Thursday, October 1, 2020

Diamond Star Quilts - Book Review + Giveaway

For some time I had this voice inside me goading me, chiding me.
Shouldn't you try something more advanced?
Isn't it time to add to your skills?
How about attempting something that actually challenges you?



And every time I banished it. Shoo away.
It was comfortable. I am enjoying the popularity of the sisters, basking in the adulation of the Picket Star Blocks and relishing the warmth of comments for Mercyful Quilts.



Then I got an email. The voice had evolved. It was harder to ignore.
Barbara Cline asked me if I'd be interested in reviewing her upcoming book - Diamond Star Quilts.

Barbara Cline


WHOA!!! WHAT??? Who is Barbara Cline? A quilter, teacher, designer and author of six books.
Yes, I said yes. Immediately. I chose to make Twirling and A-Swirling Star from the book.


My choice


Oh boy, and yes it was a challenge. 
After 7+ years and 150+ quilts I do not consider myself a beginner but I am not an expert. Further I had never made a lone star type quilt before which makes me Lone Star newbie, but a confident newbie :-)

Step 1 Choosing Fabric - Of course I wanted brighter fabrics than the purple, gray and navy. But just three colors? And one of them is the background.

Paul: You can use all random colors.
Me: You mean scrappy.
Paul: Yes, that.
Me: I worry that using many colors may lose the impact.
Paul: What impact?
Me: I love the movement.
Paul: It has that energy about it.
Me: It looks like a fancy firework and the transparency of the background between the swirls gives it the sparkling effect.
Paul: So make it in warm colors

 
Fabrics


Step 2 - Cutting Fabric - This was easy.
Step 3 - Piecing the Strip Sets

Piecing Strips




Strip Sets



The biggest challenge is the accurate 1/4" seam.  I chose to proceed very slowly and check after every step. In fact, I decided to make just one strip set per day.

There was some seam ripping in the beginning. By the time I perfected my 1/4"seam the sets were all done.

Step 4 - Cutting. This wasn't difficult either.


Piecing 


Step 5 - Piecing the diamonds. This is the heart of the pattern and if you got Step 3 right, this should be not too difficult, although I was prepared to do some seam-ripping, if required.

The first one


This is not a lazy daisy quilt. This is not a scrappy improv quilt. Even the slightest bit of wonky would derail it. Very precise, very careful and double check everything.

Design Wall



I completed the first quadrant and then the second. I showed them to Paul. He merely nodded.
When the four quadrants were completed (final seams pending), I placed all four on the design wall, admired my handiwork and left for work. 

WOW!!!


See what Paul had to say...




Paul: You should call it "gender reveal party"
Me: WHAT??? WHY??? 
Paul: Because it looks like someone started a fire...
Me: I am calling it "Playing with Fire"
Paul: That works too.
Me: Your humor though topical is horrible, at least in this instance.

The book, on the other hand, is marvelous. 12 fantastic patterns and many tips and tricks.
If you are up to the challenge, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy.

Just then I noticed an error - a piecing error.  Two strips were oriented incorrectly. I could rip them out and re-sew. But leaving it in seemed more valuable a lesson - what happens when you don't pay attention at every step. So there it is - my mistake immortalized in fabric and thread. 


Finished Flimsy


If you can find it, smile, for we are all human.
If you cannot find it then don't bother. The star still shimmers just as bright.



Basting

Quilting in Progress


I added a skinny border to protect the vulnerable star points from the encroachment of the binding. 
Binding is the same fabric as the background.  


Paul, the model


Labelled



Playing with Fire



Shimmering


Paul: So what is the word, hummingbird?
Me: I have been weighed and measured and have been found wanting...
Paul: What does that mean?
Me: It means that there is room for improvement in my work.
Paul: And how will you improve?
Me: By making more of such quilts...
Paul: Good thing you have the book
Me: Lucky Me!!!


Walking Foot Quilting


Matched Seams :-)


A touch of Wonkiness


Looking Good!!!



