Solar Flare is another of the string quilts featured in chapter one of Every Last Piece. In this quilt I built the string pieced units to fit the 45 degree triangle rotary cutter ruler.
I played with the pieces for a long time trying to decide on a layout. I had them in various settings on the design wall as I was working on other projects. I tried vertical zig/zag strips, horizontal rows, random placement, circular blobs, small stars, and several others.
My son was home from school one weekend while the parts were on the design wall. He asked if he could play around with them and I assured him that would be fine. I came into the sewing room later to find a huge starburst filling the design wall. That yellow ring really sparkles. I tweaked it a bit and added some coordinating fabrics and ended up with this quilt. I love it!
I had a bit of fun with the quilting too. The yellow/golden star ring is quilted in a flame design.
The string pieced sections are quilted with an overall serpentine design. There are a few random strings that break the pattern. I love the added interest in the quilting.
The main background is quilted with a turbulent swirl reminiscent of Van Gogh's Starry Night.
I am grateful that my son spent a little time playing in my studio that day.
Finished size: 67'' by 67''
The pattern and directions for Solar Flare can be found in chapter one of my book.
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