Star Crazy Log

Beginning to Quilt

2011-12-30T17:05:00.000-08:00

Finally after all these months I am beginning the hand quilting for Star Crazy. I am keeping track of progress of the quilting on my personal blog and if you wish to follow me there you can do so and I will try to remember to post a update now and then here also. I expect to be quilting for at least 4 months maybe up to 8 months! Who can tell, it all depends on how many projects I get going.
Thank you Nedra for beginning this blog, it has been fun to see everyone's quilts as they pieced and then showed the finish quilt.

It´s done

2011-04-22T12:49:00.000-07:00

Well Star Crazy friends, now it is my turn to show up my stars. I change the green border and took a red one instead, I like the red border better to the color on my quilt.

I will thank you all of you for the friendship and suport over the last year. I guess that my stars would get into an ufo if I should made it by my own. Thank you Nedra for welcome me to this quilting group, I have got new freinds here.

Thanks, Elisabeth

I finished quilting Felicity's Star Crazy

2011-04-13T20:54:00.001-07:00

I finished quilting Felicity's Star Crazy today. I think it is such a beautiful quilt! I want to quilt mine exactly like this one.

Its home again.....

2011-02-25T02:35:00.000-08:00

My precious Star Crazy is home again from the quilter :o) It beautiful and Im very pleased with the work! Unfortunately I cant bind it yet because of a hurting elbow, cant work with heavy quilts. But I have taken some pictures for you. Hope you get a good impression, the lighting was not good and outside its raining.
Anyway - enjoy :o) Looking forward to see more pictures of your quilts!

Hugs from Merete

Canon EOS 1000D:

Taken with my iPhone4, actually I think they're better

Winter Storm and Quilting is a Good Thing

2011-02-03T14:17:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday Oklahoma received 12 inches of snow. For us, who rarely receive snow, this is a big deal. So guess what? I had an excuse to stay in and finish my Star Crazy Quilt...woohoo!!

I had to lay it on the carpet and stand on a ladder to get a picture of the entire quilt.

Here it is laying on the queen size bed in our guest room. I am going to hire someone to machine quilt it. The quilt will end up on this bed. I will be redecorating the room, painting the walls, new curtains, new bed skirt, etc using this quilt as my design inspiration.

Ladies, I have enjoyed the year. I have made many new friends through this blog. Thank you again Nedra for coordinating this. I will be close by waiting to see more finished quilts.
Kathy

And another

2011-01-29T12:10:00.001-08:00

I had this finished by the first of the year, but here's the time someone was here to hold it. And even that wasn't a success. So I said, "let's just take it to the bed." (pics are in the wrong order, but you get the idea)

That is on a queen sized bed. However, the quilt that I use on this bed hangs down lower; and I quilted that on my home machine, so I spose this would be possible. I need to decide.

What a good job done tho! For all of us.....GOOD GOING!

Finished!

2011-01-22T18:19:00.000-08:00

After 12 days of off and on sewing I managed to get the quilt top put together. It looks like it isn't flat but I just couldn't crawl around good enough on the floor to straighten it all out. When I go to quilt group at the end of the week I will see if I can get a couple people to hold it up and I will try to get a better photo then. If I could do it again I would change some of the light color stars darker but there you go it is done and it isn't going to be changed :) It has been fun working on this quilt with all of you ladies and I will keep checking back to see the other quilts as they are finished.

The quilt will be put in a zipper plastic bag along with the fabric strips for the binding and I will get it quilted when I can but this makes 3 large quilts waiting in line and I am only about 1/4 of the way done with the queen size quilt on my frame. At this rate this quilt won't be quilted for another 2 years!

Star Crazy Finished!

2011-01-18T06:40:00.000-08:00

In October 2009 I had the opportunity to go to International Quilt Festival/Houston and work in The Quilt Shoppe booth for The Quilt Show with Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims.

For three days I stood by Star Crazy, TQS's pieced 2010 Block of The Month.
And fell in L.O.V.E.

Star Crazy was designed by the extremely talented Sue Garman.
It was a thrill to meet Sue and to talk to her about Star Crazy.

From there an idea was born. I knew I wanted to make Star Crazy, but I didn't want to make it alone.
I started Star Crazy Log, a blog devoted to 12 months of working together.
The response was more than I had hoped for.
We had 31 participants from all over the world. Spanning most the United States to Australia, Sweden,United Kingdom and Norway, we have spent a year getting to know each other through our love of quilting.
We have shared our cultures, our family activities, and become good friends.
To date, we have 119 followers,
with 15,635 visits,
and 28,716 page reviews.
What an adventure!

I chose to make Star Crazy from my scraps.
I tried to follow Sue's suggested color design as closely as possible.
Many of you worked with your own color pallet. I will share some of your pictures on a future post.

Now, it's time to get the finished top off to the quilter.

After having the blocks up on my design wall for the last year, the space will look a little lonely now.
I will have many fond memories of 2010 every time I look at Star Crazy.
Thank you to all who participated in Star Crazy Log! I have been inspired by your talent and creativity.
Your excitement prompted me each month to stay current with every BOM release.

And thank you to Sue Garman, and The Quilt Show for creating such a beautiful quilt, and inviting us to play along.

Even though I am now finished with Star Crazy, I will continue to manage Star Crazy Log where we will see postings of finished quilts continue to trickle in.

slowly making progress

2011-01-15T15:08:00.000-08:00

I am slowly making progress. After a mistake on my left side border with the half square triangles I had to rip out and redo a short portion so didn't make as much progress as I had hoped to yesterday. I did get that part fixed and re done. No matter how many times I look at something I still made a mistake! and I looked, and looked and still had one turned the wrong way. - what I have done so far:

2011-01-14T15:32:00.000-08:00

Here is the centre of my quilt. I have been very undecided
what colour to use for my small borders. I have purchased
some purple but not sure so might but this on hold for a
while in case I see something I like better. I am really happy
with the result. The rest of the blocks are all completed
just need to put it all together

Yaaayyyy - finished!!!!

