Seeing Stars Quilt-Along - Basic Star Block

**  NOTE  - This post is part of a series of posts for the Seeing Stars Quilt-A-Long.  If you would like to join (and have a chance to win one of three $75.00 Gift Certificate grand prizes sponsored by  Fat Quarter Shop you can find a list of the post links here :)  Here is the schedule

August 6th- Intro, Fabric Requirements, and Prizes Announcement 

August 15th - Double Star Block

August 22nd - Curvy Star Block  

August 29th - Pinwheel Star Block 

September 5th - Improv Star Block 

September 12th - Basic Star Block (That's Today!!)

September 19th - Applique Star Block

September 26th - Piecing Top and Grand Prize Linky

October 17th- Seeing Stars Parade and Grand Prize Winners

Now, first off for this week, we need to pick a winner for the Improv Star Assignment.   And great job to everyone for getting your wonky sewing on. I know it can be a challenge to step outside of our straight 1/4" zone, but you all did a fantastic job!!! 

The Improv Star Assignment winner who gets a Low Volume Fat Quarter Bundle of the brand new Smitten Collection from Olie and Evie is

#29 - Sue!!! - Congrats :)

  

So here we are, moving through our Star Blocks, and this weeks should be a piece of cake, because we are making Basic Star Blocks , so let's get right to it :)  If you are just finding this QAL, it's never to late to join in the fun :)

THE BASIC STAR BLOCK

STEP 1 - CUTTING

We will be making 11 Basic Star Blocks.  I will give the cutting directions for 1 Basic Star Block (for those that are making alternate layouts).  Then I will give the cutting directions for the Total Pieces needed for all 11 Basic Star Blocks.    Each Print Fabric listed represents a different part of the star block.  Below the initial single block cutting list is an image of the Basic Star Block just to clarify where each fabric is placed in the block.   


Basic Star Block - For Each Block cut:

Print Fabric Star Points - (4) 2 7/8" x 2 7/8" squares
Print Fabric Center Square - (1) 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" square
Background Fabric -  (1) 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" square
                                  (4) 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" squares

So for all 11 Basic Star Blocks you will cut:

Print Fabric Star Points - (44) 2 7/8" x 2 7/8" squares - 4 squares each of 11 different prints
Print Fabric Center Square - (11) 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" square - 1 square each of 11 different prints
Background Fabric -  (11) 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" square
                                  (44) 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" squares

STEP 2 - MAKING THE  FLYING GEESE UNITS

This block is going to be super fast and easy, as we have essentially already made it in the center of the Double Star Block.  This Basic block is just a little smaller.   So, once again we will be using the   No-Waste method to make flying geese.   And I will be going over each step in detail, but if you still remember how to make these no-waste geese, just breeze over the directions.    So, let's get to it :)

Gather the 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" Background Squares and the 2 7/8" x 2 7/8" Print Squares.   Start by drawing diagonal lines on the back of all 44 of your print squares as shown.  (And if you have a 1/4" line marked on your sewing table like I talked about at the beginning of this tutorial, you can skip this drawing step ;)

With right sides together, lay two small print squares onto your large background square as shown.   Pin all 11 units on both sides of each square adjacent to that drawn line.   And set your extra 2 matching print small squares for each unit aside as we will be using them a little later.
     We will be chain stitching a  1/4" seam along BOTH sides of the drawn line, the black lines represent your stitching lines.

So to start, stitch the 1/4" seam on the left hand side of the drawn line of your first unit.  When you get to the end of the unit, just start feeding the next unit in your machine.   Stitch 1/4" seam on all 11 units.   Then clip your threads between the Units.

Now, go ahead and stitch the 1/4" seam on the right hand side (or other side) of the drawn line on all 11 of your units.   Then clip the threads between the units and you ready for cutting.

Move to your cutting mat and align your ruler along the drawn center line.  Cut along the edge of the ruler creating 2 large triangles.   Cut all 11 units in half.

