Every time I make a new block I feel as if I have a new favorite. This cutie is Star Flower, designed by Christine Weld of thequarterinch.blogspot.com for the Moda Bakeshop Summer in the Country sew along of a few years back.
Construction was pretty simple, but I do recommend going slowly and making sure that you pin when assembling the units as there are a lot of intersections where you want your seams to line up just right.
The first unit I made was the center square in a square piece. I never have good luck making those units unless I use foundation piecing. The Fat Quarter Shop has these papers in many sizes. The ones needed for this unit are the 3" finished papers.
Next up, I tackled the rectangular red units with the sew and flip corners. There are so many names for this method. What do you call it when you sew a square on the diagonal, trim 1/4" from your stitching line, then flip the corner over and press? Easy corners? Sew and flip corners?
Anyway, just mark your squares carefully and stitch slowly and you will be fine. I still like to measure my units when finished to get the best accuracy. I pressed the corner square seams outward.
These units should measure 3 1/2" x 5".
Mine were pretty accurate but as you see, I still managed to trim some bits off.
Now we need to sew some squares onto our square units.
Measure these units and trim to 3 1/2". Notice I pressed these corner square seams inward so they will nest together with adjoining units when I sew the block together. Now attach the white strips to these squares as the pattern directs.
Ok, let's take a look at what we have made for this block: one square in a square unit, four rectangular units with corner squares, and four square units with corner squares and border strips.
Lay out your block units as shown and stitch them together. What a great block this is! I will definitely be making it again sometime in the future.
Hope you all had a great weekend. It is hot again in my neck of the woods and expected to stay above 100 most of the week. A very special girl is turning 13 next Saturday, so we have lots of celebrating to do.
Here she is, living her best life this summer, swimming in a mountain stream near Yosemite. She will be in eighth grade in a few weeks!
Happy birthday, Eva!
Posted by: Mary | July 22, 2024 at 04:12 AM
Happy birthday to Eva! Your block is lovely. I haven't tried the FQS paper yet, but I plan to do so in a future quilt (I'm still gathering all my supplies). I live in Florida, and, while the temps are not in the 100s, the humidity makes it so hard to be outside! I think we are all looking very fondly towards Autumn ;)
Posted by: Rebecca Trittel | July 22, 2024 at 04:27 AM
Can hardly believe she will be 13!! It's been so fun to watch her grow up thru the years as you share. I, too, have had trouble with square in a square and found success with Creative Grids square in a squared ruler. Your star flower is lovely 😍
Posted by: Kelli | July 22, 2024 at 04:48 AM
Lovely Eva!
I have had success with the square-in-a-square blocks using Doug Leko's triangle trimmer. I just need to remember that the cutting directions are different. It does multiple sizes too. I may try FQS papers for those smaller pieces I make. I love this block too!
Posted by: sue s | July 22, 2024 at 05:19 AM
Whenever you mention Eva's age, I am flabbergasted about how long I've been following you. I remember in 2010 you mentioned Home Goods. I promptly went and bought about $200 worth of stuff at the one right around the corner from the condo we rented for a year. So it's been at least since then and probably before. I discovered you on Thelma's blog roll. You are just about the only person who still blogs every day and I can't wait to read what you've written. And btw, you still owe me $200. as I would never have spent that if it weren't for you Nicole. Happy birthday to Eva!
Posted by: Debi Bacon | July 22, 2024 at 05:53 AM
I just went to a quilt retreat and my friend was making square in a square quilt blocks using the foundation papers and she was happy as a clam about how they were turning out! I wish Eva a very Happy Birthday!
Posted by: CarolE | July 22, 2024 at 07:18 AM
Oh, my gosh! Eva will officially be a teenager! Many of your readers (including myself) have known her all of her life! Happy birthday, Eva! 🎂🎈🎉
Posted by: Jan | July 22, 2024 at 07:33 AM
This is such a pretty block, I can see a whole quilt made of them. Beautiful! It seems like square in a square blocks are a challenge, foundation papers are so helpful. It’s hard to believe Eva is turning 13, you will have a fun time planning a wonderful party. 🎂🎂🎂
Posted by: Sandra | July 22, 2024 at 07:57 AM
she's living her best life! that cold cold water feels wonderful on a hot day.
the blocks is beautiful but I'm surprised you didn't press the seams open. it is tedious and takes forever.
we had beautiful weather all weekend but it is going to be hot for the next 3 to 4 days. ugh.
Posted by: Ina | July 22, 2024 at 09:47 AM
Wow, that starflower block is really a beauty!
Yes, I'm echoing other commenters here that we cannot believe Eva will be 13. We have "known" her and watched her grow from the very beginning! Happy birthday to Eva!
Posted by: Sally | July 22, 2024 at 11:53 AM
13! I remember when she was born. We love Yosemite. My husband’s family camped there every year as he was growing up. So beautiful.
Posted by: Diane | July 23, 2024 at 09:41 AM