Blanche's Barnstar

Here is my first finish of 2016 and one of my goals for the 2016 Finish Along - a Triple Barnstar quilt (an Amy Gibson - Stitchery Dock - design).

It measures 72" square and for the backing I used leftovers of the main fabrics (and, this is becoming a feature, can you spot the photobomber cat?).

For the quilting of the points of the stars I used sets of three straight lines, following the shape of the triangles: 1/4" gaps for the smallest star, 1/2" gaps for the next size star, and 1" gaps for the largest star, and leaving the central area of each point un-quilted for softness:

In the central star's corner squares I stitched a star outline and repeated this on a larger scale for the outside corner blocks. The rest of those outer corner blocks were quilted with straight lines that cross-hatched on the interior corner.

For the white negative triangles and outer V-shape I used a loopy stipple to give some variety and softness in contrast to all the straight lines.

The binding is the geometric triangle print that was used on the front.

This quilt was 'commissioned' by my dad's sister, my Aunty Blanche, who wanted a quilt for her bedroom. She left it up to me to choose whatever colours or pattern I wanted but sent me a photo of the dark teal colour of her bedroom curtains.

Over the years of my life Blanche was the 'seamstress' for many of my important outfits (high school ball, college graduation and my wedding dress) so it has been a pleasure to return the favour and create this for her. Here it is 'in situ'...I am pleased to say she was absolutely delighted with it!

Linking up with Kelly's Needle and Thread Thursday party and Amanda Jean's Finish It Up Friday - kia ora everyone!