Welcome to my stop on the Quiltmaker Road Rally Tour. I am delighted to be a part of the 100 Blocks Winter 2017 Issue. You will want to go right out--after reading all the blog posts--and get your copy. You can read about my block in the last issue here.
Or read to the end of the post to find out how to win one!!
I wanted to get some pretty sparkling pictures of my little town to the east of us. A small rural town with 500 people--yet still has a grocery store, gas station, lumber yard, a few manufacturing business, and 2 grain elevators. The lights from town sparkle so beautifully at night. You will just have to imagine them shining between the two groves of trees. Trust me they are pretty!!
Here is my view to the west. Look at all the wide open space. The sunsets are amazing. And the stars at night--well sometimes I will just sit and look at them!! Which is what inspired this block.
All the sparkling stars--Like diamonds in the sky!!!
The instructions are written for foundation paper piecing, but if you have the right AccuQuilt dies-- 2" Triangle in a Square and 4" Triangle in a Square--or for 4" you could use the new Companion Angles 8" Qube-- it is very easy to construct with regular piecing also. Fan folding the fabric helps to reduce waste--and for the time savings that die cutting provides--the trade off is so worth it!!
Super easy--super fast!!
I suggest laying out your pieces before stitching them together--as they are directional!!
Stitch a 1/4" seam.
Press seams open.
And look at those nice sharp sparkly points!!!
I played around in Electric Quilt 7 to find some blocks to set with Sky Diamonds. Here I have it set
with a 50/40 type star. The reason this one works is because it has a similar vibe going on--both are 9-patches. Both corner blocks are split into smaller 4-patch units. Keeping the scale similar but not exactly the same to create some interest.
Here I replaced the corner 4-patch units with plain squares and replaced the plain center square with a pinwheel unit. With careful coloring the spikes look like the giant electrical wind turbines that are all across the state of Iowa. One day this fall it was so windy and the turbines produced so much electricity that the electric company did not even need to make it!! Too cool!!
Here I kept the center element and the colors from the side diamonds the same in each block for repetition. It has a lot of happy movement to it.
Sundance fabric line from Andover seemed like a happy collection to use in this mock up. It has a wild and free, boho feel going on!!
I will end with the quote that was on my Cinnamon Berry Tea by Yogi this morning. This past year has been filled with new experiences for me--winning the AccuQuilt Barn Quilt Contest in 2016 has given me the confidence to go outside my comfort zone and try new--sometimes--scary things!!
What is something you would like to try--but just need the boost in confidence to go for it?
Tell me about it in the comments. On November 19 at 5 pm CST, I will randomly pick 2 names.
One will receive a copy of the Winter 2017 issue directly from Quiltmaker.
The other will receive a copy from me--along with a small surprise or two.
Thanks for stopping by--be sure to check with all the other Road Rally blog posts and Quiltmaker's blog for other great block ideas and a giveaway or two!!!
Have sparkly diamonds in the sky kind of day!!!
86 comments:
I love your block! I'd really like to learn longarm quilting--but then I'd need a longarm machine for that, wouldn't I :) Since that isn't going to happen any time soon, the next thing on my list is needle turn applique.
What a lovely block! I think I'd like to try paper piecing!
I agree with Allison...would love to have a longarm to do longarm quilting! I'd like to practice with more FMQ motifs on my domestic machine. I really love your block and quilt layouts.
Great block, and thanks for sharing how you can do it without paper piecing! I would like to start teaching.
I need to just dive into machine quilting -- the actual quilting of quilts. I have two or three finished projects all sandwiched and ready to be quilted; but, I am so scared that I'll mess them up! LOL. I just need to take a deep breath and just do them. :-)
dlk3265 @ gmail . com
Very impressive block! It really makes a gorgeous quilt. Congratulations and thank you for the giveaway.
I would love to learn free motion quilting.
Great block which makes interesting quilts. I would like to design my own quilt some day.
prycek(at)mymts.net
yep, I was a farm go-fer for a few years. Now we are retired and that doesn't happen anymore. I love the views from your home, that appeals to me and your barn space is amazing. I keep trying to challenge myself to do new things, in the back of my mind is free motion quilting, I've dabbled, but not brave enough to really commit to it.
Very pretty! Thanks for sharing and the giveaways!! I need more confidence with applique, practice, practice, practice.
cork@pa.rr.com
I need a boost in confidence when it comes to free-motion quilting. Right now I'm a "stitch-in-the ditch" quilter. Next would be foundation paper piecing. Love your block in the boho setting.
Pat K
yfg3749@yahoo.com
I would love to hike the Appalachian Trail. It would require some serious conditioning, but if I took it in segments, and not a hike through, it could be doable. But an encouraging coach would be beneficial for a confidence boost. Love your block. I would love to make a pillow out of it.
That's a great block with so many possibilities. I am still trying to convince myself that free motion quilting isn't too hard. It just requires practice. Well, practice requires actually trying it for the first time. :) Maybe 2018. That's what I said about 2017.