Now it's over to your ironing board.  Press the seams up towards the 2 little print triangles.  I find it easiest to press these from the front.    Press all 22 Units.   And you are half way there!!!  Now to use up those remaining small print squares. 

And it's just like starting over.  Take the little print squares (make sure they are matching fabrics) and align them on your stitched units as shown with right sides together.  Pin each piece then once again we are going to be stitching a 1/4" seam along BOTH sides of the drawn diagonal line.  

And again, we will be chain stitching to save time and thread.  So chain stitch along all the left hand side of the drawn line on all 22 of your units, clip your threads,  and then chain stitch along the right side of the drawn line on all 22 of our units, and then clip your threads again :)  You know your right on if your 1/4" seam lands right in the ditch of the print fabrics.  

Now place your units on your cutting mat, and using your ruler aligned on the drawn line cut your unit in half .   And that is where your 4 flying geese come from.  And with your 11 sets, you now have 44 units.

Press your seams up to match the other seam.   You can press from the front or the back, whichever your prefer.  (I still like the front here :)   Lastly, trim off the little dog ear corners at either side and the top of your unit.  Note, Just trim the dog ears, don't trim the tops to where the point is, you will need that 1/4" overlap for your seam allowance.  

And now you have 44 Flying Geese Units, 4 each of 11 prints  that should measure 2 1/2" x 4 1/2".   And if they aren't exactly perfect, no worries, and no need to trim, we will use the seams as our guide.   And if you do like to trim, just be sure to leave your 1/4" overlap at the top of the units!!! 

STEP 3 - MAKING THE BASIC STAR BLOCK

And with your units all done you can now make your Basic Star Block.  Layout a 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" Center Square, 4 matching Flying Geese Units, and 4 Background 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" squares as shown below.  I like to stack up all 11 of my blocks on top of one another so I can Chain Stitch each of the following steps.  You can choose to do this or just make 1 at a time, whatever you are comfortable with.    The tutorial will just go over making 1 block at a time though so it is less confusing.

Place the Outside Units in each column onto the Center Column units with right sides together.  Align and chain stitch a 1/4" seam along the units in each of the 3 rows on either side of the center units.  And when you are stitching the Center Row units, be sure and stitch directly through the center of the Thread X made at the top of the Small Flying Geese Unit, even if that means you need to deviate a bit from a 1/4".  This will ensure that your star points are perfect!!

Press your seams in the top and bottom rows outwards towards the Background squares and press the seams in the center row inwards towards the Print Center square. This will allow you to nest them in the next step.

Place the Top and Bottom rows onto the Center rows with right sides together.  Align and Pin the seams.  Stitch a 1/4" seam along the two pinned edges, once again, ensuring that you stitch directly through the center of the thread X at the top of the Flying Geese Units.

 And just press your seams open and you are done!!!!  11 Fantastic Basic Star Blocks that will measure 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" and are all ready for your Seeing Stars Quilt!!!  And another side note, I don't trim my blocks, but if you like to, just be sure to leave yourself the 1/4" seam allowance at the end of your star points ;)

So now it's your turn, get your Basic Star Blocks made and your assignment is complete!!!  And then you can enter to win the weekly prize :)

The Weekly Prize is sponsored by Lou Lou's Fabric Shop and a huge thanks goes out to them for their support of the  Seeing Stars Quilt-Along.

This weeks prize is a $20.00 Gift Certificate to Lou Lou's Fabric Shop.   Now you can get just the fabric you have had your eye on ;) 

    

So what do you have to do for a chance to win the Gift Certificate?  Simple . . . Just link up your Basic Star Blocks at the end of this post :)  You can link to a blog post or a social media picture, or whatever.   If you are still not sure how to link up, I wrote a little Linky Tutorial over here, that might help ;)  Just make sure to link up by the early morning of September 19th as I will be announcing a winner in next quilt-a-long post :)

If you don't get your Basic Star Blocks done by next week you can still link it up :) (just not in time for the prize :) The linky will remain open until the end of the Quilt-Along.  

