Tag Archives: star quilt

Cross Country Vacation Sept./Oct. 2025-Post 4

Dignity of Earth and Sky, South Dakota

The Hubster and I needed a place to stretch our legs and have a picnic.

We found it near Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Dignity of Earth and Sky is a 50-foot high stainless steel sculpture that stands on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River.

The sculpture was designed by South Dakota artist laureate Dale Claude Lamphere and portrays an Indigenous woman in traditional Plains-style dress, gracefully receiving a star quilt. The star quilt is a symbol of respect and honor in Native cultures. The sculpture celebrates the spirit and beauty of Native American women, particularly Lakota and Dakota peoples.

Dignity of Earth and Sky

*Clicking on a photo will give you a closer look!

Dignity of Earth and Sky

Dignity of Earth and Sky

Dignity of Earth and Sky

Dignity of Earth and Sky

Dignity of Earth and Sky

There are trails and overlooks where one can stretch their legs and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Dignity of Earth and Sky

Dignity of Earth and Sky

Dignity of Earth and Sky

Dignity of Earth and Sky

The visitor center features exhibits on local history and the Lewis and Clark expedition. No admission is required.

The grounds are well kept and there are plenty of picnic areas.

Well worth the time to visit!

Dignity of Earth and Sky

See the world around you!

More Travel Posts:

Twinkling Star Quilt Block Part 2

Last week I showed the Twinkling Star set in straight set designs. 

Twinkling Star Quilt Block

Here it is in a simple on point design:

Twinkling Star On Point Set

And with the addition of a low contrast traditional block:

Twinkling Star On Point Set

Lots of room to show off some beautiful quilting!

I drew an alternate block and used it in this next design:

Twinkling Star On Point Set

I’m not crazy about it.  Are you?

How about this next one?:

Twinkling Star On Point Set

I like it!

I also like using a chain block with the Twinkling Stars:

Twinkling Star On Point Set

I think that one is my favorite of this set.

One more:

Twinkling Star On Point Set

Which do you like the best?

Keep trying those ‘what if’s’.  One, or more, of them could be your winner!

Twinkling Star Quilt Block

I really like this week’s choice, Twinkling Star, from Nancy Martin’s Perpetual Calendar 365 Quilt Blocks A Year.

Twinkling Star Quilt Block

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:

winkling Star Straight Set

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:

winkling Star Straight Set

Now I’m not so bored with it.

Another design, but I think the red stars overwhelm Twinkling Star:

winkling Star Straight Set

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?

winkling Star Straight Set

I like it!

Next, I tried mixing in a chain block.

winkling Star Straight Set

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.

winkling Star Straight Set

winkling Star Straight Set

Have a blessed happy new year full of wonderful times of creativity!