Both of your quilts are stunning! I can see how the desert stars could give you grief, it doesn't appear to be an easy pattern, but it turned out beautifully. I love string quilts, there is something almost meditative about piecing the blocks. I am working on one now, I have the blocks all put together, now I have to add borders (one of my least favorite parts of quilting, don't know why) Your quilting looks wonderful too!