This quilt comes from the master of the Mariner's Compass, Judy Mathieson. Judy created the quilt in 1986.  It is 73" x 88."  It is made from cottons, is machine pieced and hand quilted.

Judy's first attempt at quiltmaking in 1973 was with a Mariner's Compass block.  Through the years she explored its many possibilities and ultimately created her masterpiece, Nautical Stars.  It was inspired by a watercolor drawing of roses in the Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum.

Judy has been a guest on The Quilt Show. In Episode 707: Stellar Star Circles, she joined Alex and Ricky to demo her technique for precision paper-piecing with no paper to remove!  She also talked about how she builds her star circles, segment by segment.  And if that wasn't enough, she gives tips on what judges look for when judging a quilt show.

Nautical Stars 35 pieces non-rotating

Nautical Stars 99 pieces non-rotating

Nautical Stars 120 pieces rotating

And just for fun,

Nautical Stars 250 pieces non-rotating