And Don't forget to add your  Basic Star Blocks to #seeingstarsquiltalong on social media or at the  Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long Flickr group.   I am so excited to see all of your amazing Basic Star Blocks  ;)

 Have a Happy Quilting Day!!  

And remember, any questions, just email me at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com ;)

An InLinkz Link-up

Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!!

It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day so let's have some fun :)

But first, we need to announce the winner from last weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway!!  

The winner of the Portsmouth Layer Cake  from Green Fairy Quilts is . . .  Number #183 . . .   Congrats Bethany!!!   I have emailed you :)      

 

       

And on to today's

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by  Lou Lou's Fabric Shop .    Did you know that Jamie makes a new Lou Lou Bundle every Tuesday . . . there are so many to choose from and they are all just stunning!!!  Along with hosting the giveaway, Jamie is having a  Fantastic Sale with with lots of amazing discounts!!!!  You are so going to want to check this out :)    

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is for some shopping goodness!!  Lou Lou's Fabric Shop is offering one lucky reader a $25.00 Gift Certificate perfect to use on anything in the store, including any of the awesome Lou Lou Bundle's!!  Just perfect!!!!

You have two entry chances, the second being optional, and please leave a separate comment for each.  All Entries are welcome, including International Entries.   Please just be sure to leave an email address if you are a no-reply blogger ;)  

ENTRY 1 - Simply leave a comment that tells me what your alarm plays to wake you up in the morning??    (mine plays The Call, by Regina Spektor.  It is a soft song to wake up to ;) 

 ENTRY 2 - Lets show Lou Lou's Fabric Shop some Love!!!!   You can follow them on   Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram.  Or you can follow their blog or  visit The Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Lou Lou's Fabric Shop Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, September 18th  when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

Good Luck and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

August Sew Sampler (in September ;)

I hope all of my friends here in the US had a great labor day weekend last week!!!!   I know I had a blast, but it is the reason this post is coming a little late.  My niece was married on Sept. 1st and it was such a wonderful day.  This was my very first niece or nephew to be married so it was just an amazing experience for all the family.    And then we went up the mountain on Monday for some fun in the sun and rain (it literally down poured on our ATV ride, but made for an adventure ;)  . And somehow, it has taken me a full week to get caught up from the crazy, buzy, amazing, and fun weekend!!!   Please tell me that happens to everyone ;)   .  So without any further ado, I need to share my August Sew Sampler box.   And I just love the theme of box, it truly is My Happy Place !!!

So, here's a closer look of what's inside ;)  First off, I am so excited about this Petite Arctic 10" Square by Elizabeth Hartman for Robert Kaufman Fabrics!!!  I absolutely love Elizabeth's fabrics and her amazing patterns!!!   And I think I will be saving this bundle to make some North Star Friends from her new pattern for this line.    But the exclusive pattern that came with this fabric is super cute too, I just have had those little beavers on my list for a while now ;)

And I am so excited about the other fun notions this month!!!  Can I just say how much I love Olfa Splash Cutters, and I am so excited to add the Pink one to my collection!!!  They are just so easy to change the blade, fit my hand perfectly, and the bright colors just make me smile ;)     And I am very intrigued to try out the new 4 in 1 Tool from It's Sew Emma.   It works as a ruler, seam guide, marking tool, and trimming tool.  Should be fun to try out!!  And of course, I can never have enough Aurifil Thread, and this classic Oyster neutral color is perfect for piecing!!! 

And of course, with a new box, there is a new Barn Block!!!  And this month's went together super fast.  It was nice to have a little simpler piecing in the barn part of the block as I was already late this month ;)    And I just love that happy pinwheel in the center, I just never tire of the center pinwheel point, it just makes me giddy to see it all come together so precise!!!