2011-01-12T05:55:00.000-08:00

I almost dont believe it, but I have finished the Star Crazy quilt! I have been working with the borders for the last few days, but it took a bit longer than I thought. Especially the HST-borders..... It has been an fun BOM to make, but I have to admit that sometimes I had some trouble with my motivation. So I have to thank all of my sweet co-quilters here in the group (especially Nedra who organised it all!!), you have really given me the kick in the a... that I needed, and I kind of thought that I wouldn't disappoint you by dropping out . The quilt is rather big ( a least for me it is...), so I appreciated the help from my two sweet girls at the photoshoot!

This is definitely the largest quilt I have made, and I have been working with it for a year. And Im very satisfied and proud with the result. I think it deserves to be quiltet by someone who has way more experience than me.... I have a pretty good idea of a couple in the US I could have used, but are a bit more uncertain about someone in Norway (isn't that odd????). So I have to do some searching.... I will post a picture when its quilted aswell.

Wishing you a wonderful day! I will place the quilt on my bed and admire it all evening :o)

Getting organized and started

2011-01-10T13:55:00.001-08:00

well today I finally got the beginning of the stars organized in the center with the Irish chains. I looked it over a bit before getting started to make sure all was well and got started sewing this afternoon for an hour or so.
I will work on it this week and see what happens with it - this photo is before any sewing was started.
I do wish I had used darker colors in some spots - but I'm not going to change a thing! Too lazy :)

November Blocks

2011-01-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness I finally finished my November blocks! Took me awhile to get all the pieces cut out, but I've finally figure out how to make the most of Alex's nap time! As long as my household stuff is done (try and do the night before after he goes to bed) I can work on sewing during his naps. With chain piecing, I flew through the half Irish chains, but I noticed my cutting wasn't always as precise as I though it was. You'd think after almost cutting this entire quilt out, I'd be better at it, but I guess I have more room to grow! I also noticed that we cut a few more white pieces than we needed, not sure why, but I know I have 1 full Irish chain block and 12 half blocks, which is what we are supposed to have! On to December's blocks!

Felicity's quilt

2011-01-07T16:18:00.000-08:00

I finally had a minute to post a pict of Felicity's finish (back in July).

Quilt Assembly Update

2011-01-07T14:23:00.000-08:00

I thought I had the center quilt assembly finished until I took this picture and was ready to write this post.

Ugh!! If you can find the arrow you will see that I have one irish chain corner turned the wrong way. It's funny how the camera will show problems that your eye doesn't see. Looks like I will be ripping and re-sewing this evening. Otherwise I like it!
Kathy

The assembling has begun.....

2011-01-06T13:03:00.000-08:00

Today I have started the assembling of the Star Crazy blocks. But first of all I had to make the last blocks from December.

I made room on our bed and placed the blocks as they should be, oh noooo - guess what I saw??? For some reason I have forgotten to make one Irish Chain block.... If you look carefully tou can see the open space a the top.

So, had no choice, I had to find some fabrics, cut them and make another block. But it didn't take too long and a couple of hours later the result was ready! And its gorgeous, if I may say so... :o) I cant wait till tomorrow to continue!!

Wishing you all a happy new year!

I am still here...

2011-01-03T17:18:00.000-08:00

I actually went ahead of the group and finished the quilt in July. DJ is actually quilting it for me. Will you post a picture for me? Felicity from UT

I am still here!

2011-01-01T09:21:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been 4 months since I have had an update. Life sure got hectic during the fall. I didn't want to lose all of the good momentum of the year and let my quilt drift off into UFO land. Starting on Thanksgiving weekend I buckled down and got working on the September blocks. The next hurdle, I couldn't find the camera to take photos of the completed blocks. Oh well, I just kept moving on. So, as 2010 drew to a close yesterday, this is what my Star Crazy quilt has become (so far).

I have all of the small star blocks done and the half square triangles for the borders too! Whew, just made it (sort of). Now I have to decide what color to make the small inner border. I don't think I want to use green like in the pattern. I think I am leaning towards a blue. I will have to wait until my local quilt shop is open (closed for the holiday today and then inventory). That will give me time to sew all of those half square triangles together for the borders.

Nedra - thank you so much for managing this blog. I really don't think I would be this far if it wasn't for the wonderful inspiration the whole group has inspired.

Happy 2011!

Kristin

Granny Went Star Crazy ...COMPLETED!

2010-12-31T15:35:00.001-08:00

Hooray!! Now I don't have to add "Granny Went Star Crazy" to my UFOs for 2011 because IT IS FINISHED! I even made the binding and have enough fabric left over for the back.

I really don't know when I'll get around to quilting this top. It may be months before I post that.

Star Crazy December BOM

2010-12-30T06:59:00.001-08:00

I was so happy yesterday to have an opportunity to work on Star Crazy.
I really didn't think there would be time in December, but now with Christmas over, I snuck in a day of "do what you WANT to do, not what you HAVE to do."

Four Patch Stars & Quad Stars
The last 6 blocks are now complete and ready for their placement along the outside borders.

And the inside Irish Chain is sewn together.

I love how this quilt is coming together.
Sue Garman really did a great job with the design.
My thanks to The Quilt Show with Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims for letting us participate in their Block of The Month 2010.

And remember all those 1 1/2" half square triangles we have been making each month along the way?
I think there are 320 of them all together.

I've started sewing the 8 rows needed for the borders.
A little tedious and time consuming, but I put on a good movie and I was in my happy zone.

Remember Star Crazy will eventually grow up to look like this.
Star Crazy has been such a great quilt to make together with so many of you. This is the first time I have hosted a group, and I have been inspired by your work! And, it's been delightful getting to know quilters from around the world.
I have a feeling we are going to be seeing a lot of wonderful posts about Star Crazy in January.
Happy New Year!

Nedra

Just Showing Off S

2010-12-29T11:26:00.000-08:00

This never-ending quilt has EIGHT borders! Here it is with four of them added. I'm just beginning to stitch together the 184 HST's for the sixth border.

