Saturday, September 8, 2018

Scrappy Stars Sew Along

I decided I really needed to make a simple, scrappy lap quilt so I started  making some 6" stars for it. I challenged myself to make the blocks by the end of  this year, a few at a time. Then sew them together into a quilt in January or February. I'd like to get it done before the winter is over so I can actually use it.




I know from experience that if I really want to accomplish something, I'm better off starting small, then build up momentum as I go along. Start like gangbusters and I'll be stressed out and unproductive in no time. If I set small goals for myself, like, say, just make a few blocks a week, I might actually get something finished. These blocks will add up. They're so much fun to make. I've already gotten 12 done in less than 2 weeks. No stress, just having some fun. I'm also trying to finish my larger 3" nine-patch lap quilt at the same time and so alternate projects.

                           

For this one I need 30 diagonal rows. I've already gotten 15 rows sewn together but still have to add the rest to this finished part. Little at a time. . . . 

Anyway, I've challenged some in my Facebook group to sew along with me on the stars. I'm aiming for 50 - 60 blocks but you are all welcome to join me and make as many as you like. Make 6 star blocks and put them together into a small quilt. Or, make more for a larger quilt. Just see how it goes. It's fun to see what everyone has made and the fabrics they've used. 


I'm trying to make at least 5 blocks per week, give or take. I know there will be some weeks I'll get nothing done. But, by the end of the year, I should have a very nice pile of stars. Then I'll decide on the setting. I'll probably alternate the stars with plain squares. Indigo, maybe. We'll see.

Join our sew along and get the printable star pattern in .pdf format here


Or, here are some simple cutting directions to make one 6" block - 

Cut one  3 1/2"  x  3 1/2" square for the center
Cut eight 2"  x  2 "  squares for the star points
Cut four rectangles - 2"  x  3 1/2" - for background
Cut four 2"  x 2" squares for the background corners

This will give you a finished 6" x 6" block. 


I like to choose my fabrics one day, cut the pieces, lay them out on a cutting mat, set the mat aside and then sew another day. So far so good. 


Before you know it, they'll accumulate.

The small quilt challenge for September is American Crossroads from my new book, A Prairie Journey. You can order a signed copy here.





12 comments:

sue bennett said...

Great looking stars. The red strip that is on the challenge quilt, I would have never purchased it, but I do love what you have done with it. Looks really nice.

Unknown said...

Love it have to start mine on Tuesday

Unknown said...

Love it have to start mine on Tuesday

Anonymous said...

Love these little stars! I already have several projects going, but I may have to join in on this....I love stars, and I have a stash of Civil War reproduction fabrics that has grown too large....I have a feeling I will be starting this one before the week's end!!
Thanks for all the inspiration you give us!

Sandra B
scb304@juno.com

Kathleen Tracy said...

Sue - I know. I would not have bought that fabric either but it came in a bundle with some other reds and I thought it was perfect.

Jane Arthur said...

Oh Wow! Love the stars and love the 9 patches. You inspire me to start too.
Just a few at a time is a great idea. I also tend to start at a run and then burn out too soon. Thank you for sharing..

sue bennett said...

It really is perfect for that quilt.

Jennifer M said...

Kathy your stars are beautiful. Your making great progress. I love your fabrics and your choices you put together.

Jay said...

I like the idea of progressing at a slow and steady pace. I've been doing something similar with several projects. I don't have an end goal in sight for any of them, but when I get tired of one, I move on to another and progress gets made -- almost in spite of myself! I love the stars as well as the nine patches. Maybe I could do them next year? I have plenty of fabric, and maybe I can make some of your minis in between.

QuiltGranma said...

Love the little 9-patches. What is the finished size of the quilt you are aiming for? Will there be borders?

Marg's Primitive Quilts said...

LoVe the little stars block & the gorgeous fabric you used too! I may have to join and follow along too. LoVe doing little quilt projects that lead to bigger ones😊🌻 your little nine patches are right up my alley too! Thanks for all the inspiring ideas and projects!

el3nod said...
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