And that's my August Sew Sampler Box, shared in September ;)   Hey, at least that means I don't have to wait so long for the next Sew Sampler Box  to arrive.  And Fat Quarter Shop has already shared a sneak peek and I think there might be some Badda Bing! coming my way, so fun!!

I hope you all have a very Happy Quilting Day!!!

** This post contains affiliate links. 

Piecing up a Storm!!

So I was hoping to show a finished quilt today, but sadly, the long arm had other ideas and it is in the shop.   Which is probably good, because it was way overdue for a cleaning and servicing ;)   And since I couldn't quilt, I have been piecing up a storm this week!!!   So here is a few sneak peaks of what I have been stitching up this week ;)

First off, I got my extra charm packs and made up my Improv. Stars!!!!   So excited to have these done, it's never good to get behind in your own Quilt Along, tee hee hee.    ;)

And then I have been doing some super tiny piecing.   These blocks finish at 10" square and have a whole lot of points to match up.  They are for an upcoming project as part of Lori Holt's Autumn Love quilt and I can't wait to share it all done!!!   And I might be a little crazy, but I sure love tiny piecing!!!  It is just a great little skill builder ;)  And want to know something even crazier, I didn't use a single pin to put these blocks together!!!  My fingertips are getting really good as stand in for pins :)

And from tiny piecing, to super fast piecing . . . I am working on another Shortcut Quilt from Fat Quarter Shop.   You know how much I love these fun and fast quilts, and this time I am using Grunge for my background.    The blocks are all done and now it is time to sew it into a quilt top.   Eeekkk, it is going to be so awesome!!!

And finally, I am starting another Red, Black, and White quilt because Homecoming at my Alma Mater is right around the corner ;)   And can I just say, I am so excited about this one!!!  And I was able to strip piece the entire first 2 steps, so that is moving this project along super quick ;)   Are you surprised it's another Shortcut Quilt from Fat Quarter Shop.  I can't get enough of these!!!!

So now, I just need to get the long arm back so I can turn all of this piecing into finished quilts!!!! I am hoping to get it tomorrow, so it should be a fun filled week of quilting goodness starting Monday :)

I hope you all have a very Happy Quilting Weekend!!!

** This post contains affiliate links. 

Seeing Stars Quilt-Along - Improv Star Block

**  NOTE  - This post is part of a series of posts for the Seeing Stars Quilt-A-Long.  If you would like to join (and have a chance to win one of three $75.00 Gift Certificate grand prizes sponsored by  Fat Quarter Shop you can find a list of the post links here :)  Here is the schedule

August 6th- Intro, Fabric Requirements, and Prizes Announcement 

August 15th - Double Star Block

August 22nd - Curvy Star Block  

August 29th - Pinwheel Star Block 

September 5th - Improv Star Block (That's Today!!)

September 12th - Basic Star Block

September 19th - Applique Star Block

September 26th - Piecing Top and Grand Prize Linky

October 17th- Seeing Stars Parade and Grand Prize Winners

Now, first off for this week, we need to pick a winner for the Curvy Star Block Assignment.   And I just have to say, you all are amazing!!!  Your Curvy Star Blocks just looked fantastic, and for a lot of you, it was your first time sewing curves ;)  That is incredible!!!   Thanks so much for quilting along with me and being willing to try new things!!!

The Curvy Star Block assignment winner who gets a $25.00 Gift Certificate from The Scarlet Thread Quilt Co. is

#8 - Beth!!! - Congrats :)

 

I hope everyone is enjoying making these Stars so far!!!   Today, we move onto the Improv Stars and get our wonky sewing on, so let's get going :)  If you are just finding this QAL, it's never to late to join in the fun :)

THE IMPROV STAR BLOCK

STEP 1 - CUTTING

We will be making 9 Improv Star Blocks.  I will give the cutting directions for 1 Improv Star Block (for those that are making alternate layouts).  Then I will give the cutting directions for the Total Pieces needed for all the Improv Star Blocks.    Each Print Fabric listed represents a different part of the star block.  Below the initial single block cutting list is an image of the Improv Star Block just to clarify where each fabric is placed in the block.   


