chicago star: quilting outside the lines

A few weeks ago, I introduced my rocky start to this project, adding that completing it and sending it to its rightful receivers would be my April ALYoF goal.  Apparently, when you announce that you're {finally} going to finish a gift for someone, they give you an(other) occasion that calls for celebration.

So today, I want to share with you the {rocky} chicago star, a belated Christmas an unexpectedly timely engagement gift for my brother and his fiancée (!)  Perhaps the only thing bigger than this massive 90" star is the silly smile on my brother's face these days ;)

The simple quilting (1" spaced straight lines) was inspired by these gorgeous quilts (and if you think that's an impressive sampling, check out Folk Fibers' full collection here).  Incredible, right?

For the back, I used a nautical navy print paired with brown "paper hats" on ivory.  I outlined the third hat from the top because I miscounted the number of "brim" strips I had cut to pay homage to the quilt's coloring book design.  {In all fairness, I was originally planning to outline all the hats (brims+tops), but the end of the month came too quickly!}

I just couldn't resist sneaking in a diamond in the lower right corner though.  C'mon, they're engaged! ;)

Note:  If you feel like that diamond's giving you déjà vu, it's the same pattern I was testing out on this design.  I've finally gotten my act together and posted it on craftsy.  The sea crystal+plaid quilt showcased 16" gems, but I went all out with a slice of a 20" diamond for this one.  Set in "yellow gold," just like her ring ;)

Here's a snapshot right before I tossed it into the washer last night:

And one of it freshly folded right out of the dryer this morning:

And while I'm going on about this pattern, might as well add that there's also a princess cut version out there as well ;)  {Edited to add:  I'll be giving away a copy of each next week for Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day, so come back then for a chance to win!}  Speaking of birthstones, I'm thinking my May ALYoF goal might have to be completing the amethyst quilt I started back in February... or maybe a selvage quilt that's in the works... or making a dent in my steam punk or Forest QAL blocks.  Or finishing up something I've been working on for my parents.  I just have too many projects to choose from...  (!)  Thank goodness for finishing what you've started through ALYoF ;)  Have you joined in?

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finish it up friday ;)