Sunday, April 14, 2013

Scrap Basket Sunday - Week 1

I have some progress to share on Scrap Basket Sunday.



Last Sunday, I told you about my decision to join Kim's Scrap Basket Sunday sew-along.  I'm making LeMoyne star blocks out of fabrics left from my Fig Tree Quilts projects.

Here is my test block.  It came out pretty well if I do say so myself; look at how those points match in the center!

 
My blocks will be 7 inches square, finished.  I chose this size pretty much at random, not having a final vision for the layout of the quilt in mind yet.  It just seemed a good size for the scale of the prints I will be using. 
 
I am using a tool called the Rapid Fire LeMoyne Star ruler, designed by Deb Tucker.  The special construction technique using this ruler allows you to strip piece units and assemble the block without any Y seams.  So far, so good; my blocks have come together easily and accurately.  The block above has been trimmed to size.    Deb's video tutorial for the block is here; she does a better job of explaining it than I can.  The ruler comes with illustrated directions for use which I found very easy to follow.
 
I bought my ruler a couple of years ago at a quilt show.  Deb Tucker was vending at the show.  What a dynamo!  She has a lot of very original ideas for easier construction of traditional blocks.
 
In the directions, she gives the option of pressing the final seams in one direction or pressing them open.  I decided to give both a try.  I pressed the seams in my first block (above) to the side and that worked well, then I tried pressing the seams open on the next block.  That worked even better so that's how I am proceeding.



My three finished blocks, hanging on my design wall. 

Go over to Kim's place to check out the other scrap basket projects.


10 comments:

  1. Very pretty and those points are impressive! You should be pleased! Thanks for sharing.

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  2. Those stars look perfect, I'm happy to hear they were easy to piece. I've seen that Deb Tucker at quilt shows but just kept on walking, maybe I'll stop next time!

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  3. Oh, they look so pretty! They are going to make a fabulous quilt. isn't it funny how sometimes you have to try pressing different ways but there really is a "right" way for the project?

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  4. Your blocks are beautiful and your points are matched up just perfect...Love it!

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  5. I love these blocks, they're beautiful!

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  6. Stars are my favorites. I love the pretty colors you are using and your star points are amazing.

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  7. Those blocks are great! I've always loved stars of all kinds. I'll look forward to seeing your progress.

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  8. Gorgeous blocks and your construction is perfection!

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