A New Subdivision

In this valley right now, that title is a sore spot for many. Subdivisions and apartment complexes are popping up all over the valley, and many of the apartment buildings are in quiet, single family neighborhoods, and subdivisions are gobbling up previously pristine farmland. In the "historic district" where I grew up (5 miles from where I currently live), I can count at least 3 multi-story apartment buildings that have gone up in the past few years, within 1/2 mile of my childhood home, and they aren't usually welcome by the long-time residents. But this subdivision below shouldn't cause a stir.

At "ChitChat, Finish That" at Village Dry Goods this week I made the last five houses, and the last 2 cornerstone stars. When I have this assembled I will decide if I want another round of sashing and stars on the sides and bottom, or if I will just put a blue border around the whole thing.

This quilt was begun in February of 2021, using the pattern shown here from the October 2020 issue of American Patchwork and Quilting. It was designed by Valerie Langue. I love the design, but deviated from the pattern when I opted to use the AccuQuilt die to make the rest of the houses, after using Valerie's pattern for the first 5 blocks. I have still let the original pattern be my inspiration for the layout (other than the center).

Also at ChitChat, I finally stitched together the top that I asked for help with in my last post. 

I received 30 preferences or suggestions (and I appreciate each one) when I asked for input on the setting squares for this little quilt. The red squares definitely won the popular vote, but Diane Bryant's suggestion to try red stars on the dark background (which I know looks black to many, but is actually a very dark navy) got me thinking. I had actually hoped NOT to have to make more stars, but I decided maybe I needed to give it a try. 

I didn't want to make the same stars as the other nine. In the back of my mind I remembered a "floating star" that Barbara Black had shared (with permission) from Lindsey Weight's Instagram post. Find Barbara's post HERE with the link to Lindsey's post. It is a 4" finished block pattern, and it took me a couple of tries to get the measurements correct to make it finish at 2.25". You can see the results above or below, and I am happier with this than with any of the plain setting squares options. I can't decide if it is a starry night, or fireworks.

This photo gives you a better perspective on the size of this little quilt. I don't know that I love how I pressed the seams, and many of the original stars ended up "pointless", but I'm not going to think about that right now.

We have had such a hot, dry summer. I am looking forward to cooler days and some occasional showers, as we move toward fall.

Until next time,

Be creative, and be kind.

Janet O.