North Stars Top Complete!

The North Stars quilt top (pattern by Elizabeth Hartman) is finally finished!!!  I started this journey in February 2021 and finished one block a month until I moved.

Last weekend, I spent some time putting together all the sashing and borders of the quilt.  I deviated from the pattern instructions because I KNEW my blocks were not the correct size.  I did not starch any of the Essex Linen, and it stretches so much this quilt top is a bit wonky.  But once I made the first block without starching, I was stuck not starching the rest of the quilt top.  It's finally finished, but I will need to longarm the quilt once I'm caught up with the quilts I'm finishing off now.

The deviation I used to help with the wonky blocks is to have cornerstones and sashing pieces.  Pretty much to give me a seam to aim for while piecing and not letting the top stretch too much in one area.  I think it was definitely worth it because there were a few blocks that were oversized and at least one that was just smaller than needed.  This is a top that I would need to apologize to my longarmer profusely because it's really wonky.  Good thing...I'm that person and I know I can make it look great in the end!

Another observation on the top itself is just how heavy it is.  I think it's a combination of having so many seams in the quilt and the Essex Linen itself seeming heavier than quilting cotton.  Either way, this is going to be a heavy quilt.

About 40ish hours went into making the quilt top, 4 hours each per block and 2-3 hours to piece the top together.  It turned out so cute though and I can't wait to use it this winter!

Which Elizabeth Hartman patterns do you love the best? 

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