I have a question about quilting. If I were going to outline the star, would I stitch inside the star, or outside. Is there any reason for one way or another. I have never done any quilting and would like to try with these stars. (You'd think I'd start with a smaller quilt.)

Oh Sue, I wish I could help you on the quilting but I can't. I am sending this one out. If this is your first try at quilting, you are one brave girl. And by the way, I love your blues too.

Sue, usually SITD (stitch in the ditch) is done right on the seam line. Some people do it a hair outside. The important thing is to be consistent. I would make a few small quilt sandwiches to practice. You could even draw the stars on these test pieces. Or make a few actual stars to practice in, so you will see how the seams will actually react under the needle. A walking foot will be helpful. Some people do it in FMQ but it is harder for straight lines.

I am still not sure what I will do.

Whitepine if I was going to quilt this one myself and go around the stars I would probably go around the outside of the , maybe 1/4 inch outside. I have found I have a hard time keeping my stitching straight going over a heavy seam. These stars hava a lot of heavy seams. I plan on sending mine to the longarmer because I hate quilting a quilt this large. I love the 2 blue blocks. It really shows how different just changing the background makes them look. I am nearly caught up. Now I need to post the pictures.

whitepine...i've done it both ways. if you stitch just outside the stars..it makes them kind of "puff"..or come forward to the eye...if you stitch just inside, it outlines the design ...i would try a practice piece and see which one looks best to you. there is no right or wrong way, it's different for every quilt...the important thing is not to stress over it...whichever way you do it, it will be great. my first quilt is my favorite, and i can't count the mistakes i made in that poor thing..but i made it and i love it! as you go..you will get an "instinct"..but for now..just enjoy the journey!!!
you can also google image star quilts and look at the quilting on other people's quilts..that might give you an idea of what you like best...good luck!

Thanks everyone, for the very thorough hints on outlining. Definitely some good ideas to think about.

made my South Dakota block a day early- i want to start my wool project tomorrow- so got this out of the way- didn't want to fall behind. i need to get off this computer & go finish prewashing/felting my wools- have all the greens done- need to do reds yet. anyway- here is my south Dakota
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Oh my Colleen. I think this is my favorite of your blocks. I just love it. Great colors.

Ditto that! Very pretty, Colleen.

I am doing a countdown. Only 9 official blocks to go..... Here are my #41 S. Dakota and and extra combo block MT/NY. The combo looks really different.