I think this project should have been a 15-month BOM, don't you? *L*

Happy New Year everyone..........

Center Finished

2010-12-22T12:20:00.001-08:00

I'm thinking to myself, "who made all these blocks?" And still there are many, many more to come. *S* Sue has written a wonderful pattern tho, hasn't she?

Something funny as I moved along with this. I found a small plastic baggie labeled "June Irish Chain" with loose pieces in it along with my other blocks. I thot they must be extra pieces or something. However, when I laid it all out there was a huge blank in a space where an Irish Chain should be. *L*

Apparently I was so tired of making them, I thot I'd just put it aside and I'd never have to deal with it. HA! There were a few other things to fix up too and some frogging, but really not much.

I've decided that this is such a big project, I'm just not gonna focus on things I should have done differently. I'm more amazed that it's nearing completion. Now if I can just get those HST's to all face where they should. *S*

Happy Holidays to all of you!

2010-12-13T09:09:00.000-08:00

I spent 4 days tending kids at my daughter's home, and was able get December's stars and 1/2 square triangles and most of the top put together. My birthday was on Thursday, and the girls gave me the day off from babysitting, then I did not have any of the other boys on Friday, so I had a long weekend to do what I wanted. Getting the top finished was a priority, and here it is. I will bind it with the same green that is in the long strips. I have a plain Kona piece in the same green that I will use for the back. Putting the strips of 1/2 square triangles was time consuming, and making sure the went the right direction on the quilt top kept me on my toes.

This project has been good for me. I tend to try to get the tops done as quickly as possible (as you probably noticed from my posting within the first week or so of each month). Having to wait each month for the directions has helped to break up my quilt making for other projects. Of course I have made several other tops during this year, and even have many of them quilted and bound. My goal is to have a queen size quilt for each grandchild, and they all get baby quilts when they are born (12 of them).

Nedra, thanks for the blog to keep us all connected with everyone else. It has been REALLY fun to follow everyones progress and ideas.

We shall see......

2010-12-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

if my decision to do the final two month's work in one large block of time was the correct one. *S*

I have everything cut........so wish me luck on the stitching.

I have more fabric left over than I thot I'd have.......enough for a nice scrappy quilt sometime in the new year.

Happy Holidays to everyone!

December BOM - The end is near

2010-12-08T07:32:00.000-08:00

Well the year is coming to an end and how many of us out of this group of many have finished our blocks to assemble the top! I finished today. Here are my December stars - too many hst's to picture but glad they are done. I will assemble the top in January and hand quilt it - who knows when? I have one queen size top waiting in line, one on the quilting frame and a Dear Jane nearing completion plus the Star Crazy - that means by the end of January I will have 3 large tops waiting to be quilted.
I will picture my top when it is assembled.

Granny Went Star Crazy Dec progress report

2010-12-04T11:38:00.000-08:00

Granny Went Star Crazy needs side borders and then another layer of half square triangle borders + final border and it will be FINISHED.

One step at a time...

November blocks - just in time :o)

2010-12-01T06:22:00.000-08:00

So, at last, I finished my November blocks - just in time! I dont know why it is so that I (nearly always) wait until the last minute to get them done :o) They were finished last night, and today we got the last instructions...

( This block is also finished, it just wasnt when I took the picture...)

I have decided to send it away for quilting, because its so big and I want to have it done properly. And I dont think Im able to do it on my machine. Ohhhh, cant wait to see it finished :o) Dont know how much I will get done before X-mas, I have other things that need to be done.

Wishing you a lovely day!

October Blocks - Finally!

2010-11-27T19:10:00.000-08:00

Well, it took me almost 2 months, but I finally finished my October blocks. The first 2 weeks in October I cut out all my pieces, but due to the fact that I was 9 months pregnant I couldn't really get to the sewing machine. My little boy was born October 14 (10 lbs even and 21 inches long) and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect child! Trying to get into a schedule of some sort took time, and this was the first time I have been able to actually sit at my sewing machine in 2 months! Took me 2 days to get everything together, I had to fit it in with his feeding schedule. I am hoping to get November's pieces cut out tomorrow, as my husband is still home from work and can keep an eye on him.

I haven't been to guild in 2 months and I'm looking forward to going in December. Alex will be going with me, I think the ladies would kill me if I didn't bring him!

Star Crazy November BOM

2010-11-27T07:24:00.000-08:00

Do realize that in 4 days we will have ALL the instructions for Star Crazy?
What a fun year this has been making the Block of The Month with The Quilt Show. I have thoroughly enjoyed hosting our group, and watching your progress. You have inspired me!

For November we made 12 (4 1/2" X 8 1/2") Half Chain Blocks.

And the last of the full Irish Chain blocks.

They now sit snugly on my design wall, happily playing together...

...and looking forward to the day when they can all grow up to become something like this.
Do you think with December and all the holiday festivities we will have a chance to put Star Crazy together?
(oh well, it was a nice thought)

Nov & Dec "Granny Went Star Crazy"

2010-11-20T15:17:00.000-08:00

I finished the half irish chain blocks and went ahead and assembled them. I decided to change the background fabric to a rust color to make it look like a border was sort of built into the center of the quilt. THIS IS NOT the way the pattern shows. I don't mind if someone else wants to do this also, I just wanted you to know that it is not the way this quilt was designed by Sue.

I also made all of the blocks and hsts for December. I know the pattern isn't out yet, but I just looked at the quilt and figured it out. I'm trying to get a jump on this quilt because I know how long it will take to assemble in December. Also, you know how busy December gets.

