I am more than a little smitten by the intricate cable designs of Aran knitting. Needless to say, I had to design an Aran Star as part of my knitting star quilt pattern set. This was the first block I made with that background fabric and all was well. Then I made the Fair Isle star block with the same background fabric, but scaled it to 94% by mistake. By that time I was completely out of that fabric since I only had a fat quarter to begin with.
I couldn’t use just the one block, the Fair Isle Star, with a different background on the mini. So I remade both of the blocks with a completely different background and made pillows with the discarded blocks. Quilting was a little tricky on this block. I had to play with the lines quite a bit before I was happy with the design.
Orphan blocks make great pillow cases and they are easy to store too. If I get tired of this set, I can always make new ones and change them out for a new look. I set all the pillows on the corner of the day bed in my husband’s office, leaned against a body pillow. I will make a more decorative cover for the big pillow, but this is already one step closer to making the home office a little more pleasant. I like to spend time there as well, since my favourite bookshelf is in that room. This way I have also made myself a very comfortable corner in that room to settle down with a book. I have a quilt in the making for that bed, I will share the designs for it very soon.
Purchase Star Patterns In My Shop
The alternate stars with the blue background actually worked a lot better on the mini.
I had to share this photo of Mr. Montague one more time. His quilt is also on the same bed where the pillows are and he still loves to sleep on it. So it all worked out really well in the end!
-Soma
18 thoughts on “Aran Star Pillow”
Fort Worth Fabric Studio August 17, 2015 at 20:33
Soma- I love your pillows! You did such a lovely job! Thank you for stopping by and linking up your pillows to Fabric Frenzy Friday! I have featured your pillows today on our blog!
-Lindsey
Wendy August 12, 2015 at 05:10
so it was a happy accident then! The mini is beautiful and so are the cushions. Looks like you’re making yourself a lovely comfy corner there!
Debbie August 11, 2015 at 16:57
All Your pillows are lovely – what a cozy reading corner! and what a lucky kitty!
Maartje Quilt in Amsterdam August 11, 2015 at 09:41
Lucky Mr. Montague to sleep on that beautiful quilt. I love your pillows and mini. Such a beautiful pillows and mini. Love the fabrics and colors..
Susan August 10, 2015 at 20:38
I love your pillow design. That is unique. How nice to have a corner in your husband’s office where you can read while he’s working. I love togetherness! Do you think Mr. Montague would like an arm wrestle for his quilt?
Ruth August 10, 2015 at 06:36
I really like the light blue you ended up using so happy cutting accident in the end. Love that you have a reading nook to make all that bit more cozy with the orphan blocks – great idea!
Lara B. August 9, 2015 at 16:04
Hi Soma!
Your Aran Star and Behind Blue Eyes patterns are wonderful! The two different backgrounds in the mini quilt blocks make for more visual interest and movement – really super!
I like the way you did the quilting on your pillowcase, letting the star dictate where the lines should radiate.
Mr. Montague looks very comfortable in your cozy reading area. :)
Dixie August 8, 2015 at 15:30
What an welcoming reading corner. Your pillows look lovely!
Sending a hug for Mr. M. the heart stealer! I love his white “boots.”
Kaja August 8, 2015 at 01:11
Beautiful cushions – your reading corner already looks very inviting. The mini quilt looks perfect with the replacement blocks and I love the idea of using knitting patterns as inspiration; you always have an interesting take on things.
Laura August 7, 2015 at 23:59
Thats a lovely block… and a very cute kittie!
krislovesfabric August 7, 2015 at 04:41
You have created a very comfy space :) Thanks for sharing MM with us again, such a sweet picture!
Lorna McMahon August 6, 2015 at 18:22
Oh those pillows are gorgeous! And it looks like Mr. loves his new bed!
Mary August 6, 2015 at 13:00
The Aran Star really looks beautiful – in both the mini and the pillow. The daybed will be functional as well as beautiful.
Mr. Montague looks completely comfortable on his quilt. Ahhh….the life of a cat!
Janine August 6, 2015 at 12:29
Your cushions and mini quilt are lovely. That looks like a very comfortable room to study or relax in and for your guests :)
susie August 6, 2015 at 12:05
What a gorgeous set of pillows !! The quilting is so pretty in all of your pillows. Mr Montague is a smart fellow to love his own quilt! And very handsome!
Maria August 6, 2015 at 11:43
Beautiful cushions and mini, Soma! MrMontague sure looks contented :-)
Susan August 6, 2015 at 10:28
Mr. Montague is so sweet and his coloring matches the quilt. Is he Siamese?
silvana August 6, 2015 at 09:22
ohhh! Adorable!! As usual, Soma!!!
You are one of the most talented quilter/designer I ever known!