Summer Sampler 2017: Spring Star

Are you all ready for Block 10 of Summer Sampler 2017? This week we're working on Spring Star by Faith Jones of Fresh Lemons Quilts.

This time, we're turning from the usual 4-patch/9-patch set-up and branching out with a kaleidoscope-style block that's pieced in wedges instead of triangles or squares. As a result, the look of this star is a departure from what we've been doing all summer—but thanks to paper-piecing, it's shouldn't feel a whole lot different in terms of the skills involved.

So here's my tip for the week, and it involves what happens after the paper-piecing. Here's what I do to line up the wedge-shaped paper-pieced sections neatly:

1. First, I leave the paper on until I'm completely finished with the block. As I've mentioned before, I feel like the paper stabilizes the pesky, skinny little points on these units.

2. I start by lining up the seams, not the edges of the units. (If you to choose to align only one or the other, go with the seams! Uneven edges can be fudged when you assemble the quilt top.) To align these seams, place your thumb right at the point where the seams dissect the outer-edge seam allowance, and fold the paper/fabric back against your thumb (as shown in the photo above). This allows you to clearly see whether your seams line up exactly 1/4" in from the edge, like they're supposed to.

3. If the seams are aligned correctly, you should have a dog ear at one edge of the unit, while the bottom points should be generally lined up (as shown in the photo). Once you've got everything aligned the way it should be, pin right next to that point, and sew.

4. If all went as planned, the seam you just sewed should hit right at the point where the dog ear meets the edge of the unit, as you can see in this photo. If it does: Great job! If it doesn't: Oh well, no worries. Uneven edges won't show later!

Here's what it looks like when you've got the two units successfully aligned and sewn together.

And keep going in the same way until the whole block is together.

Enjoy this week's block! Don't forget that you can always join us, any time—all previous blocks will be available with your first download! Click here for more info, and be sure to hashtag your progress with the #summersampler2017 tag.