Grandma's Star - Block 13!

I've selected Grandma's Star for Block 13, as this block has special meaning for me, due to my grandmother.  My grandmother was an extremely special lady.  She was my creative mentor and my best friend, she showed me what it took to be a strong woman.  She was my hero, she was always there to listen, and she always provided me with excellent guidance.  For that reason, I wanted Grandma's Star to be Block 13 as this block will hold an essential position in this series and she was a essential influence to me.  Therefore Grandma's Star is special tribute to my Grandmother, Florence!

Block 13 - Grandma's Star

Grandma’s Star, by Clara Stone, appeared in the Practical Needlework, in 1906.  Grandma’s Star is one of those blocks that have been known as many names; 54-40 or Fight, Fifty-Four Forty and Fight, Garden Patch, Garden Walk, Nine-Patch Star, An Old Fashion Pinwheel and a few more. 

The original design is as I’ve presented it in this series, with the star being created with the background fabric.  Many of the other variations reverse that fabric placement.  As designed, it is a great setting block (hint).  If you are considering making my 12 Block Throw version, I will give a hint to those actually reading this, Block 13 is a great block to be use as the Setting Block for my first Quilt Setting!  More details to follow in the next few days!  Stay tune for a limited time download.

For my color plan for my 1st fabric selection; I went with a Split Complementary plan.  The Medium Aqua Green (7), I selected is my focus fabric for my 12 Block Throw Quilt Setting.  Pairing Fuchsia (16) ad Spring Green (4) for the chain fabrics. 

Michelle's Fabric Selection 1

 My color plan for for my 2nd fabric selection, I also went with a Split Complementary plan.  I went with the Spring Green (4) for my Medium (my focus fabric for my 12 Block Throw Quilt Setting.  Pairing Aqua Green (7) for my Dark and Yellow-Orange (22) for my light.

Michelle's Fabric Selection 2

We have a new tool for this week's block!  The V Block!  Love this Studio 180 Design Tool!  Also, we will be making 4-Patches, if you struggle, you should are considering using the new Four Patch Square Up.  If you need a refresher, be sure to check out Block 8's Blog Post.

This week's pictorial is on the V Block.  Detail directions and measurements are provided in the download. 

Cutting the V Block Center Triangles

1. Gather the  Medium Strip and use the V Block ruler to precision cut (4) center triangles. To cut the center triangle, layer fabric no more than two layers deep. Fold the end of the fabric strip, as shown in the illustration, ensuring the fold is deep enough to accommodate the slanted cut for the desired finished size unit and finger pressed the fold.

2. Position the ruler on the strip so that the dashed line labeled “Fold Line for Center Triangle” is aligned on the fabric fold and the desired Finished size line of the ruler against the bottom edge of the strip.

3. Trim along the slanted edge of the ruler and unfold to reveal the center triangle pieces.

4. Move the cut triangles off to the side and flip the strip over as shown below. Flip top to bottom if you’re right handed, west to east if you’re left handed.

 5. Align the center triangle trim line with the previously trimmed edge and cut your

next pair of center triangles.

 

6. Continue to flip the strip for each cut. Use these key words: Flip - Position - Cut -Flip Again until you have the (4) Center Triangles.

Cutting the V Block Side Triangles

7. Gather the Background Strip and use the V Block ruler to precision cut (4) pair of side triangles.  Fold the strip in half, wrong sides together on the cutting mat and clean up the selvage edge.

8. Locate the bold solid line on the tool that reads “Cut Line for Side Triangles”. Position that line against the trimmed end of the strip with the top of the ruler against the top of the strip and the desired finished size line against the bottom of the strip.

9. Trim along the slanted edge of the ruler as shown.

10. To make the next cut, keep the fabric in the same position on the mat and rotate the ruler as shown below. Position the extended diagonal line against the previously trimmed slanted cut. The bottom ruler edge will be against the strip edge and trim as shown below.

 

11. Each cut will give you a mirror image pair of side triangles that will be sewn to both sides of the center triangle.   Repeat until you have 4 Pair of Side Triangles.

Constructing the V Block Unit

12. Lay out the V Block™ units. Make sure that you are lining up the long edge of the side triangles with the edges of the center triangle.

13. Start sewing the left side triangle on first. Flip the center triangle onto top of the left side triangle, simply position pieces’ right sides together, lining up the slanted cut edges “tip to tip”. Stitch with the center triangle on top. Placing the center on top, while you sew will ensure you are sewing your best ¼” inch seam on the center unit. Press towards the side triangle.

 14. Now stitch on the right side triangle. Lay out the Left/Center Triangle Unit with the Right Side Triangle. Making sure you have it set up properly (to form a square). Flip the Left/Center Triangle unit onto the Right Side Triangle, right sides together. Stitch with the Center Triangle on top and sew your best ¼” Seam.

15. To trim the sewn units, position them on a cutting mat as shown in the illustrations, aligning the 4” “Finished Size” measurement with the seam lines. Trim along both edges.

16. Rotate fabric unit 180° and reposition ruler on top. Align 4 ½” “Cut Size” measurements with previously trimmed corner and “X” with the sewn seam  intersection. See illustration. Trim along both sides. Remember, the Cut Size of your unit will be 1/2” Larger than the Finished Size.

 

17. Repeat for all 4 Units

How great is that?  They are perfect.  That ledge you see at the top of the points, that is meant to be there.  Once you sew the unit into the block it will be perfectly lined up to allow for the 1/4" seam.

Now, my last advice for this block, is pay attention to those 4-Patch units.  You want your light 4 Patch units to run diagonal upper left to lower right.  And then the dark 4 Patch unit to run the opposite direction, lower left to upper right. 

I hope you enjoy Grandma's Star as much as I do!  You will want to look for another announcement in the next few days for the 1st Quilt Setting.

Make sure you read this week's newsletter, to see all the wonderful 12- Blocker the Timeless with a Twist Facebook group followers completed!

Getting Stitching,

Michelle