Sparkling Strings pattern available

Finally, the Sparkling Strings pattern is available in my online shop. Click on the "Pattern Shop" tab above to visit the shop.

As part of the process, I asked a friend to test the pattern for me.  She offered some great suggestions to improve clarity.  Thanks, Kathy!  Here’s what she had to say about making her version. 

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I had a lot of fun making this quilt.  Using my daughter's suggestion, I chose to make the stars from reds and golds, the colors of my beloved Iowa State Cyclones!  So, I started by looking in my stash; then, of course, I ended up at a fabric store.  I decided to use nine different red and seven different gold fabrics for the stars.  Normally, I wouldn't choose a stark white fabric for a background.  However, I found that the one I used not only made the stars pop, but the gold swirls in it added an overall soft, circular pattern to the quilt.

Cutting out the various pieces for this quilt was a new challenge for me.  I had never before used a 60 degree triangular ruler (even though I had purchased one a long time ago.)   Well, I fell in love cutting with the ruler and would recommend it to all quilters as an essential tool for the trade.  The ruler helped the cutting go quickly.  I was surprised at the precise triangle- and diamond-shaped pieces it produced, without much thought or fuss.

To sew the quilt pieces and rows together, I laid them out on a bed.  The visual in the pattern not only helped me see what pieces went where, but also showed me the correct order in which to sew the pieces together.  One may think that sewing star points to end up pointed would be tricky, but I found that the easiest part of this pattern! And I was amazed at how fast the star top sewed together!

Once the star top was done, I decided that borders were a must.   But, because I had gotten so carried away cutting triangles, I didn't have many scraps for the scrappy red outer border.  My mom came to the rescue, suggesting for me to use the scrappy pieces near the corners and a larger piece of fabric in each center and corner of the outer border.  It was surprising how the stars popped out even more once both borders were added.

I have decided to donate this quilt to my church for an auction.  But, because it turned out so nice and I had so much fun making it, I plan to make a second one for myself.  After all, I already have enough triangles cut and ready to go!!!

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Thank again for your help and input, Kathy.

I’m enjoying looking at the three different quilts, all from the same pattern.  In my mind’s eye I can see it in 1930s reproduction prints, or lovely rich batiks, or bold modern prints… I think any fabric would shine in this quilt, as a string version or a solid version.  What would you choose?