2010-11-20T14:54:00.001-08:00

Finally I got done with the Irish Chain blocks that I have talked about making for the past week or more. I am so glad I looked at the directions once again as for some reason I thought it said to make 11 half chains and 1 full block – I would have been one short – we needed 12 half blocks. Glad to be caught up on this quilt now. One more month left and then put the whole thing together. The year has flown by hasn't it! I can't wait to see this quilt top finished. I doubt I will put it all together though until January - December will be such a busy month I will be lucky to get all the blocks finished that will be assigned to us.
EDITED: A friend just a couple minutes ago pointed out that one the four patches on the 4th half block is turned backward - thank you so much - I would have hated to have part of the quilt sewed together and noticed it -- off to fix it before I forget!

October blocks :o)

2010-11-09T11:57:00.000-08:00

Im almost there.... :o) Today I finished the October blocks, and Im soooo happy!!

Ready for November :o)

November blocks done!

2010-11-05T22:42:00.000-07:00

November Irish Chains/ c chains done

The blocks laid out. 1/2 Irish chains not laid out. Have to figure out where I want them.
Can't believe we are almost done! It has been fun, both working on the blocks and being a part of the blog. Seeing what others are doing and sharing with everyone what I am doing has been really fun for nme. Thanks, Nedra, for hosting the blog site.

2010-11-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

September (!!) blocks!

2010-11-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

I don't like this, being so far behind as I am..... But it has its reasons, with surgery, hospital for 2 weeks and recovery. So I am actually pleased that I have made the September blocks today! Aiming for the October and November blocks soon. Unlike many, I don't mind the Irish Chain blocks, actually I think they go quite easily together. But its all the cutting - wish I had an AccuQuilt Go - that would make it so much easier :o)

Still love the colours, now Im really eager to put it together! Im so glad I have the borders ready cut :o))

Have a wonderful day! See u soon :o)

SueR's October Blocks

2010-10-29T17:16:00.001-07:00

Only one more Irish Chain block to go, but we have a bunch of half Irish Chain blocks to make next month. There are still six more star blocks to make too. I'm going to start sewing some of the blocks together next month, just to get a jump on it.

October Blocks

2010-10-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

Star Crazy is coming along!
Whew! I barely got my October blocks finished in time. With leading this group, I feel very motivated to stay current. (Just a personal goal)
I decided to start laying out the blocks on my design wall that have been finished so far.

A few gaps here and there, but in a little over a month we will have all the downloads available.

For October:
(5) Irish Chains

(4) Evening Stars

We only have one more Irish Chain and the inside will be complete.
Are you as antsy as I am to start putting things together?
You guys have been awesome. I love seeing your posts and how Star Crazy is turning out in different fabrics, and from locations all over the world.

**We now have 102 Followers on Star Crazy Log!!

Nedra

October BOM Blocks

2010-10-25T19:55:00.000-07:00

Finally here it is the end of October and I have the BOM finished for this month. I hadsuch trouble with the Irish Chain blocks this month. I finally gave up with the sewing machine today and sat and relaxed and did the last two blocks by hand!! they turned out perfect. What a difference a method makes!!

I know to a lot of you hand piecing is not relaxing but to me and others it is. I can be so much more accurate when hand piecing than with a machine for some reason. I think with the machine I do not control it enough – go too fast, too slow, I am distracted and don’t pay close enough attention to the quarter inch foot? I don’t know but I do know that I am not a precision piecer with the machine and I have never felt totally comfortable with a sewing machine whereas I have always been comfortable with hand work. It just goes slow!

The blocks this month:

SueR's September Blocks

2010-10-25T15:23:00.001-07:00

I actually finished these a month or more ago and just never got round to posting them. Haven't started October yet, so I'd better get cracking!

October Update

2010-10-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

Hello Star Crazy friends. I haven't posted on this blog since last June. I am so sorry. Shame on me! But I have been sewing. See what I have accomplished since I was last here.

This is June, July, August and September. Woohoo!!

I have printed the October instructions but have not started. I plan to work on it Wednesday.

I love being part of this group. If it wasn't for you this project would have become another UFO.

Kathy

The end of the stars?

2010-10-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

It is amazing what can be accomplished when you have a whole day to yourself. Can't wait to be able to get it all put together. The year has gone fast.

Here's an idea.....

2010-10-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

I saw a small sneak peek of next year's TQS BOM by Sue G. From what I could see, it had NO STARS! So here's what I thot we could do in place of whatever she does.

hahahahahahahahahahahaha

ps. I think I saw the 2011 BOM on Sue's blog. And that is obviously not me writing there under the pic. :)

Goodbye stars.....

2010-10-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

Last of the stars to make.....Oh well. I did seem to get a better rhythm into making the chain blocks this time.

Btw....that goopy piece of duct tape up there on the edge of the cutting mat is my way to holding together two big mats on that one side of my work table. By this time, I think we are all friends enough to see the dark side of our work rooms. *L*

October

2010-10-04T01:42:00.000-07:00

Just got home from my retreat where I was able to ger some of my Irish Chain blogs pieced. What do I spy when I get home 'more stars' thought they were finished. Will get my Irish Chains finished tomorrow while watching the Commonwealth Games then only have to do the latest batch of stars. I have to absolutely recommend a retreat for anyone who hasn't as yet been able to go on one. Sewing and more sewing while meals etc are all provided, no stopping or thinking about meals and a friend and I actually sewed until about 11 pm both nights only stoppages were for meals and a long walk in the morning after breakfast.

"Granny Went Star Crazy" complete for October

2010-10-02T15:06:00.001-07:00

I am so glad to be caught up on my star crazy blocks of the month project. I only hope to get the center assembled also this month since we now have all the blocks completed.

P.S. This month was SO much easier than last.

Catching Up

2010-09-26T00:39:00.000-07:00

As a newcomber to the list I have been working hard to catch up. I've completed all the stars and the half square triangles for around the edges that have been published so far. I haven't done any of the Irish Chain blocks but am going away on retreat next weekend and these will be my task. Hopefully when I come home I will be up to date unless I spend too much time chatting, eating, etc. I must say some of these little 6 inch charmers were a bit challenging and they caused some blue language at times.

