So this is a few pics of what I've gotten done on the surprise for my Dad. I wanted to do a star pattern and bought a matching charm pack and jelly roll (Snow Bloom), but couldn't decide on a pattern. So I finally sat one day and doodled what I wanted. The colors are dark and manly but with a very traditional kind of country-ish look which is his style. He loves the Arts and Crafts decor style so I want to draw up a ginko leaf quilting pattern for the background area between the stars. Here's my sneak peek....

*ETA: The blocks aren't sewn together yet so the spaces in between are not due to bad sewing or anything---I just haven't decided if I want to attach them with small corner background blocks or one big 5" background block for a more obvious quilted design. Also a big thank you to Don (isewman) for my inspiration with his Augusta quilt! If ya haven't seen it I urge you to take a gander!!

That's very pretty!
Your dad is going to love it when it's done

I love your stars!!!!!!!! Your Dad is going to have a beautiful quilt!!!

I am a fan of star blocks!

Thatis coming out exactly like you wanted--and HOORAY for you for creating your own!! :D

Looking good, I like your plan :D

I Love it!! What fabric collection is that ? I love them.

Your Dad is going to love his manly quilt. Wish my Dad were still around for me to make him a warm quilt.

Very masculine looking, he is going to love it!

Thanks guys! It's the Snow Bloom collection by Moda's Kansas Troubles. The colors came out a little wonky in the picture--kind of grainy. After I took a few pics, I rearranged my layout a little. Apparently I really liked a couple of pairings I made and repeated them without realizing, so I'm trying to maneuver the repeats into other spots. I've made 2 1/2 rows so far out of 6. But all the pieces are cut out and each block is in its own ziplock bag and labeled. So I think I should be done by December!!

ady thats going to be beautiful!! Your colors are fantastic!!! Daddy is going to love it!!! Make sure you keep us posted with lots and lots of pics!!