Improv Star Block - For Each Block cut:

Print Fabric Center Square  - (1) 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" square
Print Fabric Star Points - (4) 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" squares
Background Fabric - (4) 3 1/2" x 6 1/2" rectangles
                                  (4) 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" squares
                           

So for all 9 Improv Star Blocks you will cut:

Print Fabric Center Square  - (9) 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" square - 1 square each of 9 different prints
Print Fabric Star Points - (36) 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" squares - 4 squares each of 9 different prints
Background Fabric - (36) 3 1/2" x 6 1/2" rectangles
                                  (36) 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" squares

***  Keeping it real here!!   I accidentally cut all of my Star Point Squares 1" to small.  Yup, it happens.  So you will note in the picture above that the Star Point squares look small and that there are no multiple pictures of fabric in this tutorial.  That is because I had to order some extra fabric and it is still on the way.  I made the sample pics with the last bit of my scraps and will make all my blocks when the new charm packs arrive ;)  

STEP 2 - MAKING THE WONKY FLYING GEESE UNITS

Playing with wonky angles is a lot of fun, once we get the idea that it really is supposed to be wonky.  Sometimes it can be hard to let go of that 1/4" perfection that we are so accustomed to, but just try for this week, to really play.  You can make your angles as wonky as you choose, but the fun really comes in when we just let it go and see what angles we can create.

We will start by cutting all 36 of our Star Point squares in half.   Just keep them in sets of similar fabrics once you have cut them. 

Now, this is where the playing begins.   Place 4 Star Point Triangles on 4 Background 3 1/2" x 6 1/2" rectangles with the triangle point being opposite of the rectangle point as shown below.   This is where you can play with the angle.  We will be stitching a 1/4" seam using the long edge of the triangle as a seam guide and making essentially stitch and flip corners.   But first, let's double check our angles.

When you are first starting with Improv Angles, it is a good idea to make sure your angle is still covering your background fabric.  So to do this, gently flip over your triangle leaving a 1/4" seam below and give it a very soft finger press.  If the entire corner of the background rectangle is covered, you are good to go.  If some of it is showing, you will want to adjust the angle of your Star Point Triangle.     After stitching a few of these, you will start to see exactly how far you can and can't angle, and won't need to do this double check anymore ;)

And now with your angles double checked, you can chain stitch along the edge of the Star Point Triangle.   Keep chain stitching from corner to corner, even if you are only stitching on the Star Point Triangle at times.   Once you have finished Chain Stitching all 36 units, go ahead and clip your threads. 

And now, we are going to do one more double check before we cut and pass the point of no return :)  Flip your your Star Point Triangles over and gently finger press to ensure that the entire corner of the background fabric is covered by the Star Point Triangle.   If you have more than a 1/4" of background fabric sticking out (it happens sometimes :) simply rip your seam, adjust your angle, and stitch it again.  

And with your double check looking good, you can now flip your triangles back over and align your ruler with the edge of the triangle.  Then trim off the excess background fabric on all 36 units.

Now Pressing.   Press the seam allowance towards the Print Star Point Triangles.  I prefer to press them from the front rather than the back, but do what is comfortable for you :)

Now it is just repeating the same steps, but for the other side.  

 So grab the remaining Star Point Triangles, and making sure the fabrics match, place a Star Point Triangle on the opposite side of each unit.  You might be crossing over the other Star Point as well as background fabric and that is just fine.    Do the initial double check if you feel like you need it, and then chain stitch a 1/4" seam on all 36 units using the triangle as your seam guide.  

Now flip your triangles and lightly finger press your seams to Double Check that all of the background fabric is covered.  If you have an angle that got a little to wonky, just rip it and restitch it.

