Starry Twist/ Tropical Twist/ Star Struck variation pattern

Thank you, Bonnie, for a prompt reply to my request.  Bonnie granted permission for me to post my measurements and etc. for the quilt .  The pattern is a variation of Star Struck that is on her website.   If you haven't visited her, you are missing a treat.  She offers lots of wonderful patterns and ideas .  So I really suggest  you follow the link and get her directions for the pattern.  My efforts to duplicate the pattern would be a waste, and she loves the traffic on her site.

Here's a snapshot from my sketchbook in EQ5 that I used as I worked.  So here are the measurement changes I used and my layout. 

I created unit blocks that were 8 1/2 inches square --finished--using 2 1/2 inch strips.....because that is the size I had tons of.  
For each unit block:  ( 4 units to make a large block) .             The  2 1/2 inch strips need to be at least 9 inches long.
Two dark or medium dark strips were sewn together and then cut into 9  inch lengths.
Two light strips were sewn together and then cut into 9 inch lengths.
Two 4.5 inch squares---one light and one dark.  Draw a line corner to corner on the back of each.  This is your sewing line. 
The dark square was sewn to the light pair of strips, and the light square was sewn to the dark pair of strips.   See Bonnie's site for great details on piecing and assembly.
Look at the diagram and you can set the layout is achieved by alternating the placement of the dark points.

Value---I only used lights and medium-dark to dark  values.  I saved the medium value fabrics for another project.  I wanted the stars  points to pop, and using too many medium value fabrics would  distract from that. 
I saved the cut offs from adding the squares.  I  made pinwheels out of them and created the top and bottom border.  The pinwheels were alternated with plain squares in the borders. No side border on this one, I didn't want to end up with a square quilt.  Instead, I just put my twist on it. 
Let me know if there are any more questions, and I will try to explain better.
Happy stitching.

Quilt pattern used for the ALS donation

Starry Twist that I donated to the ALS Challenge is posted on the Hopes and Dreams facebook page.  Lots of wonderful comments and interest in the pattern, so I said I would put the info on my blog. 
The pattern is by Bonnie Hunter and was printed in Quiltmaker magazine in the Jan/Feb '09 issue.  Bonnie calls it Tropical Twist.  I checked for a link on her site and at the magazine site and no luck.  I have emailed Bonnie for permission to post instructions with the sizes of strips and squares that I used.   I don't want to violate any of her copyrights, so until then check your back issues to see if you have the magazine.    If she gives me permission, I will post basic instructions.  Thanks to all who commented and emailed about this pattern. 

Sweet scents of inspiration?

Looks what is blooming right now....this lily is huge!  There must be 20 buds on it, and it stands over 5 feet tall.  The blooms are about 8 inches across when open and have the sweetest scent, especially in the evening.  I just love the buttery color of the petals.  Could be a great inspiration photo for an art quilt.....or just to be inspired by the color combination for a project,   or use the curved lines of the petals for a quilting pattern/design for texture.  Hmmm....I think I just did a word/photo association exercise  to jump start my imagination!

I got the nicest  phone call today from Quilter's Dream Batting.  They received the quilt I sent for the ALS Hopes and Dreams Challenge and wanted to thank me and let me know the quilt was being photographed to use on their facebook wall.  How many times does someone call to thank you for a donation quilt?   This was a first for me, and I have donated quite a few quilts to various organizations.  The call left a wonderful impression of the company on me,  as well as validating me as a person and quilter.   Guess you can tell who will get my business when I purchase batting....and probably another donation quilt! 

Insight---I'm a sucker for a big thank you.  And I can be loyal to a fault.

Happy stitching.   

Quilter's Dream Batting sponsoring ALS Challenge

I just read about Quilter's Dream Batting sponsoring a challenge in support of ALS--Lou Gehrig's Disease. Here is some info.....

◦To raise awareness of ALS-Lou Gehrig’s Disease

◦To provide quilts & bring recognition, hope, and warmth to the lives of ALS patients

◦To raise funds for research for treatment and a cure

Please give the gift of a quilt to warm the life, the heart and the lap of an ALS patient, and help raise awareness and research money for ALS – Lou Gehrig’s disease. To be a part of the Hopes & Dreams Quilt Challenge - Simply fill out your entry form and donate your quilts today.

Here's the link if you want to know more. 

I packed up a small scrap quilt to send off tomorrow.  It needs a new home.