In Focus - "Ethan's Star"

Once a week or so I'm going to focus on one particular pattern or book.

This week's pick is from the March/April 2004 edition of Quiltmaker magazine. It's entitled Ethan's Star and was designed by then QM Editor, Caroline Reardon.



I've made this pattern at least four times using the gorgeous flannels that are available at your local quilt shop. The finished crib quilt measures 42" x 42". One large block is 30". By making nine blocks and adding the borders, you have a quick and easy king-size (102" x 102") comforter.

It is such a simple pattern and fun to make. The beauty of it depends upon the four (yep, only four) fabrics you choose. Although it's illustrated as a baby quilt and I've made it as such, you can easily select a more sophisticated or masculine colorway for the special adult in your life.

Here are just two of the baptismal quilts I've made from this pattern.




This pattern might be available directly from Quiltmaker in one of their back issues. You might also consider accessing your public library's periodicals section, order a back issue through Ebay, or visit your local HalfPrice Books. They sell magazines for only $.50 apiece.

One of the ways I stay organized is to go through my magazines every couple of months, tearing out the pages that I want to keep as a reference. You know, those "someday" projects. I then put the torn out pages into clear sheet-protectors. At that point they go into my Idea Binder, which has tabbed dividers by project genre. All of the baby quilt designs are in one place. I'm then able to clear the magazine clutter by putting the used issues into the recycling bin. If you have young children, grandchildren or a local nursery school you might want to consider letting them have the torn up issues for arts & crafts projects.

When it's time to make one of the patterns, I simply remove it from the 3-ring binder. The sheet protector keeps kitty claws from tearing the page and can be easily wiped off on those rare occasions when Linda spills her caffeine-free Diet Coke.

On a different topic, Butch is back to being a very busy, bothersome younger brother. Sundance is also back to her old self, with nary a cough. Here she is doing her daily jigsaw puzzle.



I leave you with this quotation from I-don't-know-whom,

"Asking a quilter to mend is like asking Michaelangelo to paint your garage."