Another project idea that I've had for a while is a Lemoyne Star quilt using red and white striped fabrics, sort of a peppermint effect. I don't know whether I would go with the split star, or the plain one, or both. The split is really pushing the envelope of my piecing skill; I've done it, but the results are far from perfect, as this one shows. The irregular stripe makes it look worse that it is. Striking block though, isn't it? I don't have a plan for how to set them either. My inclination at the moment is to go ahead and make a bunch of blocks and see what happens.
If anyone has any tips for pressing these blocks, I'd appreciate hearing them. I used Alex Anderson's instructions, and she presses the center seams open. That seems very bulky, but perhaps bulk is unavoidable.
Love the red! Beautiful stars, Kay.
ReplyDeleteI press the seams open too. It makes the pieces lay really flat. Use lots of starch too.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the little one over the big star. . . like it makes a difference! Kudos to you if you pull this one off.
ReplyDeleteOh I loveeee this! LeeHaven votes for both - a mix. Make a bunch, have a Block Party, and see what happens!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely press open because the quilting is a real bummer at the end. Speaking from real, honest-to-goodness experience on that front.
These are just lovely, Kay. Just makes me smile.
So cute, Kay. (But then, I'm such a sucker for red & white.) Yep, press the seams open. And I like the smaller one too--just because of the way the pieces come together.
ReplyDeleteThese are great - so the split star would have 16 seams meeting in the middle?? i am almost in tears of frustration just thinking about having to do that! Im looking forward to seeing what you do with them.
ReplyDeletePaula, the seams meet in theory, at least :) Some of these are less than perfect, but it's hard to tell.
ReplyDeleteThe blocks look great! Terrific idea to do them with plaids.
ReplyDeleteGreat looking blocks, and I like them both sizes too. What a brilliant idea to do them in plaid.
ReplyDeleteI love the red and the stars in both sizes Kay. Very bright and cheerful. Ditto on the starch. Make those things stand on their own *grin*
ReplyDeleteI love the way you are making these fetching blocks and will "see what happens" next with them.
ReplyDeleteYou go, girl!
I think Jan Krentz says the same about seams. She does all of her stars seams open and starches them to protect the bias.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty!
Loving these stars. Maybe should try that for my indigo stars.
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