Now again, flip your triangles back over and use the edge as a cutting guide to trim the excess fabric.  And this time, you can be trimming a little Star Point Fabric as well as the background fabric.

Now back to the ironing board, and Press your seam allowance towards the Star Point Triangles.   Press all 36 units.

And now just a little bit of trimming.  You will be trimming your units to 3 1/2" x 6 1/2" rectangles.
Begin by aligning the background fabric rectangle with the 3 1/2" and 6 1/2" lines on your ruler as shown below.   Trim the 2 sides along the edge of the ruler.

Now spin your unit 180 degrees.  Now align your newly trimmed sides with the 3 1/2" and 6 1/2" lines on your ruler as shown below. Trim the remaining wonky side.

And if you happen to have a 3 1/2" x 6 1/2" sized ruler, you can simply place it on your unit aligning the bottom corners with your background fabric corners, and then just trim all 3 sides :)

Trim all 36 Wonky Flying Geese units to measure 3 1/2" x 6 1/2".  Aren't they just so fun!!!

STEP 3 - MAKING THE IMPROV STAR BLOCK

And with your units all done you can now make your Improv Star Block.   Layout a Center Square, 4 Matching Wonky Flying Geese Units, and 4  Background 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" squares as shown below.  Just like with previous stars, I like to stack up all 9 of my block sets on top of one another so I can Chain Stitch each of the following steps.  You can choose to do this or just make 1 block at a time, whatever you are comfortable with. 

 Place the Outside Units in each column onto the Center Column units with right sides together.  Align and Pin your edges then chain stitch a 1/4" seam along the units in each of the 3 rows on either side of the center units.   And the fun thing is, because these are wonky, you don't even have to worry about points.  Just stitch away ;)

Then press your seams in the top and bottom rows outwards towards the Background squares and press the seams in the center row inwards towards the center square.  This will allow your seams to nest in the next step.

And one last set of seams.  Place the Top and Bottom rows onto the Center row with right sides together.  Align and pin the seams an stitch a 1/4" seam along the two pinned edges.

 And just press your seams open and you are done!!!!  9 super fun Improv Star Blocks that measure 12 1/2" x 12 1/2" and are all ready for your Seeing Stars Quilt!!!    And I promise to get my 9 sewn as soon as the new fabric arrives ;)

*** Update - My fabric arrived and I got my stars all done!!!  Aren't they just so fun how they twinkle!!!   Have fun stitching ;)

So now it's your turn, get your Improv Star Blocks made and your assignment is complete!!!  And then you can enter to win the weekly prize :)

The Weekly Prize is sponsored by Olie and Evie and a huge thanks goes out to them for their support of the  Seeing Stars Quilt-Along.

This weeks prize is an awesome Low Volume Fat Quarter Bundle of the brand new Smitten Collection by Bonnie and Camille for Moda.   How fun is that yummy low volume goodness!!!   I so love these prints and they would be amazing in any project ;)

    

So what do you have to do for a chance to win this Low Volume Bundle?  Simple . . . Just link up your Improv Star Blocks at the end of this post :)  You can link to a blog post or a social media picture, or whatever.   If you are struggling with linking up, I wrote a little Linky Tutorial over here, that might help ;)  Just make sure to link up by the early morning of September 12th as I will be announcing a winner in next quilt-a-long post :)

If you don't get your Improv Star Blocks done by next week you can still link it up :) (just not in time for the prize :) The linky will remain open until the end of the Quilt-Along.  

And Don't forget to add your beautiful Improv Star Blocks to #seeingstarsquiltalong on social media or at the  Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long Flickr group.   I am so excited to see all of your fun Improv Star Blocks  ;)  Let the wonky sewing begin!!!!  

 Have a Happy Quilting Day!!  

And remember, any questions, just email me at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com ;)

An InLinkz Link-up