Pattern Revival!

Early last week, I quilted this lap robe version of a pattern, Stars For All, which I wrote in 2005 for the Northern Ohio Shop Hop.  We were the first shop hop group in this region and my contribution was designing and writing the patterns for our "promo giveaway" (one step of the pattern was collected from each of the 9 shops).  This was my least favorite. . . . . .

. . . . until I saw the completely scrappy version made by a nearby shop, Remembrances.  The owner, Cheryl Pederson kept pestering me about what a great pattern it was and I should publish it.  I was too busy that summer (closing my shop) but once the dust settled, I went to see her scrappy version and realized she was right.  I came straight home and made my own scrappy version using my hoard of veggie fabrics and organized an expanded version of the pattern.  

Cheryl was right -- it is a great pattern!!

Many of you will recognize the traditional Sisters Choice block, but the simplified construction based on Mary Ellen Hopkins' ideas to eliminate seams whenever possible are what sets this pattern apart from the traditional block and sashing approach to piecing this quilt.

9-patch blocks are alternated with simple snowball blocks to create an easy setting.

I self-published the full pattern in 2007 but because marketing is my weak spot, you've never seen it.

Now with this wonderful era of downloadable PDF patterns, it's easier to get a pattern out there since a designer no longer has to rely on catching the fancy of a wholesale buyer.

I can come direct to you.

So that's what I'm doing!!

I've edited the pattern completely and uploaded it to my Etsy shop - MaryHueyQuilts.

The scrappy version includes instructions for making quick 9-patch blocks two at a time that you will love!  The scrappy version is easy to organize without leaving my stash!  While editing the pattern this weekend, I experimented with using the 10" squares of  a layer cake for the stars and it's perfect! I can cut everything I need for the 9-patches and the star points if I use the triangle from the Sashing Stars ruler.

That's possible using the bonus instructions that were only available in my workshops for using Marti Michell's Sashing Stars ruler set. 

The snowball corners can be pre-trimmed using the sashing trimming tool.

Now the triangles, which are pre-trimmed as well, match perfectly.

The finished snowball block is a perfect square -- no need to square up or fuss with alignment.

Brilliant!!

I finished up (i.e., quilted) this lap robe as a retirement gift for a friend.

I adapted my favorite Baptist fan quilting design to look more like clamshell rainbows.

While I love the look, it was a bit more challenging to stitch out smoothly so I might not repeat this orientation.

The quilting is very "organic"!?!

Now that I've discovered that a layer cake is a perfect fit, when I get back from my vacation in Vermont with my 11 year old grandson next week, I might just crack out a long hoarded layer cake and whip up a new one of these!!

The pattern includes instructions rotary cutting and machine piecing in the original two-color family version and Cheryl's inspired scrappy version. There are two sizes -- a lap robe/twin that finishes at 66" by 83" and a double/queen which is 87" by 104".  

It retails for $8.00 but during the month of July, it is only $6.

Click HERE to buy Stars For All now!!

Thanks for supporting my Etsy Shop!!

Mary