January 14, 2014

Dreaming of Stars Blog Tour


 
 
Welcome to the Dreaming of Stars Blog Tour hosted by Timeless Treasures Fabrics!  Dream Basics is a new line of gorgeous dotty "basics" fabric in 30 colors.  Each day this week, a different designer will share a tutorial for a star block using new Dream Basic fabrics, and give away half-yard cuts of the fabrics used for the tutorial.  Wrapping it up on Friday, Timeless Treasures Fabrics will give away a 30-piece fat quarter bundle of the entire collection! 

My star block doesn't have a name yet, so if you'd like to win a bundle of the fabrics I used for my block, just leave a comment here with your suggestion.  If you're a "no-reply" visitor, make sure I have a way to get in touch with you.  I'll select a winner using a random number generator and announce the winner on Tuesday, January 21.

Here's the schedule for the tour:

MONDAY, JANUARY 13 - Jessica Alexandrakis - Life Under Quilts    
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14  Kim Brackett - Magnolia Bay Quilts  (You're here!)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15  Nicole Daksiewicz - Modern Handcraft
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16  John Kubiniec - Big Rig Quilting     
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17  Kimberly Einmo

Here is my (nameless) 12" finished block.


And here are the Dream Basics fabrics I used to make it. 




Cutting:

From each of the Turquoise, Lime, Pink, and Citrus fabrics,
     cut a 1 1/2"-inch strip across the width of the fabric. 
From the Stone fabric, cut two strips, 2 1/2" by the width of the fabric.  Cross-cut into:
    4 rectangles, 2 1/2" x 4 1/2"
    12 squares, 2 1/2" x 2 1/2"
From the Sun fabric, cut one strip, 2 1/2" x the width of the fabric.  Cross-cut into:
    4 squares, 2 1/2" x 2 1/2"

 (There will be extra fabric left from the Stone and Sun strips.  You can use it to make extra blocks.)

Block Assembly:

1.  With right sides together, sew the long edge of the Turquoise and Lime strips together, then sew the long edge of the Pink and Citrus strips together.  Press the seam allowances in either direction.


2.  From each of the Turquoise/Lime and Pink/Citrus strip sets, cut:
          2 rectangles, 2 1/2" x 6 1/2"
          2 rectangles, 2 1/2" x 4 1/2"
          (If you cut very carefully, you should have enough rectangles for two blocks.)


3.  Arrange the rectangles as shown in the photo below.  This step will help you keep the colors in the right place so that your star appears to be woven. 


4.  Sew together a Sun 2 1/2" square to a Stone 2 1/2" square.  Press the seam allowances toward the Stone fabric.  Make 4 for each block.

 
 
5.  Sew a Stone 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangle to each of the units from Step 4.  Press the seam allowances toward the rectangle.  Make 4 corner units for each block.
 
 
6.  Arrange the corner units and rectangles as shown below.  Again, this step will help you keep everything in the right place. 
 
 
7.  Sew the 4 1/2"-long strip set rectangles to the corner units.  (Look for the black arrows below that show the corner units sewn to the 4 1/2" rectangles.)  Press the seam allowances toward the strip set rectangles.
 
 
8.  Now sew the 6 1/2" rectangles to each of the units.
 
 
9.   On the wrong sides of the 8 remaining 2 1/2" squares, use a mechanical pencil and a ruler to draw a faint line diagonally from corner to corner. 
 
 

10.   With right sides together, sew two Stone 2 1/2" squares to the units, sewing on the drawn line.
 
 

11.  Fold the inside corners of the squares to the outer point, and press. 


12.  Fold back the top layer and trim away the excess fabric 1/4" from the seam line.  Ditto for the other side.   

 
 
13.  Press the folded triangles back into place and arrange the block units.
 
 
 
14.  Sew together the top two units and press the seam allowances toward the unit on the right.   Sew together the bottom two units and press the seam allowances toward the unit on the left. 
 


15.  Sew together the bottom and top halves.  Before pressing, I suggest "rotating" your seam allowances.  To do this, remove the stitching from the vertical seam above the horizontal seam you just made to sew the halves together.  Just two or three stitches -- see the circle in the photo below.    If necessary, turn it over and remove the stitches from the back, too. 


16.  Press the seam allowances in a counter-clockwise direction.  You should see a tiny four-patch like this one in the center of your block.  Doing this will allow you to rotate the block in any direction and still have tidy, nestling seam allowances. 


Even if you make identical blocks, you can rotate them so it appears that you have a different fabric placement in each block.  See?


And here's a digital version of what your quilt might look like. 


I hope you enjoy the tutorial.  Don't forget to visit the rest of the blogs, as well as Timeless Treasures' blog.  Have a good week!     
 

152 comments:

Anita said...

Fantastic design, fantastic colors and fantastic fabric!

Abby and Stephanie said...

Love the fabric and your block. You give great details in your tutorial too! I'm a visual kind of gal.

knottygnome said...

so bright and colorful! love it.

Purl Buttons said...

Charming! I would call it Magnolia Star. The quadrants remind me of furled magnolia buds.

Brenda said...

How about "woven stars"? great block.

Anonymous said...

Ohh - it's beautiful! I think it looks like a "woven star". Thanks so much for the chance to win. :)
samtaylorcjsmimi (at) yahoo (dot) com

Thimbleanna said...

