Radiance

Meet Radiance. She is my response to the October challenge.

Radiance!

Let's start from the beginning.

October's Challenge is sponsored by Accuquilt. In our Island Batik Ambassador Box, we received the Accuquilt Block on Board Die - North Carolina Star.

Accuquilt Die for North Carolina Star

Star of North Carolina is a traditional block made with paper-piecing AND partial seams - two of my absolute nemeses ganged up against me!!!

Star of North Carolina in EQ8 Block Library

Fortunately, Accuquilt has simplified the block such that there are no partial seams. However, in doing so the number of fabric pieces per block increased from 28 (in the original) to 56, resulting in 55 seams per block. Read Rebecca's blogpost, for a detailed analysis. 

Here is the "challenge" - there are 55 ways to mess up this block. 55 pitfalls. How many could I avoid?

I was supremely apprehensive about this challenge. When in doubt, go back and read the instructions.

"Get ready for an exciting quilting challenge that will leave you feeling inspired and creative! AccuQuilt is thrilled to present the GO! North Carolina Star as the die for the October challenge, a fantastic opportunity to showcase your quilting skills and creativity.

Throughout the month of October, we invite you to create a stunning quilt using the GO! North Carolina Star Die from AccuQuilt. This quilt block is complex when paper piecing, but with their die, it’s never been easier to make!

This die features precise cuts and effortless fabric alignment, plus it’s fat quarter friendly.

You don’t have to make a North Carolina Star block, feel free to come up with a new block design using the pieces of this die! There is no requirement to what kind of project you make: table runner, wall hanging, throw quilt, sleeping bag, tote bag - let your imagination run wild!"

Wild? This was wild enough.

I needed to tame this beast. 

This sentence jumped out - You don’t have to make a North Carolina Star block, feel free to come up with a new block design using the pieces of this die!

I had  to simplify this complicated block, while maintaining the spirit of the challenge. See my audition block below.

Audition Block

Each of the aqua squares was a quarter square triangle in the original/traditional block. Changing the QST into a simple square definitely simplified the block, reduced the number of seams (fewer mistakes/mismatched seams), while still keeping the overall look of the block.

Time to design. I turned to EQ8.

I chose the fabric line - Modern Opulence, Original Collection by Deb Tucker of Studio 180 Designs.  I absolutely love this collection. It is warm and beautiful with all the values from the lightest yellow (almost white) to the darkest brown.

Here are some of the initial EQ8 designs that were discarded.

Four Blocks = Runner = Blah!

Four Blocks on Point - Its alright :-(

Five Blocks + Four Alternate/Filler Blocks - Kinda Busy

This didn't work as well as I had expected

Five + Four (Changed Alternate Block) - NAH!

Five + Four - On the right path...

Four + Four + One - Keep going...

I think we are there!

This was my final design. WAS. I loved the illusion of intersecting circles. 

Illusion! Of Circle!!! 

Oh yes, I knew what to do. 

Oh yes! This is it!!!

Removing the four corners reinforced the illusion of circle. I had found the holy grail following the trail of the Star of North Carolina.

Full steam ahead!

Block on Board - All pieces cut at once

First Block

I am a little fuzzy about what happened next. I was in a dazed frenzy. 

Woman on a mission... but it ended here.

All blocks done! 

Finished Flimsy!!!

Although I could die and go to heaven at this point, it still needed quilting and binding and photoshoot and this blogpost.  

I used 50 wt Aurifil Thread for piecing and 40 wt Aurifil Thread for quilting.

Aurifil Thread and Quilting Detail

Radiance finished at 40" square. The blocks are 12" and the borders are 2". I used Schmetz Needle for piecing (80/12) and quilting (90/14). I used Hobbs 80/20 Batting. The border and binding are Island Batik Solid Black. I used my walking foot to quilt wavy lines. 

Here are pictures from the photoshoot.

Inner Glow

Warm and Inviting

Rough Backdrop, Smooth Finish

Gold Bloom?

Cloudy Skies and Sunny Quilt

Hanging Out at a Winery!

I LOVE these colors!!!

Here are some close-up shots.

Cream, Caramel, Orange, Honey, Cinnamon and Cocoa - I could eat you up!!!

Shimmering against the Black Background

Grid Quilting

Labelled

I could apologize for the very long, process-heavy, picture-laden post, but I am not sorry :-)

I would have NEVER attempted this block, if it was not for the Island Batik challenge.  I was flung into the rough seas so far out that my comfort zone was not even visible on the horizon. But I am thrilled at the outcome and humbled by the experience. 

I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties, see full list on the sidebar. Your glowing comments  make me glow too. And if you have any words of wisdom or criticisms, I welcome them, for they keep me grounded!

One last look!