Block 42 ~ Christmas Star!

Block 42 is Christmas Star!  Christmas Star, by Eveline Foland, was published in Kansas City Star, on December 19, 1931. 

Block 42 ~ Christmas Star ~ Michelle's Fabric Selection 1

This block is made up of Diamond Rectangles, and four shades of Half Square Triangles crisscrossing the center.  This block was later published as Snowflake, also by Eveline Foland in Feb 23, 1933.  In just exploring my grandmother’s clippings, I found over 15 blocks reference as the Christmas Star, however this version I found to be my favorite.  It is extremely unique, I for one have never seen it, and therefore felt it had to be included.  While it will test your piecing skills, is totally worth it. The shading of the Half Square Triangles and Squares drives the eye outward creating great depth in the block.

This block comes together using the Diamond Rects and Tucker Trimmer 1, given the number of Half Square Triangles, we are going to use the Eight at Once method. 

You may have noticed that I didn't say easily.  😊  The Diamond Rects and Half Square Triangle units will come together easily, however putting together the Corner Units will test your sewing and pressing skills.  You will want to make sure you have a great 1/4" seam, are pressing well, and paying attention.    If you have been a hold-out on the Magic Pressing Mats, given this block and the Small Business Saturday Sale (SMSAT15 code Friday-Sunday 11/23-26), you may want to purchase one! 

Don't worry I have plenty of tips below.  Let's talk color first...

For my first fabric selection, I went with a Split Complementary color plan.  Starting with that wonderful Chartreuse (2) print, I went with a darker version of Chartreuse for my Medium, Red-Violet (14) for my dark, and Blue-Red (18) for my medium-dark.

Michelle's Fabric Selection 1

Then, for my second fabric selection, I went with a Triadic color plan, again starting with my light (which isn't too light in this case). However, it is a fabulous print which I will be fussy cutting my Diamond Rects to get that lighter pink of the Blue-Red (18) and an interesting design.  I went with a darker shade of the Blue-Red to be my medium-dark.  A medium Chartreuse (3) for my medium and Cerulean Blue (10) for my dark. 

Michelle's Fabric Selection 2

Okay, let's talk tips! 

After several weeks of Diamond Rects, you should be pros, but of course I have you making a new variety of Dual-Colored Side Triangle on the Diamond Rects.  As in previous weeks, make sure you layout your unit components.

Block 42 ~ Diamond Rects with Dual-Colored Side Triangles

 When you sew the side triangles on, you will be alternating the side triangle fabrics, as you will continue to apply them from opposite corners.

First round of Side Triangle, second side triangle going on

Should be easy, but if you need more tips on Diamond Rects, be sure to check out the Blog Post for Block 38. 

Next, you are going to make all those wonderful sets of Half Square Triangles via the Eight at Once method.   If you need a refresher, check out Blog Post for Block 4.    Using this method, will make the sewing of these units go quickly. 

Press and trim all those units!

It's a lot of pressing!  The Magic Wool Mat will keep those tiny pieces in great shape!

Trim, trim, trim - - Wow these are small!

Okay, now you really need to pay attention!   Layout the units as shown in the diagram in the Download.   It is a lot of small pieces that you will want to take your time, lay them out, and be sure to take a photo and check it to be sure you have it correct.

Right and Left Corner Units Layout

Next, using your best 1/4" seam, sew the units together as explained in the download, making sure to follow the pressing instructions, so that your units will nest in later steps.

Use your best pressing skills.  If you own a Magic Pressing Mats,, now is the time to use it, it will really help keep those units straight and pressed well given all the seams! (If you don't, you should!)

Flat with the Magic Pressing Mat!

Check out these seams... 1 inch finished units!

After those corner units you will fly through the Diamond Centers units.  Still may attention.

Diamond Centers

Make sure you are following the pressing instructions so that when you bring these units together with the Corner units, your seams will nest.

Just a few more seams!

Okay, now to put the units together.  I know it is a lot of work, but I promise it will be worth it!

Block 42 ~ Almost ready

Whew!  Did you make it?  I hope so, you been working for weeks on improving those sewing skills.

Well, I have to be back to my family and Thanksgiving celebrations.  I hope you and yours are having a great time.  Don't forget about my Small Business Saturday sale (SMSAT15 coupon code), active from Friday, November 23rd to Monday, November 26th).  15% off everything in my online shop.  Remember, us small business need your support! 

Enjoy your weekend,
Michelle