Tula Pink Hunter's Star Quilt ... MSQC Style (#99)

It all started with the Tula Pink bunnies from her Slow & Steady collection. 

 How could I incorporate three large fussy cut bunnies but still highlight the rest of the designs in a pretty quilt.

 Enter the Hunter's Star pattern from Missouri Star Quilt Company. 

This version of the Hunter's Star pattern is great since it's all small HST's and squares.  The squares show a nice chunk of fabric design and the small half square triangles make it look complicated.

There is a learning curve because the pattern uses two star blocks ... block A with points going one way ... block B with points going the opposite.  This video (here) as well as a digital pattern from the Missouri Star Quilt Co has you covered with clear instructions.

I reduced the size of the units to 4.5" instead of 5" (which was stated in the pattern) so I could cut the half square triangles on my favorite Accuquilt die.  I won't do this again.  This quilt needed accurate points to highlight the star feature.

In my Thicket quilt I trimmed & squared up large blocks made with these same small half square triangles.  Missing points and corners didn't matter or even show up since all the pieces were clumped together

But here, these delicate little half square triangles need to steal the show.  Even with starch (and yes, some steam) - they came out more wonky than I would have liked. I do have success with most of my Accuquilt dies but am finding that in patterns that require accuracy without trimming - they miss the mark. 

The back is Free Fall wide in Navy which softens all the rich and vibrant colors on the quilt front. 

Quilting is wavy line stitching following the seams every 2 inches. Aurifil 50wt. #2311 on the top and a beautiful blue #1248 for the back.  Perfect thread every time.

There are "A" and "B" star blocks on either side of the bunnies in coordinating colors with white Kona to fill in the gaps.  The trick with this type of quilt was to sew a few rows and then figure where to put the fussy cuts.  I thought the bunny placement would look good after 2 rows - it didn't.  So I put another star row above them and voila - a nicely balanced quilt :)
Linking up for some Tuesday fun with Connie at Freemotion by the River

Materials:
Slow & Steady / Tula Pink
Free Fall Wide Backing in Navy / Tula Pink
Kona white
Warm & White batting
Aurifil 50wt. #2311 / #1248
Missouri Star Quilt Co / Hunter's Star pattern
#Missouristarquiltco, #huntersstar, #tulapink, #slowandsteadyfabric
Size: 64.5" x 74"
July 2018