Paul: But what is your book review verdict?
Me: It is an excellent resource with 12 terrific patterns
Paul: But...
Me: But there are many little things that a new quilter may not know or follow leading to a finished product that is less than perfect.
Paul: I don't understand.
Me: It is like writing a recipe.  If I am sharing the recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala with someone who is familiar with Indian cooking, the recipe will be 5-6 lines. If the same recipe is written for someone who is new to Indian cooking the recipe will be a page and a half.
Paul: Why so?
Me: Because I will have to explain the ingredients and use additional pictures to show the exact color of the sautéed onions - things the Indian cook already knows.
Paul: So what do you suggest?
Me: A Quilt Along. This is when several quilters make the same pattern together, 1-2 steps every week and share tips and lessons learned.
Paul: You are so wise.
Me: You are so kind.



One last look...



You may be so lucky so as to win a free copy of the Diamond Star Quilts. Please leave a comment for a chance to win. If you are a no-reply blogger, please include your email. I will announce the winner on Saturday, October 10, 2020. And if you do not respond by Saturday, October 17, 2020, you will forfeit the prize and I will pick another person.

I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar.

The pattern did not use the entire strip sets. What happened to the leftovers? 
I will show in the next blogpost :-)

108 comments:

  1. First time visitor, now a fan! I love your post, approach to a complicated quilt and your journey.

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  2. The water reflection....amazing photo! The quilt brings energy when looking at it! Great job!

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  3. The quilt turned out fabulous! Your color choices were spot on.

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  4. Preeti, I love reading your blog and learning the context around your quilts. Your Playing with Fire quilt is gorgeous, in spite of that little mistake. I would absolutely love to stretch my own quilting skills with this new book. Please, oh please, pick me! Sandy at sewhigh.blogspot.com

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    1. Lucky, you, Sandy — Preeti’s random number generator picked you!! Enjoy that lovely book, I hope you’re able to make one of Ms. Cline’s beautiful quilts.
      ~Diana K.

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  5. Wow, you did a great job. it looks like a very interesting book. Trying something new and challenging is always good.

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  6. Preeti, I LOVE your version, and I love that you chose that pattern from the book to do. I appreciate your step-by-step process, as well, because sometimes, I think I’m overly cautious when I make myself do slow, deliberate sewing. Glad to know I’m not the only one who does that. Your quilt is so very pretty, and I agree with others, that water photo is magical!

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  7. I love your quilt! Your fabric colors are gorgeous! I don't blame you for leaving your "mistake" in, it doesn't detract from the beautiful finish at all. Great job!!

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  8. I loved this first stop on the “quilt hop”. You were so creative in your writing of this journey. Your version of Barbara’s quilt is beautiful.

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  9. The fact that you are willing to try and learn something new is what quilting is all about! There are some designs that I'm just not interested in and will never try. Then I remember I said the same thing about so many other techniques, styles and designs. Well done Preeti!

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  10. Your quilt is beautiful! Thanks for the change to win the book. So, are you going to have a quilt along this winter on another pattern from this book? Happy stitching!

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  11. I would really love this book. Your quilt is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing all your great photos and tips.

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  12. I love Paul's suggestion of Gender Reveal Party for the name of this quilt. My kind of humor! And I live in California in the middle of all the dreadful wildfires. londagrace at gmail.com

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  13. The quilt is amazing. Thanks for sharing.

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  14. Your quilt is amazing!! I looked and looked but did not find the error. The pic with the reflection is lovely. Job well-done! kthurn@bektel.com

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  15. One of my very first quilt classes was a lone star (Jan Krentz book - swirling design much like yours but with more colors - mine were blues and greens). I still love that quilt but have never made another even though I love the lone star and its context in Native American lore. You are correct about the fussiness and need for attention to detail - but oh, the results!

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  16. Beautiful. I love your Lone star quilt. Thanks so much for sharing

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  17. As always, beautiful and creative. Thanks for sharing. Love your creativity and willingness to share.

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  18. Okay, I'm getting pretty old, because I can't see the mistake. I do have every confidence, though, that you can make any quilt you want. This is so beautiful and turned out to be so pretty! "Snazzy" is a great word, and did you notice that this is the colors of the Maryland flag? Perhaps you were inspired by a certain visit? :) Have a great day with your beautiful quilt!

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  19. What a spectacular quilt! All the projects in the book look great. I love your fabric choices. The gender reveal party comment has me in stitches :-)

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  20. Beautiful!!!! And until you mentioned it, I did not notice the mistake. The conversations between you and your hubby are priceless. It is wonderful to have such a supportive sounding board. And I like the idea of a quilt along!

