Quilt A Little, Hike A Lot!

The day started out here - with scraps and a bit of vision.

I knew what I wanted - I just didn't know what it would look like in real time.

Is this small?  YES! But then I knew that based on the size of the Star of David blocks presented as Part 1 in our Star of Hope Sew-Along that began Monday.

I am invested in what my own heart is telling me to do with this quilt.  

I'm not designing for anyone else's preferences or skill level.

This is why I presented a second possibility (Or would that really be the third?) in this photo:

If you don't like my alternate block - just keep making stars.

This quilt will wind up about 50'' square depending on what you do with borders.  My thought is this - Hannukah starts the evening of December 7th this year. 

While not everyone wants a bed quilt - this is something that could bring some comfort during this first hard Hannukah after someone has lost loved ones and friends during this conflict. 

It could be hung on a wall, put over the back of the couch, cover a table. It has more possibilities than just on a bed, but do what you want with it.

You can even change the size of your blocks if you wish, orient them however you want.  Just make a quilt if you feel so lead. Go your own direction.

I reached this far by lunch time.

I am using 2 consistent blues in the 8 pointed star in the center to give that some focus. The other triangles are dark and light blue scrappy - I've pulled out my squares from the Scrap User's System to dig for things to use here.

The string bin may also come into play for the diamonds in the center. I just need strips that are long enough to get 4 that match per color.

I like where this is going.  I like how the 8 point stars are going to hang back a bit and let the Star of David blocks be the focus.

I'm going to keep going.

Directions for the alternate star will be presented in Part 2 on October 30th.

I have been asked if I will provide regular "non paper piecing" directions for the alternate block.

I'll provide templates and traditional rotary cutting, but I won't be doing demos of specialty rulers or anything like that. It's going to be a go your own way type of thing if you don't want to jump into the paper piecing.

Remember - you can always just make stars.  Or find a different alternate block to make if you wish. It's okay to go your own way.

The paper piecing is meditative and I find it soothing and easy. I don't have to work so hard to get cutting and seam allowances perfect.  

After lunch I grabbed three adventurous gals form the Brown Bird Bee who are retreating at Quiltville Inn this weekend - and we headed up to Grayson Highlands in search of color and wild ponies.

We found both!

The color was magnificent!

I believe this is our peak weekend coming up.

4 quilters (me included!) and two dogs on the Appalachian Tril!

Well, I didn't get all of me in there...but fun fun fun!

The dogs loved it too!

And yes - we saw ponies.  Seven of them.

The pony just kept on grazing.

And grazing!

I love this part of the trail as we head back down toward the parking area.

The addition of autumn color just taking my breath away.

I love the evergreens amidst the hardwoods -

Thanks ladies!  It was a great afternoon!

Evening hand quilting -

Hand quilting stitches add a texture that no machine can truly duplicate.  I'm still working my way down the first long side of this border.

The blue dots of wash-out pen are to mark where my elongated X's need to hit in the inner border.

Will I be turning the first corner this weekend?  We'll see!

This morning I woke up to the sound of rain.  I'm glad we got that hike in as it is definitely going to be a stay inside and sew all day kind of day.

Are you doing the same?

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Thinking on this one a bit.

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Never lose your enthusiasm in spite of failure!

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Wise man, Winston!

Happy Friday Folks, however you spend it.