Star of LeMoyne, LeMoyne Star, Lemon Star
Whatever you call the traditional eight-pointed star, it’s delicious. I am still working on hand piecing my own “Lemon Stars” (I love that version of the name) but progress has slowed – more on that below.
Thanks to Kathie and Victoria, I found out about the quilt exhibit at the American Folk Art Museum when I was in New York city earlier this week. Luckily, I had a break between my scheduled events and was able to squeeze in a quick visit to the AFAM. The “Year of the Quilt” is an exhibit being done in two parts. So, if you are able to get to NY, you can catch part 1 until mid-April and part 2 opens in early May. There are supplemental exhibits at AFAM branch locations. “Super Stars” opens in November 2010 and there is an exhibit of red and white quilts scheduled for one short week in March 2011.
There were many excellent examples of old (mostly traditonal but not all) quilts. One highlight was seeing the quilt top that inspired the “Civil War Bride” pattern and quilt. The photos I’ve seen definitely did’t do that one justice. My particular favorite was this quilt that has something like 405 (math in my head so pleased don’t hold me to the exact number) “lemon stars.” My best guess is that these little cuties are about 2.5″ each. Oh my!
As mentioned, I am still plugging away at hand piecing my own 3.25″ stars. Let’s see, the goal was 1 per day but it’s taken 42 days to make the nine pictured below. More math in my head and I think that means I am only making 1 every 4-5 days. Oh well, you do what you can.
Moda has new “Collection for a Cause-Hope” fabrics out that are based on an antique quilt. Frankly, I am not crazy about the way the reproduction fabrics on this one turned out but they have a kit that comes packed in this adorable tin lunchbox that carries an image of the original quilt. Too bad you have to buy the kit to get the tin–I’d love to own that. It would be perfect for storing my completed Lemon Stars.
Taryn, you can buy the tin boxes here:
http://www.homealamode.com/tinboxes.aspx
not affiliated, yada yada
and fwiw, my minimum is still $35
I'm drooling over that tin! Your stars are coming out nicely, no matter how slowly they seem to come together. Goals are guidelines only.
I really like your blog, and I am lucky to find others who share my passion for antique quilts and reproduction fabrics. I do also make eight-point star/Lemon star for the moment, I love them. Yours are really cute. Enjoy your self by making them, hand piecing take it's time, it has to. Best whisches form Hege, Norway
Thanks for sharing the pics of those beautiful stars. I just bought that tin from my local quiltshop and didn't have to buy it with a kit, just by itself.
Beautiful little stars – We really like hand-piecing – and especially anything miniature!!
LOVE your stars, Taryn! Hand piecing is something I haven't tackled…yet! ;o) Hmmmm….I wonder if I can get my hands on some of those empty tins?? I'll have to check it out!
Thank you for sharing that gorgeous antique Lemon Star quilt – feel my fingers itch to try making something along the line of that! The Lemon Star is my all time favorite quilt block!
Your little blocks are adorable! so what if you aren't able to make one a day? You'll get the tally you want eventually, and you will enjoy each step of the way :o)
your stars look wonderful. I love the mix of fabrics you are using.
I'm looking forward to the NYC show – making plans to go soon.
Love the little lunch box – very cute. wish we could buy them empty too.
Gorgeous! Love your stars – you are tempting me to start yet another project! I'm curious though about your thoughts on the new Collections For A Cause: Hope fabric line – what is it that you do not like???
I cannot believe you are doing those by hand! they are GORGEOUS!
The tin box is a wonderful find!
I've been admiring that quilt in the book I recently got and I loved seeing your blocks. How wonderful to have seen the original. I'd be coveting the tin too.
your works are wonderful too cute!
I am his follower, spin happy to receive your visit in my blog, thanks
Love your Lemon Stars. This old block has such charm. I've been eyeing the 'Quilt for a Cause' kit – great tin! I'll have to see the fabrics in person – I was liking the images I've seen on the web. Have fun in Temecula!
Love the stars. I bought a similar lunch box, with a pineapple log cabin quilt design on it, at the Allentown Art Museum when I went up for their quilt exhibit. They were selling the box by itself. Of course I had to have one.
Your Lemon blocks are wonderful…I want the lunch tin too! I have been thinking of starting to hand-piece some stars this winter…while watching TV…makes me feel like less of a couch-potato!
wasn't the exhibit amazing!
I will be going back mid Nov to see the additional star exhibit
I need to buy a new camera before I go.
amazing quilts my mind is still spinning from what I saw
OOOh! I love your little Lemon Stars, won't they be fab when you find time to make a whole galaxy worth! Are you hand piecing or machining them?
Those Lemon Stars are beautiful — each one is just adorable1! That quilt is stunning!
I love your lemon stars ..It will be amazing quilt..
Me too…i would love one of those tins..
Julia ♥
I won't be able to see those stars without calling them Lemon Stars from now on. How lucky to see the NY exhibition. Keep on plugging away on those stars because they look great.
I love your lemon stars – each one is lovely. How exciting to see the AFAM exibit.
That tin is fabulous!!
You'll get there. Your blocks are enchanting and will make a beautiful quilt sooner than you think.
Your stars are the cutest! Does it really matter how long they take to make. Each one is adorable!!
The little stars are just wonderful, and I am in complete agreement that we should be able to buy the tins without the kit. You're off to a great start with your blocks – I love them!
Thank you, Taryn, for sharing your pics of the Lemon Star (I love that name too!) I especially appreciate the close up of the quilting. Just wonderful! Your blocks are adorable, and I'm not far from picking up some of the blocks I did many moons ago:)I think you should get the tin anywho;) Isn't that setting of the stars great too? Cheers, Una