After I made my two samples, the Ruby Star Society one and my Kona Cotton one, I knew I must make one to keep. I knew immediately I wanted to use the Color Explosion design option in FQs. I was craving the variety, the mix and match of prints and textures and wanted a picnic vibe. Luckily enough, I curated a bundle with Modern Domestic back in January for the Meadowland QAL and I had one on hand.
The bundle has a mix of quilting cottons, linens, and wovens - my favorites. Also a mix of fun prints, small scale repetitive fabrics and some linens that act like solids. Whenever I mix substrates within a single quilt, I make sure to use starch when pressing the fabric prior to cutting. It gives it an extra layer of "protection" or stiffness from shifting and distorting. It puts the fabrics on a more equal playing field.
I didn't realize when I was curating this bundle that I was picking a palette that will also perfectly match my living room. It is based on deep blues, grey neutrals, some corals and a pop of yellow here and there. Another reason to keep it!
My favorite part of any quilt is the mix and match of fabrics. When working with the FQ version, I make sure there is some variety in each block. Not all darks, not all lights but a mix of both. It adds that depth of feel and sparkle to the overall design.
This version in particular was really fun to watch grow. Each block is different and the power of each block is different. Some seem a bit more punchy, some seem softer. I love that.
Is there anything better than an adorable strawberry print?! I worked on this quilt over a couple of weeks. I would do 2-3 blocks every day for a bit and before I knew it, I had 20 blocks!
In the throw size, you need (30) 1 3/4" squares to make the cornerstones in the sashing. You will have enough fabric left from your FQs to cut what you need from multiple FQs and have a fun scrappy feel. OR you can use one fabric for the cornerstones. I decided to not make the quilt anymore "scrappy" and decided on some long hoarded Liberty of London floral.
Is is not just perfect?! And the best part, I still have so much of this print left but I get to enjoy bits of it in this quilt!
I finished this quilt top after I had already given Amy, my photographer, my other two samples to photograph. And when she was done taking those photos, she offered to drive the quilts back to my house. We all need a reason to "safely get out of the house" at times these days. But, instead of coming to my house, I told her, let's meet in a parking lot downtown and exchange them there. That way, I can grab a couple photos of this finished top with a tall human. We did it all safely, 6 feet apart, never touching or hugging ( I can't wait to hug my friends again). And instead of me taking the photos, Amy brought her camera and snapped these beauties for me!
I've been obsessed with this mural for over a year. I'm not even sure what these little creatures are but I love the color palette and have had it "bookmarked" in my mind for a future photoshoot. Well, this quilt ended up being the perfect quilt for this wall.
I immediately sent this quilt top off to Kaitlyn of Knot and Thread Designs for long arm quilting. I think it's going on the machine today and I can't wait to get it back!
Update: I got the Nova Star quilt back and here are some finished photos! I choose the Sashiko panto design and love it! Then I bound the quilt with a fun black and white stripe from Sarah Golden and the backing is this fun horse print from Darlings by Ruby Star Society.
Now that I've shown you all 3 of my Nova Star quilts, I think it's time to show you the amazing testers I had this round! Because the world has turned upside since early March, I am proud of all the hard work and time people found to make blocks and full quilts for me. It really is such a helpful part of my process and I feel honored when someone dedicates their time and energy to help me.
First up, Joy! She has been a loyal pattern tester for awhile now and everything she makes is beautiful and happy. You can feel the love in her makes!
Next we have Kate! She made a few blocks in between all the mask sewing and homeschooling her daughter right now. And these blocks are amazing! The center is perfect for fussy cutting!
Sarah is another loyal tester and I am obsessed with her bright color choices and photos!! I love this one so much. I love how she interpreted the pattern, she used the Modern Solid vibe but actually used some different fabrics but it gives the same overall look!
Cheryl was my first tester done! She made a funny happy crib size. I love the star print as the background!
Evie is making a Nova Star quilt for her daughter and it is inspired by Lisa Congdon! I love love the bold happy color palette. I can't wait to see it finished!!
Elizabeth made the moooost gorgeous teal and blue Nova Star. I love the whole vibe of it and she used that adorable flamingo fabric! Perfect beach quilt!
Cat is making the scrappiest, print rich Nova Star yet! She has a few blocks made and I am SO in love. I can't wait to see where it goes!
Emily blew my mind and used my Kona Cotton bundle for her Nova Star!! It is SO GOOD. I love love love how it turned out!
Ali made such a fun patriotic Nova Star! She made 2 different blocks and alternated them throughout the quilt. I love that idea!
Leah, my oldest tester in the books, she has been helping me for over 3 years now! She made this bright and happy green, red and yellow Nova Star!
Coby made this beautiful Nova Star! I love the mustards, blues and florals. And her quilt in the wild photo, AMAZING!
Jackie is bringing it with the rainbow! She made each block their own color story. I love how she made the outer geese have a white point to create an extra start point it the block. It is so beautiful!
WOW! Every single quilt I love. I love this pattern and I hope you guys will love it too! Grab the pattern now and be sure to tag me in your makes on social media!
