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. 

Find Clear Sky patterns in my pattern shop

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!

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. 

 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

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

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. 

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 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!

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. 

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"

Pattern: Clear Sky (find it here in my shop)

Fabric: Winterland by Amanda Castor for Riley Blake Designs

Quilting: Loopy Loops (edge to edge computerized longarm design)

Pieced on a Juki TL-2010Q using Aurifil Thread (50 wt color 2021)

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!