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Here we go, it's time for Block #4 of our Christmas Figs sew along, the Feathered Star, a beautiful and very classic quilt block.
We are sewing from Joanna's Christmas Fig book. Red & Green like the book and I am doing the tips with Something Blue Fabric from my friend Edyta as a 2nd quilt.
How This Works:
- The Book is Required, it has the sampler of 20 blocks and the book has 10 additional projects using the blocks.
- CLICK HERE for Supply list for both colors
- Christmas Figs fabric
- Something Blue Fabric
- On the 2nd Friday & last Friday of the month I'll post notes about the next book.
- I'm doing the blocks in the order they are in for the book, you have all the patterns in the book so you can work on it anytime you like.
- There are lots of triangles, so pick up my Triangle book to have step by step photos and additional options for making them.
TIPS for Making the Blue version
- Since I have more photos for this block, here are the 3 fabrics.
- AND you really need to mark them to keep track. The alphabitties are perfect as they have numbers and letters to match the book.
- (NOTE - in the photo above I had not cut F & I yet)
- DOUBLE CHECK before cutting ANYTHING - Look CAREFULLY at the sizes, this block has a lot of sizes that are not what you normally cut.
- Lay blocks out before sewing so you don’t mix up the pieces
- ONLY cut what you need when doing anything but exactly like the red/green. The book is written to be efficient if you are using the same fabric placements, the blue version is NOT using all the same fabric placement.
- RED & GREEN - The extra cuts for the Red & Green are used later in another block, so keep track of them in a bag.
Tips for Block #4
My biggest tip for Block #4 is once it's done, all the rest are a Piece of Cake!
So why does this block have odd ball sizes and so many pieces? The original block is in an antique quilt. They did not have rotary cutters and fancy rulers. They used templates to cut shapes. And someone had to figure them out, but they didn't write a pattern the way we do not.
In order to do this classic block, and have it fit the correct size, math happens, This block has lots of angles and parts. I made the block from the directions. The directions are correct.
Here is what you need to know before you start.
-
Be patient.. nope... more patient....nope... even more patient.. there.. you got this!
- Do not hurry, do not try to do when you are tired, or rushed, or need to be done. This block will kick your butt if you are in any of those modes when you start.
- Do the block over 2 days. That is what I did.
- Use my friend Gudrun's arrows to mark the lines you need
- Check, double check, triple check all numbers & placements of shapes. I use these design boards to keep track
- PRESS your Seams OPEN to reduce bulk on small patchwork
- So if something is wrong, take it out. Seriously. Do not think it will work out in the end, it won't. If you want a gorgeous block, work carefully and you can do it.
Ready? Let's do this!
BUY the Arrow package, you'll use them more than you know!
TIP
- Use the proper length ruler to cut the squares in half. I know you are tempted to grab the shorter ruler and then slide it along to cut
- Don't
- You'll be inaccurate and accuracy matters in this block.
- And use a cute ruler.. hearts.. oh my!
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TIP:
- Careful layout the block pieces, check and double check. I find when not using the same colors as the diagram it can trick our mind, so on your A game for this block.
BUY Design Boards, there are 2 sizes
- When you sew the triangles together, place all the pieces back on the design board
- I leave these ends until after I sew the blue triangle on.
- Fold the blue trinagle in half and crease
- Fold the triangle unit in half and crease
- Match the creases and pin...you'll sew the the TRIANGLE unit on the top.. see the next photo
- BONUS TIP.. I'm using a thick wool pressing mat and i am IN LOVE with these! They are very firm which is excellent for making your blocks flat, And flat blocks help you keep your patchwork accurate.
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TIP:
- Sew with the triangle unit on top so you can see the intersection
- I have the guide beam on my Baby Lock Destiny II locked in and sewing straight!
BUY a Seam Trimmper if you didn't get one yet.. we used it for Block #3 and will use it more.
It's ON SALE! I'm using the MINI version
The units are slightly oversize.
- Place the diagonal ON the seam as I did
- be sure you have a 1/4" seam allowance from your point to the outer edge as shown on the left
Pat's TIP
- Keep track of the units that are the same, it's super important to do that as you can get twisted around in a blink!
- Alphabitties and wonderclips to the rescue!
TIP
This is 1/4th of center layout, which is different than the star points
- Double and triple check all shapes are pointed the right way!
Once all the units are made sew the block!
Que the Fireworks YOU DID IT!!
The rest of the blocks are relaxing to do, glad we have this one early.
TIP:
- Be sure you download the supply list or read what is used for the blue one
- AT the END share you block in my Quilt show! Several times during this sew along I will do random prizes for people who shared their blocks
Be sure you are ready :
- Christmas Fig BOOK IS REQUIRED - BUY the Book HERE (on sale!)
- Project Details
- My Triangle Book
- CLICK & Enter your email to get notices of my new articles
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