McCall’s Design Star 2012 – The Quilt Top

My entry for the McCall’s Design Star competition is due by mid-night tonight. I actually sent mine in last week – miracles never cease. It’s has been really nice to enjoy these last few days knowing that I didn’t have to stress over a deadline. I need work ahead more often!

This is the sample of the Amish Star Block that I made after I finished the top. I did this to show how the block translates to the final design.

Amish Star Block

Amish Star Block

In making this quilt, I discovered just how dense the Shades of Grey fabric is. I used one to make the circle in the background of the quilt. I made the bias strip and realized it would be very difficult to make it conform to the shape I needed. Starch to the rescue! I just lightly sprayed the strip with starch and pressed it directly on my full scale pattern to get it to conform to the arc. It worked very well! I used the same method to shape the applique in the center of the quilt – it is also fabric from the Shades of Grey line.

This is also the first time I used a Frixion pen on a quilt top. I used it to transfer my design on to the background. Then I was easily able to place the applique pieces on; sew them down; and iron to remove the marking. I think I’m sold. I definitely try it again.

Voting begins Tuesday, June 19th. I’ll add a button to vote once the quilts are available for voting. In the meantime, here’s my entry.

Design Star - Challenge 1: "Solar Flare"

Design Star - Challenge 1: "Solar Flare"

 

McCall’s Design Star 2012 – Design

The designers that entered the amateur contest were given the Amish Star block to use as the basis for this first challenge. As usual, my first step was to pull out my graph paper. I have software for this, but I still prefer pencil and paper! This is my first sketch.

Amish Star Sketch - Changing Lines

Amish Star Sketch - Changing Lines

I knew that I wanted to try changing some of the straight lines to curves. I started overlaying my sketch with curves lines. From there, it really didn’t take long to come up with my basic design.

Solar Flare - Original Sketch

Solar Flare - Original Sketch

A few changes have been made from that original sketch.

I knew I didn’t have time to hand applique or piece this, so I went with machine applique. I basically used the method I learned in a workshop by Sharon Schamber. Luckily, I have a friend that had some of Sharon’s Applique Stabilizer that she was happy to share!