It is difficult to see here, but the star points are a variety of reds and the centers are a variety of greens. In this picture, there are two different shirting fabrics used for the background. There will be four different backgrounds in all, as well as four different reds and greens. I don't plan to add a border and the red and green leftovers will be used for a scrappy binding.
Since most of the samples I make for the shop are constructed out of more modern fabrics, we decided that I needed have a sample with a more traditional and scrappy look. And just because I can, I'm going to make a small version of this (probably a table runner) using a single dark background (maybe black or dark blue), and the stars will be bright solids. I'm checking my stash for these fabrics, and I have yet to tell Mabel and Ethel about that. I think it will be a nice surprise. :-)
Here are the rest of the block in various stages of completion. You can see the fabric variations a bit better in this picture.
I hope to get this top completed today as well as at least one of the bindings. We'll see...
I wrote up a tutorial on making these blocks that you can see HERE. Or, you can go to the "Tip Tuesday" Archives tab at the top of my blog and find it there. It is listed as the Charming Star Tutorial and was written on June 10, 2014. It really is an easy and fun block. The floating points certainly help make it stress-free, too.
On another note, unrelated to quilting, I was looking at the newspaper online today and saw a headline for Dear Abby. I actually read the letter and it brought back memories that I want to share with you all.
DEAR ABBY:
At 2 p.m., July Fourth, I would love nothing better than for all Americans to stop briefly and give our country a ring ... well, three rings to be exact.
On July 4, 1963, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed the ringing of bells nationwide with the words, "Let's ring freedom bells!" I was a White House aide then, and I vividly recall how exciting it was when bells rang across the nation coast to coast. Since then, many Americans have forgotten to keep the tradition going. Let's start again!
From one American to another, I ask all citizens to help me revive the ringing of bells at 2 p.m. this July Fourth in celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. It's easy. Ring a bell, shake your keys, tap a glass or find a bell-ringing app on your smartphone. It will give our country a much-needed sense of unity and connection to our past as one nation, one people.
The Ironworkers, Sheet Metal Workers and Firefighters International Unions of the AFL-CIO, The National Cartoonists Society and Malmark Inc. have joined with No Greater Love in this special celebration of our freedom and the guardians who protect us -- our troops, firefighters and police.
Please, Abby, make your millions of readers aware of this effort. As inscribed on the Liberty Bell, "Let us proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." -- CARMELLA LASPADA, FOUNDER, NO GREATER LOVE
DEAR CARMELLA:
I'm glad to help. I agree that shared traditions are the glue that binds us together as a nation. So readers, on July Fourth, take a moment to quietly reflect on what this holiday is all about. Then make a joyful noise and thank God for his blessings on our country and the freedoms we enjoy today. That's the American spirit!
Even though I was only two in 1963 when this began, I remember ringing bells on July 4th. I decided that I'm going to do this Friday. I even set the alarm on my phone for 1:00 so I remember. What do you think? Want to join me?
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Be prepared to be inspired!
Love your stars - I remember the ringing of the bells. Yes, I will be glad to participate.
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