Star Sisters Starry Throw Quilt
About This Throw Quilt
This mystical throw quilt was an experiment in combining mini quilts from my Quilt Rune collection to make a larger quilt. I had been sitting on the design for almost a year but didn’t put thread to fabric until earlier this year.
The top came together quickly by combining the eight mini quilts together and adding some borders. Then I sent it off to a long armer, for some discrete, curvy, meandering white-thread quilting, wanting to let the patchwork be the main attraction (as opposed to hand stitching) for this particular project.
I used some special-to-me fabrics, in addition to some meaningful mini quit patterns for this throw quilt and I love how it all came together.
Discover the Magic of Quilt Runes
This quilt is part of a rune-inspired series that came into being as a form of self-exploration. As a mom of three, wife, daughter, sister, and friend I was feeling, at times, as if I was forgetting myself. So, I decided to investigate that.
I went on a search for a list of aspects of life that are part of healing. The plan was to put some real thought and energy into each. When I found this circle of healing runes, everything just clicked into place. Regardless of whether the image I found is actually historically accurate, I liked the list and the shapes and I thought it was a great springboard for simple quilt designs.
Star Sisters is a combination of two Quilt Runes, Binary Star and Protostar. Binary Star focuses on patience and Protostar focuses on boundaries. These are both aspects of life that I think most care takers can relate to. They are tricky to master, but can make a world of difference if thoughtfully managed.
The point of these Quilt Runes is to think about the topics they represent during the making process and how they show up in your life. Do you have clear boundaries with yourself and with others? Could you be more patient with yourself? Could you ask for more patience from a friend?
By incorporating intentionality into your quilting projects, you have the opportunity to infuse your creations with this magical energy. Whether you choose to use the Star Sisters pattern or any other Quilt Rune, embracing the symbolism and artistry will help you create a one of a kid, personal quilt.
Fabrics and Materials Used
The background of this quilt is made with Starry in Geranium, a print from my Dreaming fabric collection available at Hawthorne Supply Co. The design is made up of triangles and wonky stars floating on the breeze.
The rest of the patchwork design was made with a solid, Kona Bone, that was found in my stash. The original use of that Kona Bone was a special project (see below), making this Star Sisters quilt very near and dear to my heart.
The backing of this throw quilt is a another fabric from my Dreaming collection, for Hawthorne Supply Co. A dark and moody mid-sized floral, the design is made up of saffron crocus, moons, and the same wonky stars, contrasting the top of the quilt nicely. The print is called Moonspell in Night and it's available in three other color options.
For the binding I used Kona Wasabi, another solid found in my stash. I’m quite pleased with how it pleasantly clashes with the rest of the fabrics.
A Quilt With Special Meaning
In 2020, my grandmother commissioned me to make two queen sized quilts for her guest rooms. It was a fun project, talking fabric and design with her over a handful of tea dates. Unfortunately, while I was making them, her health began to decline, and with the pandemic rampant, we had to cut back on our meet ups.
The last time I saw my grandmother in person was the day I gave her the finished quilts. She was in good spirits that day, knitting a baby blanket. I was newly pregnant, not ready to tell her yet, but she knew. That baby blanket was intended for me.
I used the leftover Kona Bone from her quilts to make this Star Sisters throw. Doing so has been a special way to remember and honor her. Kind of like sewing all the memories of her together and splicing a broken heart at the same time. Or rediscovering the endearing traits she’s handed down to me and knowing she’s always here in spirit.
The Quilt Rune Collection
Sewing and quilting can be a therapeutic and even cathartic way to spend time and this mini quilt series is designed exactly for that.
Spending just 5 or 15 minutes a day working with your hands can really make a difference. It’s my hope that making a quilt from this collection will help you make time for yourself and get to know yourself better.