Awesome block. Thank you for sharing! I would like to have the confidence to be in better shape! Enjoy your day! angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom
What a great block!
I want to try EPP with fussy cutting, just haven't found the time
It amazes me the block ideas available and now we have the tools to make them. I would like to try using digitized embroidery in my quilts. I have one of these machines "on loan" from a friend, but the learning curve seems too large.
Your block is awesome! I would love to try out longarm quilting.
Lately I've been obsessed with longarm quilting. Sometimes quilting on my sewing machine is a bit much to handle. You have such a wonderful view!
I want to learn applique by hand, sewing invisible is hard for me. But your block is striking good.
Congrats!!!
I want to feel more confident quilting feathers--my downfall! Your block and all the mock ups-stunning!!
Machine quilting is something I have a desire to do. I definitely need a boost to jump in. rita_l_39212@yahoo.com
Love your block! I would like to start free motion quilting but need a bit of a confidence boost.
I really need to try more Free Motion Quilting. I am getting much better at quilting using my walking foot. But I see other quilters using FMQ and some of the designs are so pretty. Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net
The other night, Elton John was on Stephen Colbert and his new CD release of hits is called Diamonds. Which reminded me of his song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. Now here is another Sky Diamonds! Is that a hint that I need to make this pattern? lol, maybe so.
I love all that flat land. I miss Colorado, but, not the heat. :D
I am also going outside my comfort zone with Free Motion Quilting. I am learning a bit more each time, but I am still intimidated. heehee. Thank you for the fun road trip!
The settings you played with using EQ 7 are so inspirational. I appreciate seeing how the blocks can be set in a quilt. I would like to start experimenting with Art Quilts. They are very much out of my comfort zone though.
Nature art quilts that look real not like a cartoon. 24Tangent@gmail.com
I need the confidence to do machine applique. I'm very new to it and have a major project, but something is holding me back!
Great block and I love the way it goes together in the quilt. Jmikebalou (at) aol (dot) com
I would like to do a Baltimore Album Quilt. Really like your block. okruhlik6 at aol dot com
Your cute block is "sparkly"! I still have yet to do machine applique and machine quilting other than stitch-in-the-ditch.
I love your block - I live out in the country too and love the night sky!
I NEED to get into machine quilting!
I am having trouble getting going on a raw edge appliqué project that has a zillion pieces. I am really dragging my feet. I also don't have the confidence to try free motion quilting.
Free motion machine quilting on my home machine is something I keep wanting to try, but keep resisting--guess I'll just have to go for it!!
barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)
I'd love to try using photos I have from the floor of the lobby of the Paris opera House into applique patterns using EQ. I've tried starting the project a few times but each time I find other things to do instead of pushing through. I'm going to put it on my list for Jan 1. funnylady93@comcast.net
Love the beautiful colors in your block & the quilt designs too! FMQ is still something I have not tried-very intimidating, but I will need to give it a try one day soon! Thank you for sharing, Susan
I love the secondary designs that come from putting two blocks together...you have designed a great block! I wish I had more confidence, or is it intuition, to do more art quilts.
I've tried quilting freehand feathers and they look ugly to me. But I've heard lots of quilters say their quilting looks ugly to them and yet it looks fine to me. I guess I just need to adopt the attitude that those others have.
Free motion quilting is something I'd like to learn to do well on my home machine. Right now all I do it straight line. I'd also like to learn to do thread painting. Thanks for sharing your talent with the world!
Gwen sewgenie2atyahoodotcom
Speaking up at a town meeting. I find public speaking difficult, and when speaking about things that matter to me it seems inversely hard. So, I think I will do it--because it does mean a lot to me--but I need to prepare so that I can feel good about how I represent my position.
I would like to be quilt teacher. I sure don't know how to make the local quilt shop understand I really know quilting after 40 years of doing it and 400 quilts.
I would like to finish some of my quilts. Can't get to the finishing stage before I see another one I just have to start making!!
I would like to design my quilt one day.
Designing my own quilts. Thanks for sharing your block, it is really cute!
Great block and it is nice to see seconarymdesigns. I would like to design blocks and am now trying to learn FMQ.
djcutting2(at)gmail(dot)com
Great block and your layouts are amazing. I want to enter a quilt in a show one day. I do my own quilting and just need more confidence.
I really do like your block. It plays well in design. something I want to do: learn how to use a longarm. I am gonna rent some time on one and play around with it this coming year. Now if I can just FMQ all of the tops I have made.
tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I would like to someday try a landscape quilt.
Great block! Love the layout using real fabric. I would like to design some fabric or embroidery designs some day. Thanks for sharing!
Love your block and all of the variations! Someday, I'd like to quilt on a long-arm. It may not be my thing, but I'd like to learn!
Congrats on your block! I need more confidence to do curved piecing!
I have just bought the accuquilt GO--now I need to give it a whirl and make some quilts!
Love your Sky Diamonds block! Someday I would like to try English Paper Piecing.