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  21. Preeti, stunning! I think you color choices are fabulous. They give the quilt so much movement and flash!

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  22. Your quilt turned out beautifully! Congratulations on a wonderful finish, despite the minor error.

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  23. Exquisite quilt....I saw the 2 rows with the switched black diamonds....lower left quadrant, top large star diamond...and having seen it know that it does not detract at all from the quilt. You did a magnificent job. Well done!

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  24. I always enjoy your blog posts, which always include a glimpse into your life. You chose a fabulous pattern to try and executed it beautifully. So dynamic!

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  25. Love your color choices - very Maryland flag. I also really like the last photo of the quilt over the water with the reflection. I get a kick out of your recorded conversations with Paul. :)

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  26. So striking!! WOW!! Love this so much, Preeti. Does this mean you are considering a QAL? Or you are actually going to do one? I'm intrigued and a little intimidated all at once.

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  27. I don't want the book but wanted to say what a fantastic job you did in making your latest creation - it really sparkles, like a whizzing firework. I'm more simple in my sewing; more like your previous *nine lives* :)

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  28. Oh my goodness, Preeti, this is just smashing! So beautiful. Your colours are vibrant and remind me of a hockey team colours (as any 3 colours would, I being Canadian and the Stanley Cup championships just over this last week!). Of course when you mentioned an "error", I had to eagle-eye it again... took me awhile to find it, and it is *totally* not noticeable. Which makes it all that more interesting for it. You can't buy something like this, that's for sure! Would love a chance to win a copy, I have admired Barbara Cline's work for ages. It reminds me of intricate marquetry, the kind they do in Sorrento (Italy). May be worth a trip someday to check it out for yourselves!! ;-)
    I'm not sure if I'm a no-reply blogger or what, so just in case, here's my info: Diana.Kastelic@hotmail.com ... which is not the same email as the one associated with this account. Go figure. I love your quilt and especially your conversations with your husband -- priceless! ~Diana K.

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  29. Your quilt is inspiring. I'd love to try something really challenging like this. Thanks.

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  30. Your quilt is great, full of movement!!

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  31. Wow, you accepted the challenge and you killed it! So gorgeous! I would love to try something from this book.

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  32. I think you chose a great name for this quilt. It describes your choice of colours perfectly

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  33. Preeti, your quilt is gorgeous! Lone stars can be tricky but you accepted the challenge and aced it! Great suggestion to have a Quilt Along. You can learn from the pattern designer as well as from those sewing with you!

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  34. Try as I might, I see no mistake. Spectacular quilt, Preeti!! I appreciate your genuine review. Thanks for offering a chance to win a copy of the book!

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  35. I agree with Joy! Playing with Fire is spectacular, and I can't see a mistake. I'm really impressed with how you pushed yourself to try something really new and different!

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  36. Perfect color combination for this design! I love it.

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  37. I don't think I would have seen your boo boo if you hadn't said anything. Your quilt is gorgeous!

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  38. I love your choice of colors! and the name is perfect. It’s nice to “meet” so many different quilters during this blog tour. I’d love to win the book since I have been looking for a new challenge..

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  39. Loved your star, but it wasn't until I saw the closeup that I saw the two incorrectly placed rows..or...was it really intentional on your part to make this quilt...your own??????????????????? judykowa@hotmail.com

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  40. I love everything about this quilt. I did find the design modification right away and I salute you for ignoring Jack the Ripper and leaving it be. In a challenging year, who wouldn't be up for a new challenge.
    Pat

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  41. I absolutely love your quilt! Would love to win this book.....
    tonyar26@centurylink.net

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  42. Ooooooooh..... out here, in the West, we would call that, "Caution, Red Flag Warning". Love the reflection pix. Yes, I did find the aberration after you mentioned it. And if it makes you feel any better, the first time I tried a similar star, mine came out like a tea cozy (humped up in the middle). Precise piecing is the key to this design.

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  43. A fabulous quilt, my friend! What an honor to be asked and what a great job you did. I think it is stunning. Quilts out of our comfort zone are always good challenges and a good way to "test instructions".

