Moda Blockheads: Block 23-Winneconne Star

The pattern for Winneconne Star can be found on Lisa Bongeans's blog by clicking HERE.
Another star block!  And as I looked at it I decided I could simplify the process a bit with some strip piecing.  Once again I see Flying Geese in my future-we should be getting really good at them by now-though they have not yet invaded my dreams.

My cutting directions for this block:
A-(Cut 1) strip of fabric 1 1/4" x 22"
B-(Cut 1) strip of fabric 1 1/4" x 22"
C-(Cut 4) 2 3/4" x 2 3/4" (sky in flying geese units)
D-(Cut 1) 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" (Geese fabric)

To make the Flying Geese units place two C squares right sides together on a B square and draw a diagonal line down the middle.

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

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

Draw diagonal lines on the remaining C squares  and place one as shown on the unit.

Just like before, sew 1/4 inch from each side of the drawn line then cut apart on the line.

Press these open and trim to 2" x 3 1/2"-see my earlier tutorial for how to trim these with a regular ruler-here I am again using my Bloc Loc ruler.

With the Flying Geese finished we move on to some strip piecing.  Lay the two strips of fabric right sides together and sew a 1/4 inch seam along one side.

Press towards the dark side.

Lay your ruler with the 1 inch mark along the seam line and make sure that your strip now measure 2 inches across.

For some reason I did not square up my end first, but want you want to do is cut units that measure 1 1/4" from the strip set.

Look at that, you are halfway done with the four-patch unit already.  Now just join two of these together, matching the seams, to create the Four-patch units.  You can put a pin at the where the seams meet, but I do not find it necessary on these if I sew with the seam pointing up towards my needle

Press towards one side and check to make sure they finish at 2" square.

Four of these units will be used in the corners of the star block.

The other four need to be sewn together to create the middle section of the star.  These four little Four-patch blocks will become one larger Four-patch.  Join them just like we did before. 

I made sure to press my seams in opposite directions after I joined the first two sections together.

A few pins placed at the seams will help hold them together-while the opposing seams "lock" together, I like a little added assurance.  If you look closely you will notice that I pressed my bottom seam the wrong way, so I just folded it over and pinned then will press it the correct way after I sew the unit.  I was too lazy to get up and go back over to press it first-lol.

The center unit should measure 3 1/2 inches now.

Lay out all of the pieces for sewing together-this is basically a nine-patch block now.

As you sew these sections together you want to try and have your needle land right at the tip of that triangle point.  This will give you those sharp points, and where having a properly trimmed Flying Geese unit is so important-that 1/4 inch seam allowance is crucial for sharp points.

Almost done-just need to sew these rows together, pinning at the seams.  I pressed the top and bottom rows towards the outside and the center section towards the middle.  The seams get a little bulky so take your time as you sew.

Another block is finished!  Time for a cup of tea.

Complete List of my Moda Blockhead Tutorials

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