Monday, August 5, 2013

Bright Star Points on Black.
    
   Its my turn to do the block-of-the-month for the Orlando Modern Quilt Guild.  Since I love wonky stars, I thought I'd do a slight variation, using solid black for both the background and center squares to give it more negative space.  I also love bright colors, so it should be a fun quilt when put together.  This is my first attempt at a tutorial, so feel free to look at other tutorials if mine is unclear.  (Just google 'wonky star tutorial' - and be sure to use solid black for both the background and center squares.)  


 Step 1:  Cut 9 4 1/2 inch squares from solid black.  Then 4 6 1/2 inch squares from bright colors.


Step 2:  Cut the bright squares into triangles.

 
Step 3: Lay 4 triangles at different angles over 4 of the black squares, making sure that after sewing and pressing, all of the black will be covered.

Step 4:  Sew the triangles to the black using a quarter inch seam.  Fold over and press.  Turn the squares over and using the black square as a guideline, trim off the excess colored fabric.  You can then unfold the square and trim off the excess fabric at the seam, leaving a 4 1/2 inch square - partially black and partially colored.


Step 5:  Lay the other triangles over your trimmed squares in the opposite direction.   Sew with a quarter inch seam.


Step 6:  Turn, press, and trim off the excess triangle fabric to make a 4 1/2 inch square.  Then unfold and trim off the excess at the seam.  Press the squares.

Step 7:  Layout your star point squares with the black squares as shown above.  Sew squares into 3 rows using SCANT 1/4 inch seams.  Then join the 3 rows together using SCANT 1/4 inch seams.

Step 8:  Press and you now have a completed block.