A challenge - done two ways

The Republic Quilt Guild aka Piece 'n Pals put up a challenge for this year's quilt show that takes place as part of the Ferry County Fair August 29-31, 2014.

Requirements: Any Star block, Churn Dash, Log Cabin (no larger than 1.5" unfinished logs) and House Block. 6" finished blocks, 14.5-15.5" finished dimension of the piece; recognizable amount of the challenge fabric (red rose tone on tone). Sandwiched, quilted and bound. Embellishments permitted. Hanging sleeve and name on the back.

Judging considerations: accuracy of piecing, neatness, cleanliness and adherence to above-mention requirements.

Hanging Sleeve on a mini?? ok.... ;-)

Hoping that once it is quilted and blocked the finished sizing (always smaller) will be understood.

I came up with two different designs within these parameters and was able to use ONE challenge Fat Quarter to make both. This is the red tone on tone rose print challenge fabric.

I enjoy these types of challenges to work within the limits, but be creative and think outside the box to pull it off.














The red/white one I finished the edge with a 'facing' (a first for me) and the sashings and border had star points that allowed another star in the center to give it 3 stars in the sky and parts in the corners. Apparently the star corner by the house made it look 'skewed', but it still won Judges Choice in the challenge. I'm linking up this design with the Red and White MAKE it challenge.

   


The quilting tried to emphasize the red bits and quilted down the white background quite extensively. To do again, I'd likely put some stars in the sky with the quilting. I was about to 'face' it and realized I had left the upper right corner of the churn dash unquilted, so had to put it back on the table and get it done!

In the picture window version, I used Lumiere Sateen for the sashing and borders. Bound it with Cotton Sateen. The log cabin block wasn't pieced very accurately and got a bit 'squify' in its squareness. I think given the size it would have been better to paper piece it to keep it square. Metallic thread was used in the sun and reflection in the water.