Finally, back to Moda BH3. Here’s the last block in this over one year project…..

Drumroll……

Block 56–Star Dance by Joanna Figueroa

I really really like it. Although it has lots of little pieces, I made it in the 6″ size. ‘Cause that’s the size I needed for the quilt top that I am working on first.

Several weeks ago I decided one quilt with all 56 blocks was a HOT MESS! Although I was using “low volume” fabrics and a lot of white, when I started putting up all the blocks on my design wall my eye did not know where to land. My brain was just jumping all over the place. Confusion was not my goal–I wanted calm.

At that point I sorted all the blocks into different piles by colors and ended up with three main colorways. The first was neutral earth tones. The second was blocks with a lot of pink and blue. And the third was just a riot of happy colors. I also pulled out all the applique blocks. I love applique but I’ll be using these in future projects.

Then I was making three quilts with the BH3 blocks. The first was in neutral colors and would be full size. The second would be a throw or baby quilt in blues and pinks and the third would be all happy colors but I hadn’t decided on the size for that one.

Well one thing I’m pretty consistent at is changing my mind! The first quilt is now twin size. And there is no longer a pink and blue throw. It was absorbed into the “Happy” quilt so it could also be twin size.

I’m making the neutral earth tone quilt first. I did a quick google search to make sure I had the colors right. According to the Sun Hills Lincoln Hills Community Association (I have no idea who that is but I just want to give them credit!) “Earth tones are browns, tans, umber, brick red, terracotta, yellow ochre, warm grays, shades of green such as moss and trees, brown oranges, burnt sienna, whites, and some red browns,
and some gray blues.”

I had a little bit of pink in some of the blocks so pulled all of those pieces out of this quilt. They are going to my “Happy” version of BH3. Block 56 replaced one of those and then I had to redo one block.

I like this block a lot so made it over to fit my color scheme.

The new version is much better for this quilt.

And. Another drum roll……

Me and little Miss Bernina finished the top for my first Moda Blockheads 3 quilt. 64 by 87. Well, that’s the size it is today. Once I get it quilted and trimmed up, it will most likely be a bit smaller.

I feel really good when I look at this final layout. It’s bright but calm. It might be my new best friend.

I’m still considering how I will do the quilting. I thought about hand quilting since I’m not in any hurry to finish the quilt and I really enjoy the whole “slow sew” concept. No deadlines, right? But I’m also thinking I need to add some pizazz to those plain gray blocks. Maybe some variegated thread in a fun pattern?

The backing fabric and batting just arrived yesterday so I’m looking forward to basting and quilting this weekend!