Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks volume 16 Blog Tour Road Rally



Welcome to the first day of the Blog Tour and thank you for taking a pit stop at my blog. I am very excited to have my block 'Saffy's Star' appear in this issue.  To quote a phrase - "It's been a long and winding road to get here."

Saffy's Star
I originally created this block several years ago when I was designing quilts for my book "Amish-Inspired Quilts for Today's Home" along with several other blocks that I did not use. For the block that appears in the magazine, I used Fabrics by Alison Glass for Andover Fabrics.  I chose fabrics in Magenta, Blue and Gray for the background. Below is my original concept.


You can see using different fabrics can give the block a whole new look and feel, and I felt the block needed an update to carry it forward into the future. The block was named after my cat, Saffron. (well actually she was the dogs cat!) I have 3 Jack Russel Terriers and 10 years ago they found her under the deck. We brought her in and they were all great friends. Saffy's Star is also influenced by my childhood, growing up on the Florida Space Coast, watching countless rockets soar into space.

Saffron the cat.

I enjoy designing quilts and writing patterns and books.  I started my pattern company - Three Dog Design Company in 2013 (named for my 3 dogs) and earlier this year and quit my job in Information Technology to take up quilting and teaching full time.  I love traveling and teaching. Its a great opportunity to meet other quilters and share our passion.  My quilting has taken me on many adventures around the country. I'm always trying to push the boundary of quilting between Modern and Traditional. And, I think I would love to travel to the future, say 2100, to see what quilting would be like then. Would we have Robots that could analyze a quilt and quilt it (without human intervention) What materials would we use, would it be cotton, or some new polymer that lasted longer...

Saffy's star looks great when used in quilts by itself or with other blocks. Below is how this block might look in a straight set quilt. Can you see the secondary design elements appearing?

Or, you can set the block on point and add alternate with some plain block with some sashing thrown in! Play with the colors to make it your own.


Saffy's Star works great with solids, tonal and small print fabrics.

Thanks for stopping by my block on your trip through the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks volume 16 Blog Tour. Be sure to check their block as there are some fabulous prizes to win. And, leave me a comment for your chance to win a free copy of the magazine from me. And, while your at it, check out my website, 3 Dog Design Company, to find out where I'll be teaching, to find out when new patterns are available or to sign up for my newsletter.  You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram.


Comments

I love the shape and the secondary play you have created with Saffy's Star. Also she is a very pretty kitty cat who totally deserved her own quilt block =) I'm looking forward to this issue, congratulations!!
Congratulations on having Saffy’s Star in Vol.16 of Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks. Such a bold and strong block.
Makes a beautiful quilt.

usairdoll (at) gmail (dot) com
Chris said…
This looks like it was fun to design and make. Jmikebalou (at) aol (dot) com
Beth said…
One of the best things about the blog hop is discovering new-to-me quilters/bloggers. I love the name of your blog and your story, especially since we are a five dog family who have cats of their own, too.
Anonymous said…
I hope you block is included in the paper pieced section of the magazine. I think it would be great to be able to make it that way. Funnylady93@comcast.net
Allison said…
Beautiful block and I love the quilt variation with the pastel blocks set on point. Definitely a quilt I'd like to make!
kt said…
Great design--love seeing it in different colorways and settings!
Susan said…
Sometimes the names of blocks are puzzling, so I appreciate the backstory on how you named this wonderful block. Thanks for sharing.
Paige said…
Great block, nice on-point setting too!
VA said…
Really enjoyed your block and the cat/dogs story!
Joyce Carter said…
Congratulations! I love this block especially when it is set on point. Thank you for the chance.
It sounds like you and I have share a common ground of trying to mash up traditional design and modern quilting. Saffy's Star is so bold and looks great in solids. I have a block in Vol. 16, so no need to consider me for drawings...I just enjoy traveling the Road Rally and enjoying the stops!
Dana Gaffney said…
Your block is beautiful, I like both settings but really enjoy the secondary pattern in the straight setting.
Loris said…
Saffy is gorgeous and very deserving of this wonderful star design. Thank you for joining in on the tour! I love the idea of using some bright colors in this block.
Nancy A said…
Great design! Hope it is paper-pieced.

nkadenver at yahoo dot com
Barb Johnson said…
Thanks for sharing the story behind the name for your block! I laughed out loud when I read that three Jack Russell terriers 'brought her in"! I would have thought that they would chase her away, or that she would run from them!
Martina said…
Such a great block! Looks amazing in a quilt!
Super fun block--very striking! You must have a busy household with three JRT's!!!
Nancy A: rangerer@sbcglobal.net said…
I love stars of all kinds and your block is great.
Donna W said…
I love stars! And, this one is fantastic.
lalaluu said…
Love the secondary design that is created!
Laura said…
Love the long points on the edge of your block.
I love your block... I am definitely going to use it!
Sandra said…
I am finding that I am totally fascinated with a secondary design. Thank you for being a part of the Road Rally Tour and showing us all the different layouts that could be used with this block. It really does help us to decide which layout as well as color to choose. Happy Holidays.

