I especially love it, with the blue border!

I'm not a fan of invisible thread, either; it usually ends up scratching me! If you use one of the finer threads, you can go with a neutral color and not have to change, as often.

I usually look for the easiest way, to quilt. I would quilt the stars, each in one continuous line, from point to point (SID or along the sides, if that makes any sense). Then I would outline the red/blue borders, inner and outer, in a neutral color.

You must not be looking good at your quilt. It is so pretty. I love it. Whatever you do from here will just make it more beautiful. You have done a good one.

Neesie,
Neutral as in grey? And going from the red right into the blue and back?
Sorry, I'm just so boggled by this........

Sorry! My "neutral" is probably the same as your "natural." I think of "neutral" as either natural or gray, depending upon what blends better. What I meant, though, is you could treat the red/blue borders as one; instead of thinking of them as two separate colors. Hmmmmm. I just re-read your original post and might be saying the same thing you were already planning to do. :p In other words, you'd be outlining the white/off-white, rather than the colors.

Depending on how much you just want to "just get it finished," you could also just cross-hatch quilt the blocks. Seriously, it's gonna be beautiful, however you decide to quilt it!

With 2" squares - if you straight SID around the elements - and through the center of the stars - you will surely have less than 3.5" between your quilt lines- won't you?

I agree with Tartan. If you have your lines marked or are following seam lines, I find it easier to FMQ than to have to keep turning the quilt as you SITD.

Not absolutely sure I understand everything you wrote, but here's what I'm thinking.

I would use invisible thread to outline stitch all the interlocking borders.

Regarding the star, are you planning to stitch just the outline of the star? Or every triangle and block in the star? What I would do is quilt from one star point to another star point, so the inner squares would be quilted through.

I think it would look fine but, if you are concerned about puffing from SID, I would suggest changing the batting to something flatter such as Quilter's Dream Request cotton.

I did a bit of doodling on Paint...How about just a cross hatch on the whole thing? That would solve the problem of having to turn it so much. And with the thread, I would suggest a tan, even a darker one, a medium gray or light blue. Remember, when they hand quilted in the 'old days' they only had a few colors. I have quit trying to be really 'matchy matchy' with my quilting colors. Now I just pick something that shows, but does not STEAL the show. You did a great job piecing this ! Pat yourself on the back and learn a color lesson for next time. Its a process... and you are WELL on your way!


The 1st picture just shows some crosshatching. You can decide how far apart and at what angle you like. The 2nd one I just did a small X in the middle of the star. That would keep the middle from puffing so much. Be sure to post a picture when you are finished!

I have no suggestions for quilting, but I want to truly chastise you for not being happy with this quilt. I expected to see something 'fun' when the picture (finally) loaded (dialup). WHAT?! that top is just gorgeous. read gorgeous again. in ALL CAPS.

this quilt is stunning, you should be as proud as a peacock!!

Great work, perfect colors. wondrous.

apologize to yourself, immediately!!

;)