Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Reviewing My Choices

We live in a land made from ideals, not blood and soil. We are custodians of those ideals at home, and their champion abroad. We have done great good in the world because we believed our ideals are the natural aspiration of all mankind, and that the principles, rules, and alliances of the international order we superintended would improve the security and prosperity of all who joined with us.
~ John McCain ~

I miss John's insights, ethics, and patriotism.

I reached the point of diminishing returns with these Shadow Star blocks. There are more than enough for the quilt. {Actually there's enough for two quilts. Sigh.} The extras give me more room to play with the layout but color combinations are being repeated. It's time to stop.

When I started I wanted the squares to fade into the white like these.

Six blocks arranged on the design wall without their center circles.
Shadow Star quilt blocks

After a while it seemed to need some slightly lighter compass points so I made I few more with the darkest color in the middle.

Six more blocks slightly darker colors.
Shadow Star quilt blocks

Then I realized I'd missed a number of colors and a few lovely prints begged for some fussy cutting.

This set of six blocks has fussy cut components to highlight the prints on the fabric.
Shadow Star quilt blocks

Personal issues came to a head this past month so I am mostly off-line. Hopefully short posts will suffice but very little time or energy for responding. Sorry.

Enjoy the day, Ann

24 comments:

patty a. said...

The position of the colors make a big difference in the look of these blocks. They are all so pretty! You will be in my thoughts as you navigate this time with family. Take care.

Juliana said...

I love how the colors in these blocks create movement when you put blocks into potential layouts. Beautiful...
Glad you were able to post in the midst of personal issues. You have a quilting community of friends and strangers who value and care about you.

LA Paylor said...

oh no, I send sympathy and empathy to you... I like the top orientation but they are all resonating and glowing.

Angie in SoCal said...

I am with you. Gentle hugs.

Robin said...

They are amazing all together.

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

Oh I love them all! It's an amazing block, I keep going back to look at them! Take care, x

Cathy said...

Gorgeous and unusual blocks!

Janie said...

I love the variation and movement, lovely blocks.
Wonderful piecing.
Best wishes with family.

Kaja said...

I find myself rather glad you've got enough of these for two quilts!

Quiltdivajulie said...

The blocks are lovely - each in their own way. And yes, short posts are definitely the way to go as you deal with the real world issues. Take care and good luck.

Mystic Quilter said...

Love these blocks and how good that you have enough for two quilts! Take care of yourself Ann, thinking of you and sending best wishes.

Ann said...

The colors do change with position. I need to take photos of every attempt.

Ann said...

Thanks, Juliana.

Ann said...

Thanks, LeeAnna. I am slowly improving. So are the blocks.

Ann said...

Thanks, Angie.

Ann said...

Thanks, Robin.

Ann said...

The blocks are better than I recall. Now to put them together. Not yet though.

Ann said...

I've always remembered this quilt. So pretty. I hope mine comes out as well. Not the same colors.

Ann said...

Thanks, Janie. It was fun to piece.

Ann said...

Well, perhaps I'll simply make one very large quilt. I do like this block - such a family memory.

Ann said...

Thank you, Julie. I'm slowly improving.

Ann said...

Thanks, Maureen. I recall when you had issues last year that kept you from sewing. We have to be pretty bad to give up quilting and writing.

Preeti said...

Love the ombre effect!!! Wishing that all things that keep us from sewing/quilting/blogging are gone. POOF!!!

Ann said...

Thanks, Preeti. I hope to have more energy soon.