Pattern Release: Mini Story Stars


Today I am so pleased to announce the release of my pattern, \”Mini Story Stars.\” This quilt design was inspired by memories of my daughter when she was young and would line up all her dolls and stuffed animals to play school or have a tea party. A little quilt that told a little story would have been a welcome addition to her cozy classroom.

\”Mini Story Stars\” is 27\” x 27\”, making it the perfect size for a table topper, wall hanging or child\’s play quilt.  The pattern purposely calls for only four fabrics for the top, allowing you to really focus your shopping on finding those two special fat quarters of feature fabric!  The star points are made up of easy half square triangles that are sewn slightly oversize so you can trim them down, square them up, and create perfect piecing!  I hope you will consider giving this pattern a whirl.  I think you will really enjoy the results! The pattern is available on my Etsy Shop

My initial focal fabric was \”Little Heroines – Little Red Riding Hood\” by Lecien Japan.  This fabric is so nostalgic and heartwarming.  I really wanted to design a quilt that featured the sweet, small images of Little Red, and also highlight the larger text blocks that included outtakes from the classic storybook.  The soft swirly quilting on this sample was done by Barb Erickson at Quilts on Broadway.


 
The second sample turned out just as sweet.  It is made up of two pieces from the “Vintage Market” line by Tasha Noel for Riley Blake Designs and “GardenText” by Holly Holderman for Lakehouse Dry Goods. The colors in this quilt are so vibrant and fun!  I can just imagine my daughter playing on this quilt and making the little scenes come alive.  I decided to do some simple straight-line grid quilting on this sample, and I really like this effect too, particularly in the text areas!

Very special thanks to a talented sewist and pattern writer, my Instagram quilting friend Michelle Curtis. She tested my pattern and created a beautiful modern version she is calling “Love Letters.”  It was really thrilling to see someone else’s creative spin on my pattern!  She even added some darling appliqued hearts.  Please take the time to visit her blog Chelle\’s Quilts and check out her beautiful quilts, bags, pillows and more!  You can also follow Michelle on Instagram at @chellesquilts! 



I want to say thank you to my family and friends who cheer me on . . . and continue to listen to me even when I am getting carried away.  You know who you are and I love you all!

Special thank you to my mom, Brenda Ohlson, who put her 30 plus years in the desktop publishing/printing/editing industry to good use as my Senior Pattern Proofreader Extraordinaire!  She is also my biggeset cheerleader.  And Dad, I know you would be proud that I am \”running fast, jumping high, and doing good.\”

Finally, if you create your own \”Mini Story Stars,\” please share pictures on Instagram using the hashtag: #ministorystars.  I would really be tickled to see your projects!


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