Machine Quilting: Feathered Star

Darlene made this awesome Feathered Star:

 This is a pattern by Quiltworx (Judy Niemeyer) and I just love the colors Darlene picked out. I helped her with choosing some of the fabrics and it was exciting to see it come together.

With this particular pattern you have several "chapters" that you work on. You start in the center with the feather wedges and then work your way out to the edges. Each new chapter made it interesting to see what she had done so far and which fabrics to choose for the next pieces. Darlene had a general color scheme in mind, but I think the end result is outstanding. This picture really does not do the quilt justice - in person it looks like it glows. It is truly breathtaking.

 I was brainstorming on how to quilt this and I had a few ideas in mind that ended up being perfect when Darlene told me she was naming this the "Peacock Feathered Star". So I started marking the purple areas in the border and background. I saw this design Miss Angela Walters did and altered it to radiate out from the center of this quilt. It just screamed peacock feathers when done in this manner.

 And this is how it turned out! Don't you just love it?!

 With the different shades of purple batiks Darlene used I chose a thread called Crushed Grapes that has a very subtle variation to it from almost a magenta to dark purple.

 Then Darlene and I talked about ramping up the peacock influence even more by quilting these plumes in the outer feathers. It was the perfect opportunity since they had a bit more background fabric.

 Here's a shot of when I was about half done with the quilting.

 The center turned out really cool. Also here you can see some of the other details I quilted.

 And then it was finished! All in it's peacock glory!

 If you have the chance, this is Darlene's Lake Farmpark 2013 Entry and will be available for viewing this February through March at the show in Kirtland, OH. I'll keep you posted if (when) it wins awards in the show. I'm sure she's going to win something with this stunner!

Darlene did a great job with her piecing (as she always does), especially with these non-traditional shaped pieces. Here in this shot you can see the details as it will look hanging in the show. I cannot wait for this year's show! It promises to be incredible!

For more about Darlene and her amazing quilts, head on over to her blog I Quilt Scarlet and Gray. Did I mention she's also probably the biggest Ohio State Fan I know? Hence the title of her blog.

Thanks Darlene! You did an amazing job and I can't wait to see what inspires you next!