Hive 5 April: Sawtooth Star with Quilter’s Choice Center

 

 

First and foremost, double check that you're looking at the post for the right Emily! I'm Emily J in Hive 5 :) 

 

I love giving the talented quilters of Stashbee a lot of freedom to create. I’m asking you to make a 16.5 in sawtooth star with a bit of a twist: the center 8.5 in square is pieced in any way you’d like! Pick your favorite pattern and make a unique center that speaks to your quilting style. It can be modern or traditional. Then just add the flying geese star points, and send it my way. There is a plethora of free block resources online. I’ve linked to a few below, but you are not obligated to use these resources. 

Patchwork Square

Quilter's Cache

Generations Quilt Patterns

Because the stars themselves will have a variety of styles, I’d like to keep the colors in the same neighborhood. The background should be a solid white or white-on-white (no off-white, cream, or tan). The sawtooth star should have blue points in a solid or blender. Lastly, the exciting part: the center square should be any shade of blue. Cornflower, teal, navy, royal…They are all welcome. Be aware of color contrast if you want to use multiple fabrics in your pieced center. Use white or light grey to help balance things; patterned fabrics are ok here. I recommend taking a photo in black and white to see if the contrast is there. Please avoid holiday and cartoony prints. 

Fabric requirements for a 16.5” block:

• Background (solid or white-on-white)

• (4) 4 ½” squares

• (4) 4 ½” x 8 ½” rectangles

• Star Points (solid or blender blue)

• (8) 4 ½” squares

• Star Center (blue, pay attention to contrast)

• Final Measurement: 8.5” square

1. Make your 8.5” center block.

1. If you want help finding, choosing, or making a pattern please let me know. I’d be happy to assist.

2. Make 4 Flying Geese

1. Draw a line from corner to corner down the wrong side of the blue 4 ½” square

2. Place a marked square on one end of a background fabric rectangle with right sides together.  Stitch on the marked line. Trim 1/4" from the line.Press seams open.

3. Repeat steps 2.a-c on the other side of the strip. Orient your second diagonal seam so that you form a triangle of white in the center of the rectangle.

4. Trim the flying geese to 4 ½” x 8 ½”, taking care to keep ¼” on the point for seam allowance.

5. Repeat steps 2.a-d until you have 4 flying geese.

3. Assemble the final block like a 9-patch

1. Nest seams for easier alignment

2. Your final block should be 16.5”.