You know I love to show you all how human I am when it comes to my sewing. I make mistakes every now and then just like anyone else, and sometimes I do have to laugh at myself at how dingy I can be.
When I took the Victory Star class, the instructor, Paula Barnes, gave us options on methods to construct the small stars that are in the quilt border. Usually when I make this block, I like to make Flying Geese units for the top, bottom, and side star points. Four Flying Geese per block, four small squares for the corners and a larger square for the center.
Paula wanted us to switch things up and make the block with eight half square triangle units in place of the four Flying Geese. We didn't have to do it this way, it was just another way to do it.
I don't like the seam that goes through those top, bottom and side units. So, I was determined to make Flying Geese that had, in my opinion, a cleaner look. The block above was what I made in the class, and when I looked at it later, I realized I had used the wrong background fabric anyway. Oh well, I wasn't going to use the block so it wasn't a big deal.
I got busy figuring out what size Flying Geese units I needed to end up with. 1 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches. Then, I wanted to use my Fit To Be Geese ruler, so I needed to find the instructions as to how big to cut my fabric pieces. That involved turning the sewing room upside down. Why I can never seem to put that piece of paper back in the same place after I use it is a mystery. Finally, I was all ready to make a sample star block using the trimmed down Fit To Be Geese method. Isn't it adorable? And I used the wrong background fabric again. Argggh. This time I had fully intended to use the block, one out of 24 total, and was quite annoyed with myself for wasting time and fabric.
I got busy again and made another block, before I totally forgot what I was doing.
Yes. Finally this block looks like it is supposed to.
This is another lesson on what happens when you put a project away to languish in the closet for years on end. You completely forget what you are doing and make a hash of things!
18 responses to “Small Star Block Options”
I just pulled out a quilt I started a couple of years ago and put away for various reasons that seemed good at the time. All I have left are three borders – two plain, and one pieced. I spent more time trying to figure out what I needed to do next than I would have spent if I’d just finished the quilt in the first place! And that’s as far as I got yesterday. Not done yet.
I just pulled out a quilt I started a couple of years ago and put away for various reasons that seemed good at the time. All I have left are three borders – two plain, and one pieced. I spent more time trying to figure out what I needed to do next than I would have spent if I’d just finished the quilt in the first place! And that’s as far as I got yesterday. Not done yet.
I just pulled out a quilt I started a couple of years ago and put away for various reasons that seemed good at the time. All I have left are three borders – two plain, and one pieced. I spent more time trying to figure out what I needed to do next than I would have spent if I’d just finished the quilt in the first place! And that’s as far as I got yesterday. Not done yet.
I find that your method is the best way to tackle that star. Others might not agree but my geese are always perfect when I use Monique’s ruler.
I find that your method is the best way to tackle that star. Others might not agree but my geese are always perfect when I use Monique’s ruler.
I find that your method is the best way to tackle that star. Others might not agree but my geese are always perfect when I use Monique’s ruler.
Ah, but today’s hash is fodder for another star project!
I also make 4 Flying Geese rather than use HSTs for star points as I don’t like that seam either. I use a method I learned from a Mary Sue Suit book titled “All the Blocks Are Flying Geese” that yields 4 matching flying geese.
We’re off to see the cardiologist today so I need to get moving.
Hugs!
Ah, but today’s hash is fodder for another star project!
I also make 4 Flying Geese rather than use HSTs for star points as I don’t like that seam either. I use a method I learned from a Mary Sue Suit book titled “All the Blocks Are Flying Geese” that yields 4 matching flying geese.
We’re off to see the cardiologist today so I need to get moving.
Hugs!
Ah, but today’s hash is fodder for another star project!
I also make 4 Flying Geese rather than use HSTs for star points as I don’t like that seam either. I use a method I learned from a Mary Sue Suit book titled “All the Blocks Are Flying Geese” that yields 4 matching flying geese.
We’re off to see the cardiologist today so I need to get moving.
Hugs!
Cute little star blocks and love them either way but much cleaner with flying geese. You could use the trial and errors on the back or in the label ;))))
Cute little star blocks and love them either way but much cleaner with flying geese. You could use the trial and errors on the back or in the label ;))))
Cute little star blocks and love them either way but much cleaner with flying geese. You could use the trial and errors on the back or in the label ;))))
Been there and done that! However, your final star is beautiful! ;p
Been there and done that! However, your final star is beautiful! ;p
Been there and done that! However, your final star is beautiful! ;p
Talk about languishing projects. I took out a project to finish. I just need to sew on the borders, quilt and bind. I looked at the fabric for the narrow first border and the shop had cut it 17″, not half a yard and I don’t know where I bought it. So I had to cut the strips narrower than planned. Grrrrrrrr!!!!!
Talk about languishing projects. I took out a project to finish. I just need to sew on the borders, quilt and bind. I looked at the fabric for the narrow first border and the shop had cut it 17″, not half a yard and I don’t know where I bought it. So I had to cut the strips narrower than planned. Grrrrrrrr!!!!!
Talk about languishing projects. I took out a project to finish. I just need to sew on the borders, quilt and bind. I looked at the fabric for the narrow first border and the shop had cut it 17″, not half a yard and I don’t know where I bought it. So I had to cut the strips narrower than planned. Grrrrrrrr!!!!!