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Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Clear Sky Quilt Pattern

You know I'm a sucker for pretty much every star quilt block out there. I don't know what it is...I just really love star blocks. So I decided to gather some of my favorites and put them all into one quilt. 

Today I get to introduce the Clear Sky pattern - a sampler-style star quilt made up of 8 of my favorite star quilt blocks. 

Clear Sky quilt pattern - a modern star sampler quilt pattern by Andy of A Bright Corner


Use Yardage or Scraps

Clear Sky was originally written to use 10 different prints, with the prints paired up in groups of two. But in the process of testing the pattern I had a suspicion that Clear Sky would also make a fabulous scrap quilt. So I included extra details into the block instructions to make it super easy for you to make a scrappy Clear Sky.

I've already started my own scrappy red/white/blue Clear Sky quilt and I'm hoping to get it done in time to use this July!


Clear Sky quilt pattern - a modern star sampler quilt pattern by Andy of A Bright Corner

Winterland Fabrics

I've made a couple of versions of Clear Sky so far (including one done with Kona solids) and I'll be sharing those soon. This version on the cover of the pattern is made with Winterland fabrics designed by Amanda Castor (Material Girl Quilts) for Riley Blake Designs. 

Winterland fabrics found on A Bright Corner blog - you have to click through to see what she made with them!


 I love this Winterland fabric line- there are 21 total prints (I've only used 10 of them in the quilt). The cool blues and grays are so beautifully contrasted by the warm reds. It was fun to pair up the prints for each block. I wanted each pairing to have some great contrast so the blocks could really shine.

Another great thing about Winterland is that it's not attached to any one particular holiday - so any project using Winterland can be used throughout the entire Winter season.  

(want to make a Clear Sky quilt in Winterland prints like the cover quilt? I've listed the specific fabric requirements later in this post)

Get your copy of Clear Sky here

both paper copies and PDF (instant download) available

Clear Sky quilt pattern - a modern star sampler quilt pattern by Andy of A Bright Corner



Just as a note: Clear Sky patterns will be on sale for only $8 for a limited time!

Clear Sky quilt pattern - a modern star sampler quilt pattern by Andy of A Bright Corner

Clear Sky Tips

I know my first reaction to most sampler quilts is usually something having to do with how complicated it looks and how long it will take me to finish. But let me tell you... Clear Sky is not nearly as complex as it may appear. 

There are 8 blocks, and there are 3 or 4 of each style of block. My first tip for you, is that I suggest making ALL of one block before moving to the next block. For example, make all three of block #1, then make all three of block #2, etc. With chain piecing techniques you'll find that you can get each set of 3 blocks done in no time. 

Star quilt block found on A Bright Corner - you have to click through to see what she did with this block!



A second tip is that I highly recommend you label your prints as soon as you cut them. I keep all the pieces for each print together in one stack with a piece of paper on top that tells me which fabric/print it is: "fabric A", "fabric B", "fabric C", etc. 

Prints are paired together in the blocks and stay that way through the entire pattern: A & B will always be together, C & D will be together, and so on. 

Clear Sky quilt pattern - a modern star sampler quilt pattern by Andy of A Bright Corner


Clear Sky quilt along

I also have an announcement to share with you! There's a Clear Sky quilt along starting on August 2 (that's the first Monday in August). It will run for 8 weeks and along the way I'll share plenty of bonus extras  and exclusive content with the QAL participants. 

The quilt along is free to join- you'll just need a copy of the pattern and you'll be ready to go. 

edited to add: the QAL has ended but sign up here to be notified of any upcoming quilt alongs!


Clear Sky quilt made with Winterland fabrics - modern star sampler pattern by Andy of A Bright Corner

Longarm Quilting

The quilting on this Winterland version is a computerized edge to edge design called Loopy Loops. I love how the little bit of curve in the stitching helps to soften all the angles in the quilt top while still keeping the clean, modern look of the quilt. 

For the backing I used a coordinating gray solid I found at my local quilt shop. 

Clear Sky quilt made with Winterland fabrics - modern star sampler pattern by Andy of A Bright Corner


I look forward to seeing your version of Clear Sky! What fabrics will you use? Maybe all solids? How about a super scrappy fall-colored one? Or maybe a version with a charcoal gray background - wouldn't that be stunning? 

Grab a copy of Clear Sky and start digging through your scraps to see what you can come up with. 




Quilt Details:
59" x 81"
Fabric: Winterland by Amanda Castor for Riley Blake Designs



Want to make a version like this one? Here are the fabric requirements for the specific Winterland prints:

Fabric A (1/3 yard): Winterland Hexi Holly Colonial
Fabric B (1/3 yard): Winterland Spruce Sky
Fabric C (1/2 yard): Winterland Snowflakes Colonial
Fabric D (1/3 yard): Winterland Flurries Sky
Fabric E (1/2 yard): Winterland Spruce Midnight
Fabric F (1/2 yard): Winterland Gingham Gray
Fabric G (1/2 yard): Winterland Cut Crystal Colonial
Fabric H (1/4 yard): Winterland Snowflakes Red
Fabric I (1/2 yard): Winterland Gingham Red
Fabric J (1/3 yard): Winterland Snowflakes Gray




Pin these images to save to your favorite quilting board!

Clear Sky quilt pattern by Andy of A Bright Corner - a modern star sampler quilt pattern



Clear Sky quilt pattern by Andy of A Bright Corner





2 comments:

  1. I love star blocks too! This is a great design. I like that the Friendship Star blocks break up the usual sampler 3x4 block setting.

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  2. I, too, love a star quilt! I am hoping I get my creative mojo back by August to join your sew along. This is a gorgeous pattern 😍

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