2010-09-26T00:34:00.000-07:00

2010-09-26T00:27:00.000-07:00

9 Blocks For The 9th Month

2010-09-20T07:16:00.001-07:00

The September blocks for Star Crazy are finally finished. I don't know what took me so long this month. I think it must be that my friend Jan wasn't able to join me in making our blocks. She is still healing from surgery on her hand, and I'm missing her enthusiasm and encouragement.
Have you noticed that you get much more done when you have a quilting friend by your side, keeping you on track?

There were 9 blocks this month, which is a very appropriate number for September, which is the 9th month.

(3) 6" Shoo Fly Stars

(3) 6" Road Star blocks

(3) 6" Double-X Stars

People e-mail me frequently asking if they can still join us in making Star Crazy.

The answer is YES!
The only requirement is that you are a member of The Quilt Show with Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims. This is necessary because Star Crazy is their Block of the Month, and membership is needed to download the patterns each month.
If you are not currently a member, it's easy to join. Go to
http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/join.php

Only 3 more months to go!

Nedra

August/Sept Granny Went Star Crazy

2010-09-19T15:17:00.001-07:00

I finally finished my August and September blocks a week ago.

Those September blocks were pretty time consuming with all the little pieces. Because August was so much simpler, I wish she'd have mixed the two up a bit.

September Blocks

2010-09-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

I finally got my September blocks completed after working on them for about a week. It's hard to sit for long periods of time at the sewing machine when you are 8 months pregnant! I'm really liking how the colors are turning out in the different blocks, I can't wait to see what it looks like all put together!

Here they be.

2010-09-12T12:39:00.000-07:00

These were fun to make, and I have a feeling it's the last "fun" month we're gonna have. *L*

I had to order more white background, but I think I'll have enuf of the colors left for the last month, even if I need to swap around.

Star Crazy - September

2010-09-11T17:43:00.001-07:00

September blocks done, pressed, and squared up. These were pretty fun.

Granny Went Star Crazy - July

2010-09-11T10:35:00.001-07:00

Here are my July Granny Went Star Crazy blocks. August is all cut out and I only have three more blocks to complete September. I should be caught up soon.

September Blocks out of the Way!

2010-09-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

We have been getting so much rain the past few days that I have gotten done with my star blocks for September. Now maybe I can get back to my hand quilting on two quilts so I can possible get them done by the end of the month - or is that wishful thinking? I really want to get them done so I can get back to some other projects.

2010-09-04T00:29:00.000-07:00

I have been dilligently working on the blocks in my endeavour to catch up to the rest of the members. I have completed the first lot of blocks and am half way through the second month. Just looking at all the instructions I have downloaded it it seems that boy oh boy some months are heavy going, I will really have to put my head down to catch up. I am going away for a 2 day retreat at the beginning of October so hopefully I will be able to get a few done then. The plan is to get the irish chain blocks ready and do them so I don't have to cart heaps of fabric, just already cut squares. There will be a mystery sewing project to do as well. I am so looking forward to a couple of days away with nothing to do but sew and chat.
Karen P, in Oz

August blocks :o)

2010-09-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

Yaayyy - I have finished all the august blocks. They have actually been ready for sewing for over a week, but there has been so much other fun things to do :o) They came together suprisingly quick. So now Im ready for september....

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Welcome Karen from Australia

2010-08-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

We have a new member of our group who has joined us in the making of Star Crazy.
Welcome Karen P. from Australia!

We realize Karen is joining us in the 8th month of Star Crazy, with only 4 months left on our Block of The Month, but we are always thrilled to have a new friend and quilter come along.
Karen is a member of The Quilt Show, married, mother of 2 adult children and grandmother to 3.
I asked her to share a little bit about herself:
As you saw I am an Aussie, I live in Point Lonsdale, a small coastal town on the south coast of Victoria, so right down the bottom of Australia and if we are at the beach and look out to sea we are looking straight down in the direction of Tasmania.
I am currently doing Sylvias Bridal Sampler quilt but love star blocks so will enjoy trying to catch up to you ladies when I decide what background to use, it takes a lot doesn't it. I have a half roll of plain white somewhere but we are packed into a small rental property at the moment (so not sure which box it is in) while we build a new house in the next small town down the road.

Karen has a blog Gussies Place where we can visit and see all the beautiful quilts she has been working on.

2010-08-29T15:46:00.001-07:00

Hello Star Crazy Ladies
I have just joined the group and look forward to getting to know you all. I haven't yet started this quilt so have a lot of catching up to do.
Karen P in Oz

August Blocks

2010-08-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

Finally I have gotten caught up - after more trouble with the sewing machine and me not really being in the mood I finished. The lighting is not quite right but if you look at the last blog post I did the color is correct for the backgrounds there.

July Blocks - better late than never

2010-08-27T17:09:00.000-07:00

I actually completed these star blocks in July but never got around to posting because we were traveling and I had forgotten my rotary cutter and was not going to buy another on the road. When we got home I got them pressed and squared up. I am working on my August blocks and hope to get them done this weekend - 3 more to go.

August block are done

2010-08-24T05:17:00.001-07:00

Mina augusti block / My august blocks

I like doing this block, fun work!

August mini stars

2010-08-22T17:45:00.001-07:00

Here are my 9 August stars. The picture does not do the colors justice. They are bright and fun. I still need to trim and square them up, but they are sewn together and pressed.

August Update

2010-08-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

I have found some time to get to the August blocks. I really enjoyed these small blocks. It is hard to believe that we are already 8 months into this quilt! Only 4 more months to go, wow.

I wanted to see how all of the 6 inch blocks look together. Some of the colors in the pictures didn't come out exactly as they look. It is a grey day today, I guess that has something to do with it.

See you next month!

Kristin

August Blocks

2010-08-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

Well, it took me a few days to get them all cut out, pieced and ironed, but I did finish putting my blocks together! They seem to be easier to put together, but I really want to start putting the top together! We have to have enough pieces by now to start putting it together! *sigh* Oh well. I know I'll be able to finish September's blocks, but I don't know if I'll be on time with the rest of the year. The baby is due in October and I just might not be able to get to them. We'll see what I can manage!

