Thursday, December 27, 2012

Stars, a table runner

Stars, a table runner

Here is Stars. She is a table runner - or a wall hanging, about 36" x 12". Stars, for all her simplicity, took a long time to imagine and then make.

Oakshott Lipari bundle

Stars began when that fantastic bundle of Oakshott Lipari shot cottons arrived at my house courtesy of Michael Oakshott and Lynne from Lily's Quilts. These shot cottons have a black warp  thread and then a shining colourful one and they are luminous.

Liparis from Oakshot

That is a picture of them after I washed the bundle. The light coloured weft threads are visible and you can see how much the black thread tones down the light colours.

Making Ohio Stars

I was unsure as to how to use these amazing fabrics. They would make the most beautiful cocktail dress but I had smaller pieces to work with. The shining fabric made me think of the night sky and stars. The Ohio Star is such a classic, sophisticated yet simple star - I decided it was a nice fit for these fabrics.

Ohio Stars

I auditioned many things but eventually paired the Liparis with Essex linen in light grey - classic and simple. Eventually many 3" stars were made and pieced.

Ohio Stars

I sought advice about borders and binding from the members of the Edmonton Modern Quilt Guild, which, by the way, I have joined this fall. There was no consensus but many people suggested I add a grey border and then a coloured binding, which is ultimately what I decided on.

Stars, a table runner

I quilted it with a grey variegated Superior King Tut thread. I echoed the stars twice and then I quilted the inside square. This approach made many thread ends to mend in, but I think it was worth it. The Liparis are the star of the show, the quilting plays a supporting role - as I had hoped.

Stars, a table runner

You can see the scrappy binding better in the close ups. I had various strips of Liparis left so I used them in a single layer thin binding. It is hand stitched on the back.

And I have yet to wash this one. Many of you will know how much I love the texture that washing adds to my quilts, but I have decided to enjoy this one without the the changes that washing brings for a while.

Stars, a table runner - back

On the back I used this print from Jovial which is a fabric line from last Christmas by Basicgrey. I love those reindeer with bow ties and wreaths, perhaps sophisticated enough to back up the Liparis.

Stars, a table runner

So that is the story of Stars. She has graced my dining room table over the holidays and will continue to do so into the winter. She reminds me of the clear, cold winter sky, twinkling with stars and shining with northern lights.

Thank you Michael Oakshott and thank you Lynne, it has been great fun to play with these stunning fabrics. And just in case you want some too, Oakshott is having a sale until January 6 (Lipari bundles are here).

I hope you are enjoying the holidays, I am off to start quilting my Mod Pop quilt, I got it basted this morning.

Best,

Leanne

23 comments:

Catherine said...

Stars has the same backing as my table runner that you made me last year, which has been on my table all Christmas. Stars looks fabulous Leanne

Erin Quinn said...

Looks amazing. I love the border and the quilting is exactly right. Love, love, love.
E

Sarah said...

It looks really beautiful :-)

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Stars is very pretty Leanne. Love the fabrics.

Jess @ Elven Garden Quilts said...

Stunning Leanne. The quilting is perfect - I especially love the secondary pattern it's created.

Canadian Abroad said...

I knew this would be stunning right from the very beginning but it is even better.

Debbie said...

oh this is lovely, Leanne! I like how the quilting lets the stars shine - and I'm glad you used a gray border - again lets the stars shine. Very nice!

Sarah said...

You already know how much I love these wee stars. You have done a beautiful job with the Oakshots - simple and stunning!

Karen said...

In love completely!

Katy Cameron said...

There you are, see, told you you'd get some done, and there's still 4 days til New Year :oD It looks fab, and love the scrappy binding on it, now looking forward to seeing Mod Pop

Judith, Belfast said...

Stars is beautiful L! Well worth all the time and effort you put into it! I love how you've quilted it too! Looking forward to seeing Mod pop finished. Jxo

Holli said...

Oh so very pretty! I love the tiny stars, and the border, and the quilting, and the back! Those Oakshot lipari's are very tempting . . .

Needled Mom said...

That is just gorgeous.

TBL said...

It turned out really beautiful. :)

Run Quilt Knit Write said...

Stunning, absolutely stunning Leanne!

Elisabeth said...

Absolutely gorgeous, Leanne! I love the Liparis but need to use my Rubies before I buy anything else.

Jenny-Narcoleptic in a cupboards mum said...

Simply Stunning ! A wonderful piece of work Leanne.

Di said...

Oh it is absolutely beautiful. It will bring joy every Christmas. Di x

Catherine said...

It's really beautiful - I love the simple quilting.

Leslie can't stop quilting said...

Everybody has already said but....It is simply stunning!!!

Jennie {Clover and Violet} said...

This is so strikingly beautiful, Leanne! I have been enjoying the progress and oust love your finish. Stunning.

Annabella said...

It is of course beautiful and very elegant! I can't wait to see your quilting on the Mod Pop quilt.

Tracey said...

I have just found your blog, and first of all I am really enjoying reading it. But, these stars are something else! They are so beautiful, and show off the Lipari fabric perfectly. I love the understated quilting, and the way it continues into the border.

I have often been tempted by this fabric collection, and seeing how dazzling your runner is has convinced to add a bundle into my shopping basket.

I look forward to reading more of your blog.