Wednesday, August 24, 2011

STARS Quilt Along - Block 3

**  NOTE  - This post is part of a series of post for the STARS Quilt-A-Long.  If you would like to join (and have a chance to win a $50.00 gift certificate to the Fat Quarter Shop ) you can find a list of the post links here :)

Alright, So let's get to BLOCK 3

STEP 1 - CUTTING


As a reminder, for the Queen size, you will be doing 6 blocks each of 6 different star pattern blocks.  You can pick any combination of the below sizes you want for your blocks.   (If you are doing a smaller size, it is probably best to divide the total number of blocks you want by the 6 different blocks we will be making and then make that many Block 3's in varying sizes, or all the same if you wish :)


So, once you have decided on your star sizes you can use the following chart as your cutting guide.  I know this is small to see but if you click on it, it will open in a new window much larger :)


Once again, I am not going to go over cutting out the yardage again in this tutorial.  If you need hints on how to best cut your yardage please see the STEP 1 of the Block 1 tutorial.  It is the exact same process :)

So for 1 star block you should have cut from your yardage  1 Goose Square, 4 Corner Squares, 2 long sashings, and 2 short sashings. (of course in the designated chart sizes :)


Now for your prints.    So referring to the chart above you will cut 4 squares for your Center Square, 2 from  a fabric of your choice (referred to as fabric A) and 2 more from another fabric (referred to as fabric B).   You will then cut 4 squares that will be used to make the star points, 2 from your previous first choice fabric (referred to as fabric A) and 2 from your previous second choice fabric (referred to as fabric B) .


STEP 2 - MAKING THE CENTER SQUARE


This process is the same as we did for Block 2 so I will be condensing the instructions.  Please feel free to refer to Block 2 Step 2 if you need further clarification.

Get your four center squares and lay them out as follows, taking care to alternate fabrics.  Sew the pieces together to make 2 rows by laying the left hand square onto the right hand square in each row with right sides together.  Pin along the edge.  Sew a 1/4" seam along the pinned edge.  Press your seams in opposite directions so they will nest.


You should now have 2 rows that look like this :)  Now sew the 2 rows together by laying the top row onto the bottom row with right sides together.  (Double check  that your prints are lying on the opposite print :)  Now go ahead and nest your center seam and pin that first.  Then go ahead and pin the edges.  Sew a 1/4" seam along the pinned edge.  Clip your threads and press your seam open.


And your center square is completed.  You can set it aside for now.



**NOTE - The remaining steps are done in the same way as we did  Block 1.  Therefore I will be going over them in a condensed version.  If you need extra notes or clarification on any of the remaining steps, please feel free to see the Block 1 Tutorial STEPS 2 - 4 that will further explain these steps.  


STEP 3 - MAKING THE STAR POINTS 

With right sides together, lay two of your smaller print squares onto your large background square as shown.  *** It doesn't matter which of your prints you use just make sure to have the same print for both squares. Using your ruler, draw a pen line diagonally from the top left corner to the bottom right corner.  Pin both sides of each square adjacent to that drawn line.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along both sides of the drawn line.


Clip your threads and then align your ruler along the drawn center line.  Cut your pieces apart along that drawn line.  Then press each piece towards your print fabric.


Grab your two print squares in the other print and align them on your two pieces as follows with right sides together.  Once again, draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the print squares from corner to corner.  Now go ahead and pin each piece and then once again, stitch a 1/4" seam along both sides of the drawn diagonal line.


Clip your threads and then using your ruler aligned along the drawn line, once again, cut your 2 seperate pieces apart.  Press each  of the four pieces towards the print.


Lastly, trim away all those little corners and WhaLa!!!  You have 4 perfect flying geese with alternating fabric sides.


STEP 4 - PUTTING THE BLOCK TOGETHER


Now you have all of the pieces you need to put your block together.  Grab all of your pieces except for the sashings and lay them out as follows.  Make sure that your star point fabrics match your center print fabrics.  We will be stitching these in rows first and then putting the rows together.


So start by stitching your rows together.  Lay the left hand pieces onto the center pieces with right sides together and pin.  Then lay the right hand pieces onto the center pieces with right sides together and pin.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along all 6 of those pinned edges.  Clip your threads and press.  Press the second or center row open to avoid bulk.  The first and third rows press out.


And this is what your block should look like now. And now you can sew the rows together.  So lay your first row onto your center row with right sides together.  Make sure that you match up your seams first, and pin.  Then lay your third row up onto your center row with right sides together and pin the same.  Sew a 1/4" seam along both pinned edges.  Clip your threads and press (once again, I pressed seams open.)


And now you should have a beautiful block that looks something like this!!  Isn't if just fun how this is the same pattern as Block 2 but by changing the fabric layout it gives it a totally different look!!  Way to go, now you just have one step left :)


STEP 5 - MAKING IT WONKY


To make the block wonky we first have to add the sashings.  So grab those sashings that have been sitting aside and lay the short sashings on the top and bottom and the long sashings on the sides.  Lay your sashing onto the top and bottom of your block with right sides together.  Pin the edge.  Stitch a 1/4" along the top and the bottom of your block go ahead and clip your threads and then press out towards the sashing.


Now you can add the sides the exact same way as you did the bottom.   Pin, stitch, clip, and press :)


And your block is sashed and ready to be cut wonky style.  Grab your 12 1/2" square ruler or template and lay it on your block.  Find the angel you like (remembering to alternate angels on blocks) and trim the excess outside the template or ruler.


And Ta Da!!!  You have a finished 12 1/2" x 12 1/2" Wonky Block 3!!!!



Now you can go back and make 5 more (or how ever many you want for your size quilt)

And don't forget, we all want to see your progress, so be sure to post your first set of Block 3's in our Flickr Group :)  Everyone's blocks are looking so great, I am getting so excited for these quilts!!!

And as always, should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me at happyquiltingmelissa (at gmail (dot) com!!
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5 comments:

  1. Thanks Melissa. Have just finished my blocks from last week... will post tomorrow as it's too dark now to take pictures! Hugs Linda x

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  2. Hope to get started this week. I have had to finish up some projects first. I have two colorways of Hope Valley that I am itching to use.

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  3. Thaks melissa. Have finished the first ones and Have done three of the second.
    Will have to sew faster. LOL
    Hope you are keeping well.

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  4. great star! :) love it.

    (I still say you're crazy though) ;)

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  5. I'm enjoying quilting along with everyone--looking forward to seeing all the blocks together. I will probably become behind with all our "excitement" this week... earthquake and now Hurricane Irene. Sigh... hope we don't loose power too long :( I know I'm probably not the only one looking at Irene's fury this weekend. Stay safe everyone.

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Thank you so much for your sweet comments. I just love hearing from you!!
Have a Happy Quilting Day :)

Melissa