July and August

2010-08-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

Now that vacation is over, I've caught up with my blocks. July and August. Can't wait for September, I LOVE the way this quilt is looking, and I'm really enjoying the challenge of making perfect star points. Thank you Sue! if you read this...

August Stars

2010-08-16T11:17:00.001-07:00

Finally it's cool enuf to take a pic of these. I worked on them in my a/c bedroom last week. I've taken one of my machines in there - otherwise I'd never get any work accomplished in the heat and humidity.

Anyway, I enjoyed making these. As I commented somewhere else, I ended up with the six HST's in a different color than Sue showed, but you know what? I don't care! *L* They're done.

August Star Crazy

2010-08-14T06:10:00.001-07:00

It always feels nice to have your Block of The Month blocks finished in the month they are released.
I usually print the patterns off at the beginning of the month, and then sense that "come play with me" haunting until they are completed.

We had 9 blocks for August Star Crazy.

Jan came over yesterday, and she always helps motivate me to stay on task with Star Crazy. Isn't it wonderful to have a friend to work with on a project? By the way, even though Jan doesn't have a blog or post of her progress, she has completed all of her blocks so far.

There were 3 Pinwheel Stars

3 Shadow Stars

And 3 Evening Stars.
Usually, each month we make a large stack of 1/2 square triangles that will eventually be used in the construction of the outside border.
Did you notice that this month we only made 4? They look a little lonely sitting all by themselves.

This 12 month journey with The Quilt Show is a lot of fun.
I often have people e-mail me, asking if they can join us in the making of Star Crazy.
Yes! We would love to have anyone join in with us!
As a reminder, Star Crazy is The Quilt Show's Block of The Month. In order to download the patterns, you need to be a member of The Quilt Show with Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims. If you are not a member already, it's very easy to join http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/join.php

Nedra

July Blocks

2010-08-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

I managed to get the July blocks done by hand while we have been traveling but do not have a good photo of the blocks as they need to be pressed good and squared up. I will do that when we get home in a little less than two weeks. I will be behind on my blocks for sure by then and will need to get caught up on August and September blocks then. I will post photos of the blocks as I get to them. I have enjoyed getting back to the internet this evening and looking at all of the blocks posted - such pretty colors!
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

My July(!)-blocks at last

2010-08-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

Today, finally, I managed to concentrate my mind on sewing the July blocks. I did cut them and fininshed the inner squares some time ago, but then I went into pause-mode, I think.

I did a little twist this time... :o) In 2 of the 9-patches I have used different coloured fabrics, leftovers from earlier months. I dont think it matters, actually its quite nice.

And as always, Im hoping to get the August-blocks done in time :o) But next week I will finish the Jelly Roll quilt that I have been joining.

Have a wonderful weekend !

SueR's August Blocks

2010-08-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

These were fun little blocks to make, and they didn't take too much time. And only four half square triangle units to make this month, yahoo! We must be done with those finally.

Only four more months to go, and we're done!

July Blocks

2010-07-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

These were quite fun, actually. Once I had moved my piecing machine into my one a/c room, it all got easier. *S* Pearl (the machine) seemed to like it in there - she gave me no trouble at all with these blocks. As usual, the small HST's are put away in their own little bag.

July Star Crazy

2010-07-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

Star Crazy is now in it's 7th month, and appropriately there are 7 blocks to be made.
How is everyone coming along?

I had every intention to be on top of things this month.
Jan came over almost 2 weeks ago and we worked together on our blocks.
She finished.
Mine.... sat half way completed until today.

9-Patch Stars and Chain Stars.
Speaking of Chains, did you like not having any Irish Chains to put together this time around? In looking ahead of the schedule, we will have a break from IC's for a few more months.

Shoo Fly Variation Star
I have really enjoyed seeing Star Crazy being made in various fabrics from our group.
We now have 77 visitors, and are receiving quite a few hits each day.
Thank you for posting and showing your wonderful work!

Nedra

SueR's July Blocks

2010-07-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

Isn't it a nice feeling to know all the star blocks for the center are done?

I'm guessing most folks are using the foundations included with the instructions each month, but I chose to make flying geese units for the star points instead. Figured maybe I'd save some fabric that way. If anyone else is making flying geese units, you might try Patti Anderson's no-waste flying geese shortcut, because I think it's faster. Too bad it took me six months to think of it.

July Blocks

2010-07-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

Took me a couple of days in between other projects, but I got all the July blocks completed. I'm really liking the way the colors are playing together. I can't wait to start putting all the blocks together! From the looks of it, we don't do that until December though!

July Blocks

2010-07-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

July blocks done. They worked up really fast.

June and July blocks

2010-07-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

I have used some of this extended holiday weekend in the US, to get caught up on my Star Crazy quilt. Each day this weekend we have seen the tempature climb up and up, that seemed like another good reason to whole up in my quilting room. Living in Vermont, heat is not something that we deal with too often or that well for that matter. I am very thankful to have an A/C unit in my sewing room, without it there would not be much getting done right now. Anyway, here are my blocks for June.

And here are my July blocks.

Then I pulled out all of my blocks done so far. I wanted to see how the colors were balancing out, especially since I am just using stash fabrics.

And finally, I just realized that we now have the 13 center stars done! I wanted to get an idea of what my center will look like. Of course there are a lot more Irish Chain blocks to complete to fill in the empty spaces, but I really love how this looks so far.

Have a wonderful month fellow quilters and Happy 4th of July to all in the USA.

