I really like this week’s choice, Twinkling Star, from Nancy Martin’s Perpetual Calendar 365 Quilt Blocks A Year.
I drew it from a 3.5 x 5 x 3.5 grid.
Even though I really like this quilt block, I had a difficult time getting inspired and original with it. I don’t know why.
Here is how Twinkling Stars looks set side by side in a straight setting:
I find it boring.
I’ve altered the block a bit and set the new block, along with a low contrast traditional block, and the Twinkling Star in a new straight set design:
Now I’m not so bored with it.
Another design, but I think the red stars overwhelm Twinkling Star:
It might be worth exploring if I changed the size of those red stars.
What if I darken the color and alternate Twinkling Star with a different traditional block?
I like it!
Next, I tried mixing in a chain block.
My low contrast might be too low contrast. I’m influenced by my friend Judy, the Virtual Quilter. She uses a low contrast technique frequently for her backgrounds, and I like how it looks.
Have a blessed happy new year full of wonderful times of creativity!