Sandi Timmons
sandit1@sbcglobal.net
tac73 said…
Love finding another new star design and seeing the possibilities. Thank you for sharing.
Danette said…
I checked out your patterns on Craftsy. I think my favorite is SuperNova. Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net
Nancy Sue said…
Oh, I love your block. Especially on point :) Definitely going to put it on my to do list. I love the secondary designs that come out. Congrats on being part of the publications. Wow! Volume 16!!!
Pam McDonald said…
Saffy's Star is so pretty. I'd never be able to make those points so perfect though, but I love how it looks :)
Anonymous said…
Love your creativity and the fact that you are a fellow cat person.

Pat K
yfg3749@yahoo.com
Cecilia said…
I love your block! Congratulations on having your block in the magazine. Thank you for sharing different layouts for your block, it helps me to see the different possibilities.
Joanna said…
I especially like the second version of Saffy's Star. It's beautiful.
Pamela R said…
A great star variation. Always appreciate seeing the block in different settings. pjrquilter at msn dot com
Anonymous said…
Great job, and exciting to hear you have ventured out on your own. congrats. Kathy in colo repzjratplainsdotnet
MoeWest said…
Thanks for sharing the layouts and secondary designs that your block makes.
Sharon said…
Good to see you here on the blog tour! I really enjoyed your program at our quilt guild in Lees Summit, and I happy for you to be able to quilt your job and follow your dream! Way to go!
Darlene B said…
Love the on-point layout! Very interesting block :)
Susie'sfun2 said…
Love your star and creativity! I do like pinwheel on parade, looks like fun one to sew.
Jayne said…
Thank you for sharing your block. I really like it on point
Nancy said…
I love your block especially in the straight set arrangement!
Havplenty said…
Thanks for sharing your creativity during this blog hop. I love seeing star blocks and all the magnificent points they show.

How did the initial dogs finding cat meeting go? Both of my felines were rescues.

tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Interesting blpock, very different design. 24Tangent@gmail.com
Kathryn said…
I'm always a sucker for a good star quilt. Never gets old. Thanks.
Barb said…
I'm enjoying the blog hop--your star pattern is great.
barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)
Bonnie said…
Congratulations on your winning block! I love the secondary patterns and alternate settings. Thanks for sharing.
bhometchko(at)hotmail(dot)com
Lee said…
I love your block - congratulations!!
JANET said…

Love your block! Sometimes I feel like a robot when I am sewing the same blocks over and over, or I wish I had a robot to sew those blocks. lol
Anonymous said…
I do like the newer version, but that's probably mostly because I'm not an orange fan. The layout with them set together is my favorite. Thanks!
Subee said…
I love this pattern! It looks challenging.
Lisa England said…
Very nice, I love spiky, unique stars!
alaskamarge said…
This is a very interesting block! I really like to make foundation pieced blocks so they get a heads up from me. The straight set blocks make me dizzy, so I prefer the on point design as it seems more mellow. But this is a block that I want to make in fabric and to play around with in EQ8 so that I can see my reactions in various quilting setting and fabrics. What fun this will be! Thank you.
Joyful Quilter said…
Saffron looks a lot like my cat Piggy - he's also a stray that found his way to a new home. Love the block and the design possibilities.
Susan Blumenshein said…
First blocks I ever made were Foundation pieced. Your pattern is gorgeous and I love stars!
rosemaryschild said…
Great block! It reminds me of the sand spurs, from a vine that winds it's way thru the grassy spots on our man-made beach in South Mississippi! I'm thinking of a wonderful color combination to be had! Thank you for sharing, Susan
Elizabeth said…
Excellent example of the importance of color placement. Thanks for design.
I love stars. You really made your block shine when you gave us example of how it would look in a quilt. the colors and how it plays really did make a difference.
nancy c said…
congratulations! love your star block and your beautiful cat :)
Kathy H said…
Great block, I love stars and paper piecing.
Kathy E. said…
Such a great spin on a star block! It's exploding with movement and color! I'd like to make one using low-volume prints to show it off!
wendy said…
Great star block! I really like the version of it on point in the pastel coloring.
Rachell said…
Oh m goodness, stars are my favorite blocks! star designs just seem to be simply endless, and can be adapted for any occasion!
I love the on-point version that is aqua, because it reminds me of cactus and Hen and Chicks plants.
reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com
Vicki H said…
Great block, I like the on point setting.
Lee Ann L. said…
Looks like an intricate or delicate block!
JoyceLM said…
Love your block - thanks for sharing & thanks for the chance to win.
Anonymous said…
Elaine M.
I love blocks that create secondary designs when you put them together. This one is great.

