Tag Archives: Boston City Hall

Venus on a Monday Afternoon

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I was lucky enough to see the full eclipse of the sun in April 2024 in my Niece’s backyard in Panton Vermont. The Eclipse Star block is based on an arrangement my 8 year old Grandniece Iris came up with when we were playing with her wooden blocks that are shaped like quilt pieces.  And, to explain the name of the quilt I will tell you that while in the middle of being stunned by what we were seeing, suddenly, we were wondering which planet is that below the eclipsed sun? Just as suddenly the moon continued on its path and the sky was full of light again.

I was able to replicate Iris’s block design in Electric Quilt and then I also found the paper pieces and acrylic templates for sale at Paper Pieces so that I could put the block together using the English Paper Piecing method.

Here is an overview of the process I went through for piecing the block together.

If you are interested I have a put together a FREE pattern for the star block, but please be familiar with the EPP method.

The Back of the Quilt is interesting, too, with the quilting for the sun highlighted.

This quilt was exhibited at Boston City Hall in March 2025 along with my Medallion Quilt. The best part is that it was featured on the advertising graphic.

Screenshot

Finding your Way

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This quilt was inspired by the ceramic coaster that my cup of tea rested on while I was sewing. It is based on the Mariner’s Compass pattern, one of the oldest quilt patterns that echoes a wind rose diagram used for navigating the seas In the 13th century. I hope this quilt is a helpful inspiration for finding your way through life.

I designed the quilt using Electric Quilt. I had a few different design ideas in mind and made a test border block. I used Foundation Paper Piecing to sew all the pieces together which helped with accuracy. The center was a bit of a challenge because so many points are meeting in the center. The appliqued center piece solved the problem.

I am quite satisfied with how the quilting came out on this one. I tend to rely on my pantographs, but I knew this one needed some custom quilting.

This quilt was displayed in Boston City Hall along with an exhibit by the Boston Modern Quilt Guild March 2024. My Eclipse Quilt was also on display. I also exhibited these quilts at the BMQG Show in September of 2024.