Mardi Gras, Staggered Stars Quilt and Free Pattern

Staggered Stars Quilt - 64" x 64"

Just in time for Mardi Gras and all the purple and gold! This quilt reminds me of New Orleans and the raucous celebrations that take place there for Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler. (Don't ask me what that means; I'm only quoting from my friend Jeannine, who has a Mardi Gras party every year about this time). There is a story here about this quilt and how it made its way to New Orleans . . .

I made this quilt over 10 years ago and it appeared in Quilt Magazine while I was an editor. It was simple to make - yes - even that center star. It's just an illusion of weaving, all done with color placement. Simple squares and triangles easily rotary cut - and very large patches - make for a fun block to sew.

And who says that rows of stars have to line up like cookie cutter shapes? Stagger your blocks for visual interest. There are 3 sizes of blocks: 24" center star (wow!), 12" stars surrounding the center, and 6" stars for the four corner sashes.

Do you remember our Hurricane Katrina back in the early 2000's? I was living in Atlanta then and heard about a family of four who were staying temporarily with a neighbor because their home was literally underwater outside of New Orleans. They had escaped to Atlanta to find shelter and my neighbor took them in for a few weeks. A little voice in my head (I like to think it was God) said that I should gather up a quilt for each one and this one was included. Why? It was for the dad because gold and purple are popular colors down in that part of Louisiana. I gave the mom a quilt of houses - with the promise that she will have a home again soon, I believed. The two girls got girlie quilts (I can't even remember which ones).

You can have the free pattern for this Staggered Stars Quilt just by clicking the link. I hope you enjoy it and whoever you gift it to (even yourself), smiles are the result.