Tuesday, October 9, 2012

One More Block . . .

I'm doing pretty good with my goal of starting and finishing one Hallowe'en 1904 block per day.

Here's my fourth block.



For this block I went with 4 different pieces of fabric for the stars and their backgrounds.  For the outer half square triangles I went with the same fabric for all four sides with the same background fabric.


Here's a peek at my design wall.


So far so good!

The first time I tried to square up my center star block I was a bit stumped.  The star blocks finish at 5 1/4".  That's sort of an odd size and nearly impossible to get directly in the middle of my star block, since there are no straight lines to line up with and finding the center was a bit of a puzzle.  To solve my dilemma I cut a piece of freezer paper the exact size of the finished block.  Using the top star point as my guide, I then put the square of freezer paper over the star, making sure all the star points are inside the square. 


I then press the wax paper in place and square up the block, cutting 1/4" bigger than the paper.


It works perfectly, as you can see from the stars in my blocks above.

Nicole at Sister's Choice is working on this project also and it is just hilarious to see our different takes on how to make this quilt.  I hope you're following Nicole's progress and are enjoying watching her progress as much as I am.  As a matter of fact, her applique pumpkins are so cute I think I may have to work on mine tomorrow!  I sure hope I can get one whole block done in a day!




20 comments:

  1. I am so in love with this quilt pattern Thelma. I particularly like that orange/dark plaid on today's block - perfect Hallowe'en fabric. I can't wait to see Nicole's finished version and yours next to each other!

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  2. Another great block...love your wax paper idea...works perfectly!

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  3. What a great tip! I have struggled with centering odd shapes, especially applique, and your wax paper square is the perfect solution. Thanks for sharing Thelma. I love your blocks!

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  4. Good advice, Thelma - and I really like the blocks. They remind me of Bonfire Night on november 5th - the whole of the UK is alight with bonfires and fireworks to mark the foiling of a plot to blow up King James and the Houses of Parliament in 1604 . Those blocks are perfect for this event - lots of explosions and stars!

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  5. You came up with an ingenious way to center your star. Thanks so much for sharing your process.

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  6. How clever! I must file that away for future reference. I am really liking these blocks and I didn't expect to...funny how that happens eh?

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  7. I forgot to ask...why the pin in the upper left corner?

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  8. I think this one is my favorite block... for now. I love the homespun.
    And THANK you for that tip on squaring the blocks. I had a rough time of it on my first block and was planning on going back to tweak the pattern but this is a great idea! I think I'm going to have to give it a try. Thanks!!

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  9. It is turning out beautifully, Thelma! Looks great!

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  10. sometimes your blog is dangerous for the budget! you make so many quilts I love and are on the list to make someday!!!! I can't tell you how much I want to go push the buy button on this kit I don't have fabrics that would work for this quilt
    and YES I have admired this quilt ever since it first came out!
    LOVING your blocks....
    keep going...
    Kathie

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  11. Ooh, ingenious way to square up blocks, especially when they are an uncommon size. Thanks for sharing.

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  12. They look so fabulous. Thanks for the great tip.

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  13. Great tip Thelma and Congrats for finishing 1 block a day . This quilt will be done in now time !

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  14. Thank you for the tips on centering the stars--ingenious!

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  15. I never would have thought of that tip! Great! Is that part of the ideas from the Gone Crazy books? This makes a difference in my decision to piece or applique the stars on mine. I should get the kit today (won it on eBay last week!!). All the best!!

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  16. Looks great. I have that pattern, you make me want to get it out and get started on it. Great tips.

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  17. Oh, I can't wait to see the finished quilt! I've always had my eye on this one. Maybe someday I'll get to it. Thanks for the helpful tips :-)

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  18. It always makes me nervous to center up a block and make the cut. I love your idea with wax paper.
    Hugs,
    Donna

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  19. Love this quilt so much! I have had a the pattern for a couple years, but haven't found just the right fabric for it. I'm really loving your pieced stars!

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