Love your block - foundation paper piecing is one of my favorite techniques. I haven't tried machine applique yet; it's on my bucket list. Thanks.
I'd like to try free motion quilting. I really really want to....just need a friend to sit down beside me and try to help me get the hang of it.
I would like to get better at free motion quilting.
Beautiful block and I. Love how it looks in a quilt. I would like to try making some cathedral windows blocks someday.
Great block! I'd like to have a quilt published - that would be amazing.
I would like to try to have a quilt in a show... someday for sure.. thanks for the chance to win.. drhodes9@cox.net
Wonderful photos of your view and a beautiful block. I like the quilt laid out with the 50/40 star. I'd like to travel to a major show like Paducah or Huston.
I think that I want to do some FMQ. I need to be able to leave my machine up so I can do a bit everyday. Hopefully, my nest will be emptier soon and I can do that! Love how your block fits together with those die cut blocks.
Elaine M.
I finally got brave enough to try hand applique...loved it..then on to hand piecing...loving it too. Maybe with a little boost of confidence, I should try hand quilting too.
remills (at) amtelecom (dot) net
Great block. I would love to submit to a magazine. I've recently started self-publishing patterns. Thanks.
I love stars and diamonds! Playing with color is always fun for me.
I would like the confidence to cut into my jelly rolls. They're so beautiful and I want to find the perfect patterns for each!
reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com
Congratulations on having your block included in Quiltmaker’s 100, Vol. 16! What a striking block and makes into a beautiful quilt. I’d like to jump into learning to quilt on my domestic machine, since I haven’t a longarm ;-(. People say to just “do it” and practice, practice practice.
Maybe next year?
usairdoll (at) gmail (dot) com
Your block is so bright and colorful and I am a big fan of stars. I grew up on a farm and I too remember how beautiful and bright the stars were at night which I miss seeing now as I live in a city. Actually one thing that I would like to try but have been a little hesitant about is paper piecing and I think your block may just convince me to try it.
I need a boost in confidence to start doing free motion quilting.
Nice block. I love all the different settings. I'd love to get good at free motion quilting.
I'd like to try my hand at longarm quilting. I've played around with walking foot and free motion on my domestic, and I have a sitdown midarm, but I'm getting the "itch" to go to the longarm.
I always try to avoid curved piecing but I know that if I never give it a go I'll never improve
I would love to learn to dye fabric. I know it is not too hard, but I am afraid I will just make a big mess. I think I should just do it! I enjoyed all the photos of your area. I love a beautiful countryside.
I'm a multi-fiber enthusiast... I quilt but I also do charity knitting. Just basic stuff... nothing that I really have to think about... I'd like to take a class for a shawl or capelet or something with a lace pattern.
Where do you live? We just drove from Minnesota down to Georgia, we see lots of country like what you described... small town America is a live and well. Tnank you for sharing the simple life.
Kaylace@bellsouth.net
Neat block --- I like the various set possibilities. I hope to someday do a long (many miles) bike ride through our state.
quiltschon@att.net
Our local guild's challenge this year is "Outside the Box". The challenge is to pick a method, color, whatever that is something that we don't do and make a quilt or wearable that fits that criteria. I've decided that mine is going to be a quilt with curved piecing.
I would like to publish one of my original designs some day. I love the design process but lack the motivation to fashion the actual pattern to recreate them. I actually am a pattern tester for a couple of designers but am afraid of taking the leap. Some day....
I would love to create a one of a kind just for myself to treasure and pass on to my sons~
What a great block! I'd like to continue to learn how to paper piece!
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
oooooh, you asked a good question... especially as we are nearing the new year... you know new goals.... Hmmm... I would like a genie bottle of confidence in my stocking, to do more free motion quilting (more curves, less straight lines) and confidence to clean out the garage :) LOL! Congrats on your block and being published in the issue!!! Whohoo!
Love your block!! Thanks for the tips and layout options!
I have to stop hesitating at doing machine quilting on my domestic machine. I really have to just practice and "go for it" instead of over analyzing the process.
Great block! I tend to dabble in to many things & not concentrate on developing my skills in one area...but there is so much fun stuff to try out there. I love EQ, Accuquilt, have a longarm. I always feel like Short Circuit...Input...I need more input.
reply to pjrquilter at msn dot com
I want to take the leap from all over FMQ to more custome designs. Wish me luck!
I want to take the leap from all over FMQ to more custome designs. Wish me luck!
I love the look of needle turned applique. Need to take a class and get on it!
Love your design.
I am one step closer to achieving my goal of trying EPP, I bought the fabric. Now I have to get the papers, and then cut and start. I've been shown several times but am just not sure about it. One of these days, I'll take the leap as I need a good hand sewing project.
kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com
To enter a Paducha quilt contest.
k2sews@hotmail.com
I'd like to try hand embroidery. I will but haven't gotten up to it yet.
WOW! an amazing pattern. Thanks for sharing.
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