Kristin

June blocks

2010-07-02T12:50:00.000-07:00

I reached my goal and finished the June blocks before our sailing vacation. Can't believe we are half way there. I have printed out the July blocks so they are waiting for me when I come home :o)

This is one of my favourites:

Whishing you all a wonderful summer :o)

Juli är klar /July is don

2010-07-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

Ska jag få gjort något måst jag göra det på morgonen. Då är det lungt en liten stund innan dagen sätter fart. Nu kan jag lägga bort syningen för denna månaden, jag tror det iallafall:-)

If I have to do some work, I better do it in the morning. Then the house have a quiet moment.
That´s the sawing for this month, that´s annyway what I belive:-)

Nu blir det mycket sommararbete på gården som väntar. Massor av underbart tort hö som ska in under tak.
There is plenty off work on the farm who is waiting to be done. Lots off wonderfull hay who should been taking inside.

Jag önskar er alla en härlig sommar.
Wish you all a lovely summer

Maj och Juni / Mai and June

2010-06-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

Äntligen har jag kommit i kapp med syningen/

Att last I have cauht up

Ibland funderar jag på om jag har valgt färger som går ihop.

Jag vet, inget bra kort :-)

Sometimes I wonder if I chosen the rigth color.

I know, it´s not a good photo :-)

June Stars

2010-06-29T15:40:00.001-07:00

I did have a little time to work on this month's blocks. The HSTs are all put away in their little bag, these two are finished, and the Irish Chain is all cut out; I might as well wait for another day or two now until I get the ones for July to work on this again.

I am surely gonna try the strip piecing of the last six Irish Chains.

I had to take some time off from my commission when it got so hot and humid over the weekend, so this is what I did. Seems like this is a LOT of blocks for only half finished. *S*

Boy, am I happy!

2010-06-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

This morning I purchased a pattern in Etsy for $6.50 that shows how to make Irish Chain blocks from strip sets!! It's a gift to myself. I wonder if I can possibly adapt it to next month's Star Crazy blocks?

The heat has been so bad here in Chicago that I had to stop working on the commissioned donation quilt and had time to do some work on the June blocks for here. At least I have all of the HSTs done and the cutting ready for the big stars.

Happy summer to you all..........*S*

2010-06-20T21:58:00.001-07:00

I finished my "Granny Went Star Crazy" blocks for the month of June along with the required half square triangles.

This is how the quilt center is looking. I'm very excited about it.

April är klar / April is done

2010-06-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

Detta var två roliga stjärnor att sy.

This was two nice stars to make.

Blir det regn i morgon också, så kan det nog hända att jag sätter mig och syr då med.

If is still be raining tomorrow I migth start on next block.

Februari och Mars är klara./ February and March is done.

2010-06-18T00:43:00.001-07:00

Det är riktigt roligt att se hur det växer fram./
It's really fun to see how the stars comming up.

Här är mina block så långt./

This is my block so far.

I eftermiddag vill jag sy ihop April stjärna. Jag har fortfarande en del att ta igen :-)

This afternoon, I would sew the April star. I still have some to catch up :-)

We're Half Way There!

2010-06-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

Jan came over yesterday and we worked on our June BOM's for Star Crazy.

We have now completed half of the blocks needed!
Yipee Yi Yah!
I've been reading how some of you are getting a little tired of making the Irish Chain block. In looking at the picture, I count that we will need 9 full Chain blocks. With this month, 6 are now completed. (*Not to be a downer, but we haven't even started on the half blocks for the Irish Chain, and it looks like there might be 12 of those).

Personally, I have really enjoyed working on this quilt. The beautiful colors make me smile. And I like the Block of The Month concept where we do a little bit at a time.

I had to get in a sneak picture of Jan as she talked to her sister on the phone.
I just love Jan. I think we did more yabbering than quilting yesterday (me being the head yabberer), but it was so fun just to be together.

As a reminder, the Shadow Star block is made with a few exceptions. As you paper piece the middle, you use two colors, and don't use a white.
Notice the flying geese also use two colors.

And we are still making a lot of half square triangles that will eventually be used in the two borders. Another 48 were added to the pile this month.

June Blocks

2010-06-15T11:09:00.001-07:00

I finished the June blocks pretty quickly. I cut everything out before vacation, and even got the Irish Chain block completed. All I needed to do today was put the 2 stars together. I can't wait to start putting the top together, this is going to look so cool when it's done!

A little later than planned - May blocks

2010-06-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

Finally I got the May-blocks done - a bit late, but its done! Seems to be difficult to concentrate on sewing when the weather is warm and sunny :o) And also my cute little dog has been operated some weeks ago, so she needed a lot of attention. But now she's fine, and we're all happy!

And look at all those gorgeous little HSTs, in all kinds of colour! It will be quite a job making the border... Im so glad we are not making all HSTs at once, that would be too much...:o)

I must try not to be late with the June blocks, I dont like to fall behind. And in July we are going sailing for our holidays, so not much sewing done that month :o) So I will probably not get the blocks done until August.

Warm summer greetings from Norway 8o)

SueR's June Blocks

2010-06-13T14:07:00.000-07:00

Done with the June blocks with time to spare! Now we're halfway there! It's going to get busier now--still all those 6" border blocks to do, more Irish chain blocks, and still more half square triangle units.

Everyone's blocks look wonderful!

Star Crazy - I'm caught up!

2010-06-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

Last week, I completed 5 months of work ! Woohoo, I'm caught up! I'm really happy with how well (my opinion!) my blocks are turning out, and am having a great time time trying to be as precise as possible with sewing and cutting. Hope you enjoy my pics!

A sneak preview!

WooHoo! April and May finished

2010-06-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

I am proud to report that I finally finished my April and May blocks. Summer time vacations have left me with little time to sew but I am not complaining because I love to travel.

I enjoyed these star blocks but I dread when I have to work on the Irish Chain. My Irish Chain blocks are always wonky.

We are sure getting a large collection of extra blocks for later.

If I weren't a member of this group I am afraid this project may have become another UFO in my collection. Thanks again Nedra for getting this group going.

Until next time,

Kclily

June blocks

2010-06-08T15:16:00.000-07:00

I spent the last 2 days with grandkids who are old enough that I don't have to watch them every minute, so I set up my sewing machine on the kitchen table and put together my June blocks. I still have to block and press them, but the sewing is done.

