I like it too; very much. Bet your DIL will like it too.

I would move the blocks around until it feels right to me. I like to switch a few and then let it stay that way for a day. When I come back, if I’m not satisfied, I will try again. Take pictures with your phone of the different arrangements. One will eventually feel right. I like the block and I like the fabrics. The quilting will bring it together.

More blocks and no border. It's a great blend of modern design with traditional colors and blocks! She will be thrilled!!

I love it. The white on the dark colors really pops. Add another row, so it will be 3 x 4 and will have balance and replace the light tan block with a brighter color. You can add a border and make a pillow with it. It is a beautiful quilt.

Jill, I think it looks wonderful. If you want to experiment with a border, try it...you don't have to add it if it doesn't please you.

You are all so kind! I moved the blocks to the floor(off of the design board) and played around with the arrangement. It looks much better to me, so I will make more blocks, and no border. I think the starkness and high contrast were throwing me off....not my usual style. Since she picked the pattern, I won’t alter it.
Will post when the top is completed, and then I will be looking for quilting suggestions! I am thinking some straight lines and possibly curved cross hatching....I want to keep it simple, I think! ;)

The colours read colonial, not Christmas, but it is a lovely quilt. Is it big enough for lap sized? I like a minimum of 60x60. You could make it larger with smashing, if you do not want to add borders. You can use a Christmas motif for the quilting.

I'd like to see what it looks like on point with white filler triangles. This would need 13 blocks.

When the blocks are on point, it changes the stars-they look more like Ohio stars, and given that we live in Ohio, you would think, perfect! But then it looks much more traditional, and that’s not what DIL likes. I think it will be fine once I make more blocks and get them arranged. I am liking it more every time I look at it, but I am already cutting out my next project that is more “my style”! ��

Remember you will have another layer: the quilting. The thread color[s] and design can make a big difference.

I love the quilt! The pattern is great! Colors are great! What's not to like!

really nice and it does have a farmhouse feel to it....but agree with you - I think a border will set it off nicely!!!

I like it. I think you are questioning it because it is a little out of your comfort zone.

I suggest letting go of the "modern" title and just make a quilt! I actually love everything about this, the big bold pattern, the color choices, no sashing or border. This will be a fantastic quilt :-)

I would try putting the squares in diagonal rows by colors, would give something for your eye to follow

I love the block! We made a quilt for my Boss' wife with that block. I tried to find a picture of the pattern, but couldn't. It made 2 or 3 different size star blocks, and the sashing had cornerstones with star points. It turned out beautifully!

Jill, be sure to show us the finished quilt. I love your projects!!! :)

If not not late to add, I think that the quilting will make a difference in how cohesive the quilt looks. I like the yellow block. Maybe so it doesn’t stand alone, add a friend or two for solidarity.:o It does brighten and add interest to the quilt