Happy New Year everyone!! I’m so thrilled to be hosting a fabulously fun sew-along in our Facebook Group. Plus there are give-aways here on the blog and in our group. Come join us!!
Here’s the FREE quilt that I’m teaching … Bright Stars (thanks to Jill McL for the name suggestion). The quilt as presented finishes at 64″ x 80″.
A scrappy version …
… and a two-colour version.
This is a Sew-Along … which means I’m sewing WITH you … and writing up the tutorial as we go along.
Fabric Requirements
You’ll need approximately 3.5 yards of BOTH light and dark fabrics to complete the top as shown above. If I decide to add borders, I’ll share that info later. Backing, batting and binding will be added later.
You can use scraps (or charms), fat quarters or yardage. IF you have an Easy Angle or Easy Star and Geese Ruler, you can use jelly rolls. If you don’t have these speciality rulers, you can’t use jelly rolls for the half-square triangles.
Let’s get started!
Important note: In my tutorial diagrams, the black units represent the background fabric.
WAIT! Before you cut, read the next step and additional notes.
Additional Notes: Instead of cutting individual squares, you may wish to use 2.5″ strips, sew the strips together, one background, one print, and then sub-cut those strip sets into the 2-patch units.
Important UPDATE: If you have not started your first batch of four-patches (i.e. Steps 1 to 3) … I strongly recommend that you shorten your stitch length a bit and instead of pressing to the background fabric, press your seams open. This will make future steps a little easier. However, like many of you, I’ve already done a good bit of my four-patches, so I’ll make it work having already pressed them in the direction indicated. It’s not a HUGE deal, we just can’t nest the seams for this quilt top as well as I thought we would be able to.
Spiral the Seams: If you’ve done any of my other quilt patterns, you’ll know how much I love spiralled seams for 4-patch units. By doing this, you distribute the bulk evenly. If this is a new term to you, watch this video:
Time for some more cutting….
Now it’s time to cut the fabric to make a total of 320 half-square triangle (HST) units.
I have given you the cutting instructions for two options of making the HST units. The first is the Square Method, where you’ll start with large squares, draw a diagonal line, stitch on both sides of the line, cut apart to yield two HST units and TRIM the HST units to the correct size. The second method is for using one of the Speciality Rulers, such as the Easy Star & Geese or Easy Angle rulers.
See this Tutorial: Creating Triangle and Flying Geese Units
Remember those squares you cut in Step 4, now it’s time to combine them with the HST units you’ve completed in Step 6.
Almost at the finish line, with Step 8 … press your new four-patches by spiralling the seams or pressing open. It’s really up to you. They won’t nest nicely when we join the blocks no matter what you choose.
Now take the two sets of 160 four-patches and create, yet another four-patch .. we’re getting bigger. Layout each individual block, so that you are 100% sure that you have the orientation correct. This is the completed block and measures 8.5″ square.
Let’s put the top together …
Give-Aways
This sew-along has come together very quickly, but I did manage to get some free PDF patterns from friends to use as give-aways. Some of the patterns are being given away in our Facebook Group. However, I wanted to make it fair to everyone in all time zones, so you can enter on this blog post too!
To enter: Simply leave a comment below answering the following: “Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions? If so, what are they?” I’ll choose the winners randomly, next Monday, January 5, 2015.
Thanks so much to the generosity of friends and sponsors that have donated .. at the last minute! Here are the prizes:
My dear friend, Pat Sloan, has donated THREE copies of her Let’s GO Sew pattern.
The three winners chosen from our Facebook Group are:
- Peggy McC.
- Deborah D.
- Amy D.
Our friends at the Fat Quarter Shop have donated THREE of their It’s Sew Emma PDF patterns (max. value of $9.00).
The three winners chosen from our Facebook Group are:
- Linda G.
- Connie G.
- Barb C.
Quilting buddy, Amy from Butterfly Angels Quilting has donated six copies of her pattern. Winners can choose between:
Cross Cross Apple Sauce:
Cajun Cathedral Windows:
The six winners chosen from our Facebook Group are:
- Maggie F.
- Diana F.
- Kay M.
- Susan J.
- Liz G.
- Danielle W.
I donated three copies of my latest pattern, Little Gems Mug Rugs.
The three winners chosen from our Facebook Group are:
- Lucy W.
- Roberta J.
- Susan N. W.
My resolution for 2015 is to use up my scraps and finish some of my ufos which one dates back to 1978! It is sail boats and back on those days it was all cut with scissors!
Planning on finishing a red and black quilt for myself that I bought 3 years ago while traveling in texas
I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. But I am planning to finish up some of my UFO’s this coming year.
I love this design and the fact that I can use up some of my scraps! Thanks!
I plan to finish up some charity quilts, get them layered and quilted and out of my way and then start putting together a Hunters Star Quilt that I cut out with Accuquilt. My plan is to get something finished each week to get those small quilts done and then tackle that big quilt. And then to spend more time at the gym and finish my journey there!!!
My resolutions are to use up some of my stash, and to use less sugar. We’ll see how that goes!
i resolve to make a quilt, or two, for me!! I have yet to make my own quilt.
My personal Resolution is to keep up with my physical therapy so I can walk again. When I do, I resolve not to take any steps for granted (I currently have two broken ankles). My sewing Resolution is to finish what I start before starting another project :) Thank you for the great sew-along!
I don’t make New Year resolutions either, but I do hope that all quilters everywhere have a wonderful 2015!
I resolved to finish at least two UFOs this year! And to get more exercise. Really!
