Moda Blockheads: Block 33-Starz

This week's block is from Jo Morton.  The pattern can be found on her blog HERE

I Love star blocks and this one is no exception.  I did play with my lights and darks a bit on this one, and of course my cutting directions vary from the pattern.  This one looks daunting at first, but broken down into its smaller parts there is nothing there that we cannot manage.  I did use starch as some of the pieces are pretty small.  If you have not prewashed your fabric be sure and starch before you do any cutting to size.

My Cutting Directions:
A-(cut 4) 2 1/4" x 2 1/4" ( I cut these generously if you do not want as much to trim away cut them 2" x 2")
B-(cut 4) 2 1/4" x 2 1/4"  ( I cut these generously if you do not want as much to trim away cut them 2" x 2")
C-(cut 8) 1 1/2" x 1 1/2"  ( I am using two different fabrics for these so cut 4 of each)
D-(cut 4) 2 1/4" x 2 1/4" (These are the "sky" parts of the flying geese units)
E-(cut 1) 3 3/4" x 3 3/4" (This is for the "geese" of the flying geese units)
F-(cut 4) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"
G-(cut 1) 2 1/2" x 2 1/2"

I started by drawing a diagonal line on the wrong side of all of the A squares.

I tend to piece my blocks with a 2.1 stitch length.  I also like to have my needle in the down position when piecing.  Place the A and B squares right sides together.  

Stitch 1/4 inch from each side of the drawn line.

Cut on the line and press towards the dark side.

Use a ruler to trim these to  1 1/2" x 1 1/2"being sure to line up the diagonal line of the ruler with the seam.  I finally found my Bloc Loc ruler  for Half-square triangles-it locks onto that seam just like the Flying geese rulers that I  love.   (Moving and sharing my quilt space with house guests several times has meant I have been missing some of my favorite helpers.  Why is it the perfect place for something is always the last place you look?)

Next I lay out these half-square triangles with the C squares in the order I want them.

I sew these together in pairs and then press towards the C squares.

Two pairs ready to be sewn together in a four-path unit.

I like to sew these with the top seam pointing towards my needle, that helps to lock the seams in place without the need for a pin-but feel free to pin if it helps you match those seams.

Ugh, had to take a break to fill some bobbins.  Sometimes I am slow to the party.  I heard a tip just last year about loading up several bobbins at a time so they are ready to go when you need them.  I like that idea for piecing.  Now that I have all of my bobbins filled I can get back to sewing those four-square units together.

I pressed these towards the cream print C square side of the unit.
​Check to make sure you unit measures 2 1/2 inches before proceeding.

Time to make the Flying Geese-I have sure been doing a lot of these little guys lately.

Lay two D squares on the E square-right sides together- and draw a diagonal line across both of the D squares.  I went ahead at this time and drew lines on the remaining D squares as well.

Stitch 1/4 inch from each side of the drawn line. 
​I try to sew with tip of the top square pointing at me as I go.

Cut these apart on the drawn line and press towards the small triangles.

Place another D square on the unit.

Once again, stitch 1/4 inch from each side of the drawn line.

Cut on the drawn line and press towards the smaller triangle.

The Flying Geese units need to be trimmed to 1 1/2" x 2 1/2 inches.

Next I add the F rectangles to the Flying Geese units.  I have laid mine out as I have a directional fabric that I want to be sure I attach correctly.

Now for the fun part-putting all of the parts together to make our Starz block.

Some of the units will have the seam facing away from the needle-I will be sure and put in a pin in at the seam to make sure they stay lined up.

One of the things I am looking for as I piece these together are the tips of my triangles.  I want my needle to go right over the top of that seam.

I can now join the rows and since there are quite a few seams to match I place a pin at each to hold them nicely in place as I sew.

I am really pleased with how this block came out.

There is still time to enter my Giveaway for a Bloc Loc Flying Geese ruler-the same one I have been using for many of these blocks.  On a whim I contacted Bloc Loc and asked if they would be willing to provide one ruler for this contest and they graciously agreed to do so.  Thursday, October 19th is the last day to enter.  Click here for Giveaway

PDF version of this tutorial

Until next time...
Happy Quilting!!
​Debra