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  44. Oh, Preeti, this is electrifying! I love the movement of the pattern, and your confidence in tackling a new kind of challenge for you—not only in making a Lone Star style, but using limited fabrics. That last look. Just Wow!

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  45. Love the spin in this design, and perfect choice of color! I too need to push myself past the tried & true more often.

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  46. Absolutely gorgeous! I would never have noticed the mistake without you saying there was one. I would have left it that way as well.

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  47. Another beautiful quilt, Preeti! Your color choice was very dynamic. Tell Paul he looks good in a star, muahahaha! BTW, that final picture is awesome, too. You find some of the BEST locales in which to shoot.

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  48. I have always admired the swirling effect of these, but never tried one. Bet it would be a great Quilt of Valor done in patriotic colors. Yours reminded me of Marine colors as my grandson just returned from Okinawa last week. I would love to win this book!

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  49. Wow this is a real beauty. I am so impressed. Jmikebalou(at) aol (dot) com

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  50. Your quilt is absolutely spectacular!
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

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  51. Stunning! You did a fabulous job.
    nkadenver(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  52. That is a beautiful quilt and I wouldn't have seen the twisting of the strips unless you had said :-) I, too, have never made a lone star quilt. A QAL sounds like fun.

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  53. Kathy R., The quilt is great! The color choices make it pop. petuniakr@aol.com

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  54. Playing with Fire looks amazing and looks like a challenge to make. Would love to check out the book.

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  55. WOW Preeti this is beautiful! If you wouldn't have mentioned the mistake I wouldn't have noticed it.

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  56. Fabulous lonestar quilt! Most quilts are not perfect and errors add character. I have made a couple and would love to make more. Thanks for sharing.

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  57. Your first Lone Star quilt came out AWESOME! BOOM, sparkle, shimmer -- just like the fireworks you had in mind. Good for you, pushing yourself in a new direction. I have always admired and secretly longed to make a Lone Star quilt, too. I even impulsively purchased a kit for a quilt that has a bunch of those stars made from strips that are cut into diamonds, because the kit was on sale and the fabrics looked happy and I must have been feeling REALLY optimistic that day... I sure hope I get brave enough to unpack the kit and start making stars of my own one of these days. Digging out from under the Too-Many-Projects-Currently-In-Progress would be a big help, of course... I love your "playing with fire" and I agree with Paul: SNAZZY!

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  58. Well I studied it and can't find your mistake, but I am smiling anyway as it is a gorgeous quilt, well done!

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  59. That quilt is amazing! Awesome color choice! Makes me want to break out of my quick and easy box. Best email is sarahsgiftnship (at) Gmail (dot) com

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  60. I think it's an awesome quilt and design! I would have left a comment even without the prize drawing. Love the colors too. It just glows.

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  61. These quilts are amazing and look like they would be a challenge to create - just what we need in these days of Covid. Thanks!

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  62. Truly STUNNING!!! and nothing can take away from its magnificence!!! the colors are just awesome!! like a great big ball of fire in the night sky as seen from my deck... i am in love!

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  63. Your quilt is beautiful. I love Barbara's work.

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  64. Your quilt is beautiful. I love Barbara's work.

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  65. I must comment! Your quilt is magnificent! The colors spectacular! I had to really search for the oops! It did not jump out! I’ve never made a lone star quilt. They intimidate me! A lot!

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  66. I have never made a a big star quilt and I'm 72, so I guess it's time to try.

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  67. Hi Preeti! I saw your post on IG and was dutifully impressed. But seeing it finished in your post the finish is even more dramatic. You can actually see the navy fabric and the variations in it as well as the small pattern in the red and yellow. I do not see your error and didn't spend even a minute looking because it is how it is meant to be. We're not perfect except as God made us - don't look too hard for my imperfections as there are plenty! The quilting is an excellent choice as well. Gosh, I don't know if I am qualified contender for this book but I wouldn't mind wining it. I think a quilt-along would be a fun and fabulous idea. It is really a statement piece. {{Hugs}} and take care. ~smile~ Roseanne

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  68. Your quilt is awesome and the book looks fantastic.

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  69. Oh my! I so want to quilt stars like those, that is awesome and so crafty. I really want to get into quilting and make such beautiful ones for gifts and my own house. This looks so wonderful and such wonderful creations to work one!♥

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  70. Wow I love your quilt! Would love to own the book.