This year is all about finishing some works in progress, and cutting up my scraps for use in scrappy quilts. Already making progress cutting up scraps during the college playoff ballgames going on now. Am proud of GA Tech’s Quinn last night. War Eagle during the Outback Bowl going on now! Lastly, can anyone beat Bama tonight?
Eu pretendo desenvolver meus projetos para minha família para que tenham uma boa lembrança minha em patchwork. Isto motiva meus ano novo. Grande abraço.
I want to learn new techniques and I love completing this type of quilt pattern I have friends from all over. I am going to finish my table runners.
I am behind but will be starting this sew along this week–I intend to finish it!
I usually don’t make resolutions but this year I have a list! On the quilting side I want to be sure to work on Ufos and learn at least one new thing each month in 2015. ( I am a newbie.)
No, haven’t made any New Years resolutions for years now. I find I’m much happier living ‘in the now’ than beating myself up for things that SHOULD have been done. I will be finishing the 4 quilts I’ve started for ME, though – the first quilts for me in over 40 years of quilting. Am looking forward to that part as all four are totally different. Then, on to making baby quilts and cuddle quilts ‘ahead’ for gifts for new babies and gifts for folks in my life.
No resolutions. I don’t like to make promises I can’t keep.
I don’t usually make new year’s resolutions as I am trying regularly to become a better person physically and spiritually. However, helping others, making a difference in my community and building my newly formed business “Keeping You in Stitches” are high on my list of things to accomplish this year. I wish everyone a wonderful and prosperous new year.
I didn’t make any resolutions. I can’t get serious enough to follow through.
My resolution is to spend more time in Bible study and praying for friends, family, and requests received. Also to be more disciplined in all areas of my life, which includes learning/doing the quilting projects I have been collecting!
this will be a year of travel for us as my husband races for national corvette clubs national champion. for me that means LOTS of quillt shops to visit!! and small projects to work on in the motor home. I CAN’T WAIT. LET THE RACES BEGIN!!!
To finish more UFOs, and to keep learning: new techniques, new tips and put them to use.
The resolution that I have started is to eliminate paper accumulations at work and home. I have paper piles, folders, files, stacks, bags–PAPER is everywhere. Every day I am sorting, pitching, eliminating.
My resolution is to finish my Delightful Stars!
I just love the colors in this quilt. I am going through my stash now to get started. I know I am late, but had to work last night and just getting myself moving.
Thanks for the fun quilt.
My quilting resolutions for 2015 are to finish at least 3UFOs and to start cutting scraps and organizing them into strips and squares for future scrappy use. Thank you for this sew along. I love the scrappy look and will be working on this for the rest of the day.
My resolution is to sew from my stash before I buy any new fabric – I’ll give it my best shot, but no promises!
I am determined to complete as many UFO’s as I possibly can, and——–of course, lose weight as I go! :)
My resolution is loosing 40 pounds, and making my first quilt. Happy New Year!
My resolution for 2015 is to increase my donations to “Warmth for all”. I have been making hats for 3 years for them and this year it would be nice to also donate a couple baby quilts and some slippers. :-)
My 2015 resolution is to complete a queen size quilt.
My resolution for this year is to sell the fabrics I know I will never use and stay out of the fabric stores. Just use up what I already have.
My main resolution is to have more fun in 2015. My quilting resolution is to finish the ufo’s I want to finish and donate the rest to a quilt quild.
sew many quilts to sew with sew little time to sew. ;P thanks for the quilt along
My 2015 New Year resolution is to make quilts for the needy. Our city’s new children’s hospital just opened and since I have no little children to sew for, I will make quilts for them.
2015 is my year to make as many quilts as possible out of my stash, which means SCRAPPY! Bright Stars is a perfect way to start!
Will finish all undone projects
This year I plan to finish as many of my UFO’s as possible. I inherited my sisters UFO’s, so I really have a lot to do.
I don’t usually make New Years resolutions, but I want to do more piecing and quilting this year
My New Year’s resolution is to drink more red wine. Oh – and to find balance in my life :) Thanks for the fun!
I only made 2 New Years resolutions…none of which were sewing or quilting related. I am quitting smoking and starting a 3x a week workout. I guess sewing and quilting are related :) they are going to get me through the quitting smoking.
Instead of the same resolution – I joined the word for the year trend. My word is Organize. Besides organizing my fabric by color and putting into bins I have to organize my house. 75 days until we put the house on the market! Happy New Year.
I don’t generally make new year’s resolutions, but I definitely plan to quilt as many of my finished tops as possible so I can actually use them instead of keeping them folded up in the closet.
Plan to finish UFO’s and make grandkids quilts for Christmas 2015. Can’t wait to get started. Just moved and have to unpack first.
No resolutions …… no point in making one as I fall off the wagon by the end of the first week in January anyway …… LoL!!! ………… just plan on plodding along trying to get all the projects done I want to do in the time I have left :)
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE !
BB
I’ve made too many to remember and have never reached them. So this year I picked a word: persevere and I’m going to try to move forward no matter what obstacles pop up!!
I promise to finish a quilt that I started over four years ago. My daughter has been waaaayyy to patient.
I intend to sew every day, whether it’s 10 minutes or all day, as well as to work on projects listed on my monthly schedule for making gifts. My local guild has 4 challenges and/or exchanges set up, and I’ll participate in those too. Plus a non-quilty one to exercise daily.
Resolve to work more on my UFO’s. Goal – complete two UFOs before starting anything new. Well, guess I am two behind already by beginning this new project!
To try and finish at least one UFO project for the year.