Behind the Seams: The Making of Starry Duo
Hi friends! Today I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the making of my newest quilt pattern, Starry Duo—a pattern that’s become near and dear to my heart.
Whether you’re brand new to quilting or a seasoned stitcher looking for a fun, fast finish, I designed this one with you in mind. But before it officially launches on May 23rd, I wanted to share the inspiration, process, and the thoughtful details that make this pattern special.
🌠 The Inspiration
Starry Duo was born out of my love for classic blocks with a twist. I’m drawn to the sparkle of star blocks and the movement of pinwheels—and one night, I thought: What if I combined them?
The result was a bold, modern design that feels fresh but still pays tribute to traditional quilting. Starry Duo is built on two block styles that dance together across the quilt top, creating movement, balance, and a little bit of magic.
✏️ Writing the Pattern
Designing is one part creativity and one part clarity. I wanted the instructions to feel friendly, not fussy, so I broke everything down with beginner quilters in mind. Here's what I focused on:
Clear, step-by-step diagrams
Cutting charts for three sizes: baby, lap, and throw
Skill-building moments like making half-square triangles and assembling blocks with precision
Every step was tested (and retested!) to make sure it felt approachable and encouraging for someone making their first or fifth quilt.
🧪 The Testing Process
Let me tell you—pattern testers are amazing.
I had a team of quilters from all over the country making their own versions of Starry Duo. They offered invaluable feedback, helped catch typos, and confirmed where the instructions were easy to follow—or where they needed a little tweaking.
Seeing their unique color combinations and interpretations of the pattern reminded me why I love this community so much. You’ll even see some of their quilts featured in the final pattern!
💫 What Makes Starry Duo Beginner-Friendly?
Here’s what sets this pattern apart for new quilters:
Simple piecing techniques: no tricky bias seams or Y-seams
Straightforward block construction using squares and half-square triangles
Flexible layout options that give you room to play
Quick finish: even the throw size comes together faster than you’d expect!
🎉 Coming May 23rd!
Starry Duo will be available in my shop as a PDF download on May 23rd, and I cannot wait for you to make it your own.
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Thanks for being part of this journey with me. I hope Starry Duo brings a little sparkle to your sewing room!
Happy quilting,
Tiffany
Straight Stitching