prairie stars, the 10 year anniversary quilt

This quilt is for my husband. I made it for our 10 year anniversary, and I’m so proud of it, and of us.

Elie has a good eye, and I’ll often ask for his opinions when I have a quilt design laid out. Sometimes, he wants to know why there are so many different colors. His favorite quilts use a limited palette and have a clear geometric design. To find the perfect quilt for him, I went looking through books of old quilts for inspiration. I considered a lone star, but decided on this four star pattern. (One book called it “prairie stars”.) I love the secondary patterns that appear at the intersections of the stars. It’s both delicate and sturdy.

I used Kona cotton in charcoal and snow and backed it in a smooth, soft, lighter weight white backing from Moda. That backing is so snuggly, and the lighter weight makes it so you don’t feel trapped under a queen size quilt. Making a quilt intended for everyday use on a bed, I was thinking of comfort and practicality as well as design. I went with just a central patchwork design for easy cleaning. I know where the cat sits and the dangers of benzoyl peroxide.

The quilt is quilted in straight lines, first echoing the central patchwork, and then filling in with parallel lines behind it.

It’s a really big deal, and I love him to pieces.