Bowie Stars

By Jen Kingwell

"One day though it might as well be someday
You and I will rise up all the way
All because of what you are, The Prettiest Star"

- David Bowie 

Bowie Stars is Jen's latest Template Of The Month program. Inspired by her love of hexi's, this beautiful design is made up of embellished diamonds surrounding each 6-pointed star to create an impactful oversized hexagon.

This is a 12-month program combining techniques of hand piecing, appliqué, EPP and simple embroidery stitches.

Each star is made of 6 different pieced diamonds - 21 unique designs in total.

This is a great quilt for you to use all those fabrics you have sitting on the shelves. For example, Jen's store will be running two colourways (Autumn and Spring as photographed), but you can mix any combination you like to clear your stock.

Bowie Stars Spring

Bowie Stars Autumn

Once finished, the Bowie Stars quilt measures: 199 cm x 203 cm (78.5” x 80”).

Each month you need to send 16 x 10” squares of fabric (we cut the fabric at 25cm (10”) then cut this into 4 pieces). 

Month 6 you will need to send out 1.8 mts (2 yds) of fabric for the large embroidered/appliquéd diamonds, and threads for the embroidery and embellishment. 

This will give you ample time to order a basic from your vendor when you know how many programs you are sending.

The program will run as follows if you are including everything:

• Month 1 – Introduction, templates and pattern for 2 blocks, 16 x 10” squares of fabric
• Month 2 – Templates and pattern for 2 blocks, 16 x 10” squares of fabric
• Month 3 – Templates and pattern for 2 blocks, 16 x 10” squares of fabric
• Month 4 – Templates and pattern for 2 blocks, 16 x 10” squares of fabric
• Month 5 – Templates and pattern for 2 blocks, 16 x 10” squares of fabric
• Month 6 – 1.8 mts (2 yds) of fabric and instructions for the embroidered/appliqué diamonds and 16 x 10” squares of fabric, and EPP paper diamonds for small 6-pointed stars
• Month 7 – Corner block instructions and template, templates and pattern for 1 block, 16 x 10” squares of fabric
• Month 8 – Templates and pattern for 2 blocks, 16 x 10” squares of fabric
• Month 9 – Templates and pattern for 2 blocks, 16 x 10” squares of fabric
• Month 10 – Templates and pattern for 2 blocks, 16 x 10” squares of fabric
• Month 11 – Templates and pattern for 2 blocks, 16 x 10” squares of fabric
• Month 12 – Templates and pattern for 2 blocks, 16 x 10” squares of fabric, and instructions to construct the whole quilt

What is provided by Jen Kingwell Designs:

• 21 x Acrylic template sets with instructions
• Corner diamond acrylic template
• Papers for EPP stars

What you will need to include in each program:

• 12 metres (13.3 yds) of coloured fabric for blocks and borders - this seems like a lot, but the corner and border diamonds use a lot of fabric
• 1.8 metres (2 yds) fabric for large embroidered/appliquéd diamonds
• 3 different coloured embroidery threads (I used Aurifil Lana Wool small spools (50 mts each)
• If supplying binding you will need to add 55cms (⅝ yd)

Jen will be stitching along monthly and will upload her video content to a private Facebook group - details for participants and shops will be provided with Month One.

For more information about the program, or to sign up as a retailer, please get in touch with us via email.