June Star Crazy

2010-06-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

I can never get my photos where I want them to appear on this blog - it is blogger I am sure as I normally use wordpress for my blog and have no problems with it.

Here are the June photos. The middle star appears lighter in the photo then it is. If it appears this light when I start to put the whole quilt together I will probably remake the block using darker colors but for now it is staying as is.

I must give up.

2010-06-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

My subscription to The Quilt Show is coming to an end and I don't really have the money to renew it. I haven't gone there for anything but the instructions for the BOM in months so I really can't justify it. I will finish the blocks that I have started and come back to show you what I have made from them. I am sorry to have to drop out it isn't like me not to finish what I have started. Thanks.

Julie

May Blocks

2010-05-20T11:34:00.001-07:00

I completed my May blocks fairly early this month, there's still more than a week left in the month! :) Hard to believe I've been keeping up with this, I didn't really get too far on last years BOM! It's been great working along with everyone else, helps to give me that little push to get my blocks done on time!

2010-05-19T03:36:00.000-07:00

Hi, at last I made my first block :-D

It was not without problems, I guess my rotary cutter get a cold to!!Just look at this.

Isn´t it lovely.........

April & May Blocks

2010-05-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

I was able to spend a lot of time at my sewing machine this weekend. It was a very nice way to spend some time. Here are some pictures of what I was able to get to. Both April and May blocks! Wohoo!! It feels so good to be back on track, and May isn't even done yet. I have the half square triangles done too, just no picture of them.

Here is what all of my blocks look like together so far. I LOVE this quilt. I did come to the conclusion that it is a really good thing that we are doing the half square triangles each month. There is no way I would want to tackle more than one month at a time.

See you all next month,

Kristin

Nedra's May Blocks

2010-05-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

We are now up to 30 of us from all over the world making Star Crazy together, with new people joining us all the time.

How are you doing? I can see that some of us have had a chance to work on our May blocks.

I have had a lot of inquiries asking if it's too late to join Star Crazy Log. My answer is:
"Anyone can join us anytime! The only requirement is that you are a member of The Quilt Show with Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims. This is necessary so you can download the patterns each month.
To learn more about joining The Quilt Show go to:
http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/join.php

If you have any questions about joining Star Crazy Log, please e-mail me at nedras@mstar.net

I just finished the May blocks.

For some reason, as I got ready to sew the 8" Feathered Star block, I could only find 7 of the yellow and white half square triangles.
I had just made 8, ironed them into a stack, and then poof! One of the pieces was gone.
Oh bother!
Have you ever had that happen?

I'm still not sure how the piece could have disappeared because the blocks are paper pieced into a set of 8.
Like a crazy woman I hunted throughout my sewing room high and low.
Did the piece end up on the bottom of my shoe? Did I sit on it, and was it clinging behind?
Someday I am sure I will locate it in some unusual space, and the mystery will be solved.
Meanwhile, I made a new half square triangle and completed the Feathered Star block.

Five months worth of blocks now sit happily together on my design wall.

Nedra

May BOM

2010-05-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

I got done with my May BOM for the Star Crazy yesterday. After I was finished with it I took photos and then this morning I was resizing the photos for the blog when I noticed my mistake on the Irish Chain block. I have the lower left corner reversed so will need to pick that out and restitch that section. Isn’t it weird how you can sew – press, step back and place it on the wall,take a photo and never notice a thing wrong until you are resizing a photo and look at it again!

214 Half Square triangles - I think they are 2 1/2 inches if I remember right. I'm not sure how many of these are needed but we have been making between 24 and 48 of them every month. They are stacked in the box in the color groupings that I used.

This months 3 larger blocks - including the Irish Chain mistake. Some of these I wasn't sure if I would like using lighter colors in the stars but decided a few here and there will be fine. If I find I really don't like the light colors when it comes time to do placement and sewing together I can change them then. But because this is a scrap quilt it might turn out to look just fine.

Sue's May Blocks

2010-05-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

I think this is my favorite set of blocks so far. I just love these stars with a little 4-inch block in the center. I'm also very happy to be all caught up!

Star Crazy Log

Beginning to Quilt

It´s done

I finished quilting Felicity's Star Crazy

Its home again.....

Winter Storm and Quilting is a Good Thing

And another

Finished!

Star Crazy Finished!

slowly making progress

Yaaayyyy - finished!!!!

Getting organized and started

November Blocks

Felicity's quilt

Quilt Assembly Update

The assembling has begun.....

I am still here...

I am still here!

Granny Went Star Crazy ...COMPLETED!

Star Crazy December BOM

Just Showing Off *S*

Center Finished

We shall see......

December BOM - The end is near

Granny Went Star Crazy Dec progress report

November blocks - just in time :o)

October Blocks - Finally!

Star Crazy November BOM

Nov & Dec "Granny Went Star Crazy"

October blocks :o)

November blocks done!

September (!!) blocks!

SueR's October Blocks

October Blocks

October BOM Blocks

SueR's September Blocks

October Update

The end of the stars?

Here's an idea.....

Goodbye stars.....

October

"Granny Went Star Crazy" complete for October

Catching Up

9 Blocks For The 9th Month

August/Sept Granny Went Star Crazy

September Blocks

Here they be.

Star Crazy - September

Granny Went Star Crazy - July

September Blocks out of the Way!

August blocks :o)

Welcome Karen from Australia

August Blocks

July Blocks - better late than never

August block are done

August mini stars

August Update

August Blocks

July and August

August Stars

August Star Crazy

July Blocks

My July(!)-blocks at last

SueR's August Blocks

July Blocks

July Star Crazy

SueR's July Blocks

July Blocks

July Blocks

June and July blocks

June blocks

Juli är klar /July is don

Maj och Juni / Mai and June

June Stars

Boy, am I happy!

April är klar / April is done

Februari och Mars är klara./ February and March is done.

We're Half Way There!

June Blocks

A little later than planned - May blocks

Just Showing Off S