remills (at) amtelecom (dot) net
ledamewood said…
I love stars, and I love your block.
Karen said…
Interesting block. I especially like the onpoint design. prycek@mymts.net
Sewgirl said…
Great block, thanks for sharing and taking the time to design!
Carrie P. said…
I really like your block set on point.
WYO Di said…
Thank you for a great block. I enjoy seeing the variations and layout ideas!
jrt14 said…
I love how your block creates the second pattern in the full quilt. Thank you for a chance to win.
teachpany said…
Great block, and thanks for sharing the alternate layouts. I do love a good secondary design. Thanks.
Cathy C said…
Very cool block. Love the secondary pattern
Cathy C said…
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said…
Love your 'Saffy's Star' block! So many variations!
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
Brenda said…
I am so glad that in 100 Blocks Volume 16 your spectacular Star Block was chosen to be published in it. With each layout you shared, I fell deeper in love with your Star Block Design and am so hoping I will be selected to win one of the issues being given away! I also did sign up on your Facebook page! Thank you for a fun post and a great design. Have a great day!
Saffy's Star is a great Block. I like the different style's . I like the star in the row
Congratulations being placed in this magazine!!
Robin said…
Love the block, looks a bit hard but very pretty.
sam said…
What an inspiring block. so many possibilities.
Monica said…
The Saffy's Star block is great. I love star blocks.
Material Girl said…
I loooove♥️Saffys star. Daffy looks pretty special too. I had many 'found' cats over the years. Thanks for sharing!
Angie said…
Very cool block! Thank you for sharing!! Enjoy your day! angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom
Wonderful block. So happy you are able to make teaching a full-time job. The other job paid the bills, but this is much better!!
Diantha said…
I like your block (and your cat!) Congratulations on having it in the latest volume of 100 Quiltmaker blocks!
Anita said…
Gorgeous block! It is so nice to see how the appearance changes with different color combinations and settings.
sue s said…
Both of your quilt patterns are very different and I love them! The on point variation has my favorite turquoise in it.
Annmarie said…
Love the secondary stars that show up in Saffy's Star. Cute kitty!
Debbie said…
Love all your designs. Drhodes9@cox.net. Thanks
Deb said…
Congratulations on having a beautiful block in the new book!
~Kris~ said…
Great block! I can't wait to find out how you made all those spiky points. I like the on point setting a lot.
Anna brown said…
Very nice tyty for sharing.... happyness04431@yahoo.com
Carol W said…
It's fim to see the different block layouts.
Anna brown said…
Wow love the diffrent color ways tytyty for the ideas... happyness04431@yahoo.com
Janet said…
I really like your block on point!
Anonymous said…
Cute block! Love the backstory. Diane 79 @yahoo (dot) com

J Spencer said…
Your block is amazing. I especially loke it on point.
Carol Sc said…
Is this pattern paper pieced? It looks like it would be necessary to achieve the accuracy. I really like it set on point.
quiltschon@att.net
Sumac said…
Love your block and paper piecing. I have your book, and must make time to use it
Connie Wood said…
Interesting block! Like it on point best. ckwood@charter.net
Barb said…
Lovely block....would make a lovely quilt!!

Barb
spurr@mts.net
MMorton said…
Stunning block! Thanks for showing different colors/settings...so much to think about.
Judy1522 said…
Your block is so beautiful in every color and setting that you have shown.
QuilterKat said…
What an interesting block! I particularly like the on-point setting option. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Rozz01 said…
Stars are at the top of my favorite blocks to make. Very creative block.
rozz01 at cox dot net
Brenda E. said…
I really like the on point setting!
CyndyK said…
I do love star blocks and yours is striking! I also like that secondary design. Thanks for offering the giveaway. cknapp3626(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
Stephanie Woodward said…
Great block. I really like this one.
Debbie P said…
Lovely block! Thank you for such a great design!!
Unknown said…
Thank you for sharing Saffy's Star looks like fun as does Saffron. I imagined her with the 3 Jack Russell's! It was nice to meet you--I too hope to retire the corporate world, enlarge my studio, and help others create!
Sandra J said…
Star blocks get me every time! I love the on point block setting.
Joni said…
Very original design. I love the secondary designs that are created.
CA Bobbie said…
I love your Saffy's Star. Yours is the one I chose for most inspiring today. thank you
dquilterguy said…
WOW what an amazing block.. can't wait to try this one out
dquilterguy48329 (at) prodigy (dot) net