Fun with Taupe

Even though I haven't posted about it lately, there has been progress in the continuing Fun with Taupe saga! I pieced seven rows of six stars, each with its own flavor and flair. In spite of using dozens of fabrics, I'm pleased that the top still has a sense of balance and serenity that I was striving for - hence its new name, Meditation. I have at least two borders planned, and one is already pieced and ready to sew on (photo).

I think this block is called Rolling Star or something similar. Does anyone out there know it by a different name?

Fun with Taupe

Taupe is not everyone's favorite color. In fact, some quilters wouldn't consider it a color at all. But for the last few years I've been collecting taupe fabrics - mostly Japanese - and studying the photos in Japanese quilt magazines to learn the subtleties of using taupe effectively. My first attempt consisted of these 6-inch Sawtooth Star blocks, made from a combination of taupe prints, plaids, textured and embroidered fabrics, and a couple batiks thrown in. I'd forgotten how much fun it is to make scrap quilts. Each block is unique but hopefully harmonizes with its neighbor. Most of the blocks are rotary cut, though some I fussy cut with templates. Contrary to most quilt book instructions, I pressed the last two seams (joining the rows) of each block open to make it flat and precise.