Since this is the United States Semiquincentennial year, (extra bonus points if you can pronounce it), I decided I would like a red, white and blue block made from offset wonky stars.
You will use red, white and blue fabrics, one color for each element. You get to choose the placement for each area. For example blue could be either the background (as in example above), the center square or the star points. Then use the two other colors in the other areas.
Primary reds, again medium to dark, prints or textures. With small bits of white or black is okay, no pinks. Batiks are okay.
Whites can be solid white, a white on white print or a white with a tiny subtle print, any color as long as it is not overpowering.
So pick one fabric for the center square.
Another color for the background pieces, these should be all cut from the same fabric.
I would like the star points to be scrappy, but repeating a fabric is fine (this will happen if you cut a square on the diagonal). Just use your best assortment. If you pick white for the star points, it is fine to use all solid white for the points since it is harder to come up with an assortment of whites. But if you have them, use them, I just don't seem to have a good selection.
Fabric cuts:
Background:
cut 4 - 4 by 5 inch pieces
and 4 - 4 by 4 inch pieces
Note: there will be 2 strips cut for offsetting the star block, but see below for cutting instructions, about 2 or more inches wide. Finish the star part before cutting these strips. Note - a piece of fabric slightly smaller than a fat quarter will work for all the background pieces. (These fabrics shown are for my second completed block shown at bottom)
Center square:
Cut 1 - 5 by 5 inch piece
Star points:
No real measurement, can be scraps. A block around 4 or 5 square inches divided diagonally will give you two points. If you have a cut off triangle from something else, it should work as long as it is big enough. A rectangle can work, too, I even used a 2 1/2 inch strip, but wider makes it easier to make sure you completely cover the background.
Start by placing a rectangle or triangle over the edges of the 4 by 5 inch background piece, along the shorter side. Place it and see if when you sew the seam, and flip it, it will cover the edges of the background block. Have the one edge near the center, but does not have to be exact center. The other side should not extend all the way to the top of the block on the short side.
Sew along the red edge, fold and flip over the red point piece. Iron it and turn to the wrong side.
Trim away the extra star point fabric.
Now turn up the star point and trim away the extra background fabric.
Repeat for the second star point, trying to make it a bit taller, wider, a bit different. You can overlap the first point at the one edge. Just leave at least a 1/4 inch free on the top edge corner, shown in the upper right (and left) hand corner in the example below. This will prevent the tip getting cut off when assembled.
Repeat and make 4 blocks.
Now assemble the block like a nine patch. Sew the three rows and iron away from the point blocks in each row, this will allow them to nest when assembled. Iron the cross seams any way you prefer.
The next step is to add the two offset strips, but at this point you can adjust the final strips so it will be the correct final size. Measure the block, it should measure 12 inches square. If by chance it is a bit larger, trim it down to 12 inches.
Cut two strips:
Cut 1 - 2 by 12 inches in same background fabric
Cut 1 - 2 by 13 1/2 inches background fabric
Attach the shorter strip and then the longer one to the adjoining size. The block should now measure 13 1/2 inches square.
NOTE - If the block by chance measures less than 12 inches square, cut the strips a little wider than then 2 inches, maybe 2 1/4 inches. Then add to two sides and check again. If necessary trim to 13 1/2 inches. It will finish at 13 inches when the blocks are sewn together.
Here is the second block that used the fabrics where I showed the example cut pieces.
I hope I haven't set too many particular requests for this block. Please have fun with it.
Thank you, Gayle
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