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  71. Wow! I love that pattern! And the colors are perfect, too. Great, great quilt!!

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  72. I think that I need a challenge, too! I've been in my comfort zone for too long. I'm not sure if my account is set up as no-reply or not, so my email addy is baj555 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  73. The beauty of thinking you have it figured out and then nonetheless sewing to things together fliped around. I sooooo know that feeling. Just did that with a bee block recently... Your work on your "challenge project" is amazing. I found the mistake but only after "going to look for it". It still has the amazing impact it is supposed to have :) Enjoy your finish! PS: I looove the last picture with the reflection in the water! xo Melanie

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  74. Wow, what a lot of responses. You have done a great job. I have not ever attempted this type of quilt either. I wouldn't love the pattern. Good luck with sewing more.

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  75. Your quilt is amazing Preeti, so precise. I can't see the problem and am not going to look for it, just going to enjoy. I have not made this type of quilt either, can't wait to see what you do with the left overs .

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  76. Congrats on your first Lone Star. What a great job you did! It's tricky to get everything sewn together properly. Using different width strips makes an exciting spin.
    I like floating the stars, too. As you wrote, it's just easier to not worry about losing the points.
    Congratulations on becoming a book reviewer and on a great finish

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  77. This is a dynamic quilt, Preeti! And it has leftovers! I can't wait to see what you've done with them. I might need this book . . .

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  78. I love the colors you chose for this amazing pattern! I made a lone star table runner and it was one of the most challenging things I’ve done.

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  79. Snazzy indeed! This is very dynamic. I like the choice of colors, too, and agree that it reminds me of fire. Beautiful work, Preeti!

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  80. That is one stunning quilt! Congratulations on pushing yourself with a challenging pattern. It's much easier to coast than to head up hill, but what a feeling of accomplishment when you finally make it to the top! Well done!

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  81. Wow is right!!! I love the final shot, reflexion and all, too!!!

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  82. Love your choice of colors and the final shot with the reflection off the water WOW!

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  83. Love the colors you used in the Twirly Star quilt! What a wonderful quilt you made!

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  84. A beautiful version of Barbara's design. I so enjoy your conversations with Paul re quilting. That last photo of the quilt reflected in the water is truly awesome. Thanks for sharing and offering a giveaway. Yes, I did find the error right off and I am so glad you let it be. Many time correcting an error is more troublesome than leaving things as they are. It will always be the quilt that reminds you are on the road to being an expert.

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  85. You always find great locations to take photos of your quilts. I love the reflection in the water. I hope you will have a quilt along with one of the star patterns in the book. I'm too chicken to try making one my own.

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  86. Your quilt is stunning. Thank you for sharing it and for the book review.

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  87. It looks like your gender reveal is a girl!! Thank you for the helpful comments as you made this quilt; I am considering this pattern and would love the book.

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  88. I love your quilt and would LOVE to win this book! Definitely on my bucket list.

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  89. Thank you for the shove I needed to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself! Your result is certainly an inspiration to do just that so off I go to my idea stash(es)!!

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  90. I LOVE the colors you used! It reminds me a bit of the state flag of Maryland. LOL! I grew up there so ... what can I say? I love the glamour shot over the water; fabulous! At first glance this style of quilt looks way out of my wheelhouse, but seeing your post makes me think I might be able to do it! Nicely done!! :)

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  91. Love your quilt and the colors are striking.

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  92. I admire your humility in leaving your mistake in the quilt. It is gorgeous even with it. And, good for you for stretching yourself.

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  93. wow! what an amazing star Quilt! looks really great- the colours are our german flag :0) i love it! greetings from denmark, Ulrike :0)

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  94. Your colors certainly say fire to me but they also say Maryland because the resemble the colors in the state flag. You did a stellar job on your quilt. It took me a while to realize what the problem was. I noticed a non-even look but only after checking every other point did I see the issue. You congratulations on taking on and succeeding at a challenging quilt. And, I would definitely love to win that book!

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  95. Love your quilt! and remember, it was a design choice, not an error! This is how we learn. I think you did a great job!!

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  96. Love this post, love the quilt, and I am especially crazy about the final picture with the reflection. Sigh. Just what I needed at the end of a particularly crazy day. (I really need to turn off the news...)

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