Here is the star block I did for the Fat Quarter Stars Quilt-Along.

Milo's Star

I’ve called it Milo’s Star. I couldn’t decide on the name for the block when Samelia’s Mum suggested Milo’s Star on Facebook, I loved the idea.

The fabric is from the Happy line by Me and My Sisters. This was the fabric I used in my Happy Memories quilt in honour of Pal, Daniel and Slade – my kitties now on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

Happy Memories Quilt - in loving memory of Pal, Slade and Daniel.

I added a 1/2″ finished hot pink border and a 2″ green border to make two mini quilts. I finished the quilting the other day and will add hot pink binding later. One will be for my niece Lucy’s 6th birthday later this month. I may keep the other one I made for myself or give it to my other niece. The sashing looks crooked in the photo only. :)

Milo's Star Mini Quilt

You can download the free tutorial for completing the Milo’s Star block here. There are prizes being given away as part of the quilt-along. Visit the quilt-along site for all the info and the tutorials for the other star blocks too.

If you create my block, please upload to the Quilting Gallery Flickr group or the Facebook group so I can see them too.

While clearing off my camera earlier today, I found this short video that I took of Milo and Barney (my parents’ dog) at Christmas. Milo was trying to convince Barney it was playtime!

The theme for this week’s quilt contest is Snowy Friends. This theme isn’t limited to just snowmen. If you entered last week’s Winter Landscapes contest, please don’t enter the same quilt this week.

I’m pleased to introduce you to a new sponsor this week, Valerie from Pastimes Online. She specializes in Block of the Month clubs that include all of the supplies needed to complete the block as well as a unique member’s only area with tutorials for each block.

Pastimes Online – Boutique for Quilters

Hi Everyone, I’m Valerie Moss from Pastimes Online a "boutique for quilters". A place where Quilters can shop in the comfort of their own home, in their pj’s if they like.

We believe that using the best quality of pins, needles, floss, scissors are key to any quilting project. Pastimes Online specializes in Block of the Month clubs by constructing a block each month to complete a stunning quilt.

Vintage Sewing Machines BOM

We include everything you need to get started by supplying all of the fabrics (in some cases Dupioni silks, and hand dyed wools), silk pins, sewing machine needles, embroidery needles and hand dyed floss and so much more. Plus, we offer step-by-step private blog postings each and every month for every block of the month we offer, even years passed.

Butterfly Garden BOM Tutorial

Butterfly Garden BOM

Check out our web site and sign up for one of our clubs and our quarterly newsletter "The Times".

We are also offering a feel good, give back project called Quilt Aid, something new and different for Pastimes. Each of 12 designers have designed the blocks for this quilt – check it out. "Helping people one quilt at a time."

Quilt Aid

We are happy to sponsor this week’s giveaway and hope the winner will find a favourite spot for these scissors, the latest designer collector series from Gingher. Their name is Tessa, available on our web site, these are stay-sharp scissors and once you start collecting, look out, you’ll want them all.

Gingher Tessa Scissors

Thanks for submitting all of your gorgeous quilts for this contest. Good luck to all of you!

Until next time…stay happy and creative, Valerie.

Enter the Contest

Get your cameras out! To enter the weekly contest, read the rules and guidelines, then submit your quilt photo by Thursday evening (EST). Voting will start on Friday and last until Sunday night.

Weekly Quilt Contest Links

• Guidelines
• Submit your photo
• 2012 Themes, Winners & Sponsors
• Sponsor a contest – Check available dates

Last Week’s Quilt Contest

Thanks to everyone who entered last week’s Winter Landscapes quilts contest. All of the quilts were gorgeous. Vicki Welsh donated a Stash Pack of hand dyed fabrics containing 10 fat eighths and a Goddess Sheet Teflon pressing sheet from Mistyfuse for the winner. Congratulations to:

Mary Ann Van Soest

Blog It

Please share the logo below on your own blog. The more contestants, the more exciting the contests!

Love is in the air … over at Melissa’s blog starting this week. She’s hosting a Valentine’s Day Showcase party featuring 10 talented designers making something lovely for you and sharing how you can make it too.

Here’s the list of participating bloggers … you’ll see me on the 14th with a super cute doll quilt.

• February 1st – Sharon from Craizee Corners
• February 2nd – Connie from Quilting by the River
• February 3rd – Vicki from Sassy Blog
• February 6th – Kris from I don’t have a problem, I have a well-rounded fabric stash!
• February 7th – Melissa from Sew BitterSweet Designs
• February 8th – Debbe from Pieces to Love
• February 9th – Lyanna from Purple Panda Quilts
• February 10th – Jenna from SewHappyGeek
• February 13th – Lisa – future food and craft blogger
• February 14th – Michele from Quilting Gallery – that’s ME!

All projects will be featured on Melissa’s blog starting Wednesday. If you make one of the projects, you can link up on her site on the 15th to be eligible to win a fabulous prize from one of the generous sponsors.