Quiltalong - 2023

There’s also a difference between scraps to keep and scraps to toss. I have no problem throwing out tiny little triangles that will only make an HST smaller than 2”. That’s just not useful to me. Same with yarn scraps smaller than 2’. I can’t even use it to wrap around a gift at that length, so it’s not useful to crochet with. I really do love the method of immediately sorting (and possibly cutting) scraps right away after finishing a project. If it’s big enough to cut something out of, say half of a fat quarter, I keep it intact. If it’s smaller it gets cut into 5” strips, 5” squares or 2.5” strips and squares. Things I will use and take up less space to store.

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I have a similar method of cutting and sorting scraps. I cut combinations that can work together, so 5" squares are my goal size. I cut 3.5" next, then 2.5" (these can be sewn together to get to 5". I just throw strips into a bag because I use those not only for piecing but for fabric twine and wonky blocks or paper piecing.

I do save smaller pieces that are strips or squares, not for crumb quilts, but to make new fabric…of course, these have so much texture that they are used for other non-quilting projects. If you don’t do those types of projects, then yes, it makes sense not to hang onto them and take up not only storage space but also head space!

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I need some advice. The moral of the story, in advance, is don’t try a new quilt design when you have Covid.

So I’ve made one unit of a lone star, with the intention of doing a double one like this.


that picture is the quiltworx prismatic star, I’m not using their pattern because they make it with FPP, but I am using it as a jumping off point.

So I’ve made one element, of 24 and it’s very big.


I estimate that the whole quilt would be 117" without borders!! Where I wanted to make one that’s square that would sit in the middle of a double bed.

I’ve been following YT videos on lone star and they all say to cut your strip sets before piecing, to keep it accurate. I’ve got 10 strip sets, enough for 10 elements. And look at my points! Super accurate.

So I’m thinking, if I make a total of 16 sets. Cut the outside elements in half so they are triangles rather than diamonds. Making it more like a rose stained glass window than exploding star. That would be about 72" sq, without a border.

Anyone see any problems with this, or indeed a solution I haven’t thought of. It’ll be something like this

I think there might be some colour issues,

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Gosh, that’s pretty.

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It will become an octogon…what if you used the other end of the triangle every other one? Like a twirling star? Or even all of them…

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:joy:

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Thanks sweetie, yes it will be an octagon, like your first photo, but I’m thinking if I also reversed alternate centre bits, it might look a bit more planned.

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Then what will you do with the half diamonds around? If you alternate them as well, it can start looking too chaotic maybe? I does look nice with the triangles all one way…either red or blue!

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I think it’ll work actually, because the purple points will sit each side of a red point and vice versa, and the yellow will run right through.

I don’t think I’ll have enough fabric to do all the triangles in the same colour. :pensive:

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Yes! I just did that one and thinks it looks the best! lol what fun to play with paper and glue before lunch…ha ha ha

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Great minds think a like :kissing_heart:

Edit: it’s going to be pretty

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I like it best with same colours in the centre. The other way is very busy to my eye.

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I’m not going to sew any elements together until they are all done. So I can lay them all out and decide.

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It does look a bit busy when you see it in real life, but I bet once the triangle pieces are put in alternating, it will give it more balance. Plus, the black sashing will also help the eye focus on the pattern more…I am with @edel…she just has to lay it all out and find what is pleasing to her or the recipient.

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Sorry to hog the thread with this, but these are the options.

I’m not going to have enough fabric for this option

So what is your preference? We’re all leaning towards #3

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I like the last one best

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I like 2. But, what about a red center with the purple and green on the out side? So, like #2, but with the red and purple positions switched.

ETA: nevermind that idea, it would require the same amount of fabric as the option you said wouldn’t work.

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I like 3 as well, all the blues toward the center make a lovely mandala, and the repeating blues in the second round mimic the center giving movement.

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Isn’t 3 red in the centre? I’m confused! :thinking:

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#3 for me. #2 is lovely as well, but I like the red repeat in the center and outside in #3.

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