and seemed to be feeling a lot better so I was very pleased too!

Quilt Stats
Pattern: Giant Vintage Star Quilt Tutorial from In Color Order
Finished Size: approx 62" square
Fabric: various
Backing: orange chevron minky from Spotlight
Binding: Dots and Stripes in Smudge from Up Up and Away
Pieced by: me
Quilted by: Sue Burnett

Linking up with finish it up friday at crazy mom quilts.

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21 comments:

Teresa @ Aurea's Kitchen said...

I love this pattern but I haven't had a chance to use it. I think I have to found a reason just now ;)

I love how the colours on the star work against the navy fabric.

Alyce @ Blossom Heart Quilts said...

What a gorgeous quilt! Very nice and masucline :) Glad to hear he's doing better.

Annabella said...

It's absolutely beautiful Adrianne - I love the giant star pattern and the colours you have chosen are just perfect. The quilting circles are the icing on the cake :)

DeborahGun said...

Love that pattern and you have chosen great colours. Glad your friend is feeling better.

heart of charnwood said...

What a fab man quilt, well done, and i'm betting your friend really appreciated the effort and thought that went into it! :o)

Martha said...

It is a beautiful quilt very masculine. I'm sure your friend will really appreciate it.

Helen M said...

That is a very cool quilt :)

Erica said...

I love this! The retro-ness is so fun and I love the orange minky and thread. And you know I love that bindng :)

Cat said...

It's gorgeous A xxx I am in love with your laq also !!! Such quick turn around

Anonymous said...

It's really gorgeous, and sure to provide loads of comfort.

Lucy | Charm About You said...

Lovely mix of fabrics and the quilting looks brilliant! Glad your friend is feeling better :)

Carla said...

I really like your version of this quilt. Very nice mix of colour. It's on my to do list

✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾ said...

Lovely quilt and I'm sure your friend appreciated it! Minky on the back is a great idea to make it even more cuddly.

Kirsten said...

Love the colours you have used for this quilt and the minky looks so cuddly! Nice to hear that your friend is feeling better too.

Serena @ Sewgiving said...

This quilt made me smile, the colours and the sentiment :)

Jill said...

wow! I love it. The fabric is great. I'm really in to star quilts right now - too!

Jill said...

wow! I love it. The fabric is great. I'm really in to star quilts right now - too!

Vera said...

Looks great and the quilting is fab!

Lynda Halliger Otvos (Lynda M O) said...

Oh my, you couldn't have made a more fitting quilt for him. May the goodness follow him as he makes this journey.
I love all the fabrics you chose especially the orange feathers. I have used that in several pieces of mine (in 1.5 inch strips) and every time I see it I am glad that it is so stunning.

Deb said...

It's a great tute isn't it. That's the one I use too when I do machine binding. I'm sure the quilt will be so appreciated. It's lovely.

Bern said...

Fantastic quilt. Terry is so delighted you made it for him he sent me the link. Your work is lovely and you are a very kind person.