2002 and Still Twisting....

Twisting Star Table Toppers, pattern by Carla Brinkman

available at The Quilting Connection 

Marny here.....It is year four.  Wow, this Twisting Star Table Topper pattern is still popular today.  It is one of those hardworking patterns that is written for eight sizes and shapes, looks good in a variety of fabrics and is addictive to make.  The Quilting Connection staff often refers to it as "a potato chip" pattern because you can't stop at one.  There is a mesmerizing construction technique circling the center multiple times.  We know quilters who have produced dozens.

This was an opportunity to try a Hoffman metallic large scale floral on black in the outer border and the center.  Paired with two values of subtly textured greens and a tone on tone cream it becomes very sophisticated.  The tiny black, cream, and gold check is one of our all time favorite fabrics because it adds a bit of zip without overpowering the lovely print.  (You just might find a bit of it still being hoarded in our stashes...)  Using the same geometric fabric in the inner border and binding generally works well.  It can be a stripe or a check or a plaid, but a little geometry helps those organic florals and riotous novelty prints often chosen for the center and outer border.  (This picture shows one that was constructed without binding using the sew and flip method.)

The sewing machines hummed, lines formed at the ironing boards and those seam rippers might have had a little "unsewing" to do, but each member of the group certainly felt satisfied to complete (eventually) such a lovely table topper in their choice of fabrics.

You need to understand that Jill fortifies us every year with incredible soups or mushroom lasagna and other delicious entrees.  We know if we keep at the sewing eventually the call to the table will be heard and heeded.  Eight of us sit at the table year after year and revel in the history of our friendships.  Thank you Jill.

till tomorrow...