I love your block! Those dots are sooooo pretty -- I love the bright, happy colors!

SueAnn W said...

I wasn't sure I'd like these colors together but once I scrolled through th whole tutorial I knew I'd like this block. Thanks for the pattern
skeetersaw@comcast.net

Hayley said...

Woven streamers? Looks lovely :)

SewCalGal said...

Star Bright, Star Delight

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Kim @ TiesThatBindQuilting said...

Something about it reminds me of feathers (especially the individual quadrants) so I'd go with Feathered Star.

Lou said...

Love it!!! Haw about Braided Star?

Therese said...

Your star sections look like tulips. Perhaps'blooming star.'

Jocelyn said...

Wow your star looks fabulous! What about "Rainbow's End".

Brandy said...

I would call it Woven Star. It's very beautiful, thank you for sharing!
~Brandy
brandizzle7133 at gmail dot com

Lori S said...

naming is always so hard! My best offering is Plaited star.

cynthia said...

How about Stratastar?

Nancy in Denver said...

I also thought it looked like a woven star. Reading the comments tho, I really like Magnolia Star as suggested by Purl Buttons. Thanks for the chance to win.

nkadenver at yahoo dot com

Sallie said...

Happy Star! All those bright colors make me happy!

Anonymous said...

star weaver Mary powell omegamary@juno.com

Anonymous said...

HELLO, NEAT BLOCK!
MAYBE IT SHOULD BE CALLED 'STAR CROSSED'? THANKS FOR SHARING!

msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

Barb Johnson said...

I really like the colors you chose. This would make a great baby quilt! How about "Woven Rainbow" for a name?

Is there any thread on me.... said...

I would call the block...Springtime Knot

Megan said...

I like how light and bright it is. I'd name it 8 pointed braided star.

beaquilter said...

cool block!

Bonnie said...

Love your star block! I would name it Rainbow Star Delight.
bhometchko(at)hotmail(dot)com

Jennifer said...

I like the name Starbright Weave! Whatever you call it, it is fantastic for a baby quilt. Thanks for the great tute.

Christine S said...

Color Weave is what came to my mind :)

Allison said...

Beautiful block and quilt! How about "Stars and Stripes?"

Kim said...

Very pretty block! How about Starburst?

Unknown said...

I would call this "strippy star" or "cross star"

Unknown said...

or "woven star"

RosaleenDhu said...

Oh, I love it! There's something about the stripes that makes me think of nebulas, so I'd name it Spinning Nebula.

Bethany said...

I love the fabric you used, the colors are lovely.

Julie said...

Hello, What a fun block. My choice for a name for your block would be flowing ribbon star.

Billy'sgirl said...

My first thought was of a beach umbrella when I was a little girl.
That would be my suggestion...
Beach Umbrella.

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

What a bright and cheery star! I think I would have to call it Star Cheer; it would make a wonderful quilt for a little girl, or a hospital patient... or anyone feeling down. You can't help but smile! :-)

Debbie D. said...

I love your star block, Kim! It's easy enough for a beginner (like me), it's fresh and new, and the colors really pop! My suggestion for a name would be "Tutti-Frutti".
Debbie
Contact me at debric8869@gmail.com

Joanna said...

This lovely star reminds me of assorted candies or a fruity tropical drink. The name is suggest is Caribbean Star.

JoyceLM said...

I think Ribbon Star would be a good name for your lovely block. Thanks for the tutorial & the chance to win.

Rhonda said...

The star is beautiful. I'm thinking Woven Dotty Star would be an appropriate name.

Karen4Q said...

I would call them tulip stars

Emerauld said...

Winding Ribbon is what I'd call it. It reminds me of grosgrain ribbon projects that I make.

DuAnne said...

A Weavers Star. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

Melissa said...

Entwined Star?

Gill said...

Love it!
Woven rainbow??

teachpany said...

Love it! I think Woven Ribbon star is a good name. This is really a neat design, and great use of the colors.

Unknown said...

Crossroads Star

Lisa said...

I would name it "The Rising Sun".

Rosa said...

Yummiest design,fabrics and love your layout.Thanks for the tuto!

Karen said...

So bright!! I'd call it Swirling Stars.

Donna said...

Colorful Ribbon Star is my suggestion because it looks like it is made out of ribbon strips. Nice block!

Sinta Renee said...

Love your star block Kim! I have no clues for a name... they all sound good!

LisaT said...

How about ribbon star? Thanks!

Beausoleil Quilts said...

Some great suggestions here. I was thinking of naming it after a state - like other stars- and checked your location -perfect! Florida Star.

Christine said...

Beautiful fabric and the block should be named the Ribbon Block!

Deb@asimplelifequilts said...

I would call it Star Weave or Woven Star...it is really a great block. The double lines of fabric are fun.

Cecilia said...

Beautiful! I would call it Dream Star.

Polly Blank said...

I thought of 4 Corners.

paront1222@comcast.net said...

Kim, I love your star! I think "Weavers Star" might be nice Peggy

PS: I'd love to win that bundle. I am a huge dot fan but really can't afford to buy that bundle right now.
I'm going to Instagram the fabric I'm using.....





Kathy H said...

Wonderful design and colors. I would call it dotting with the stars.

Pamela said...

What a wonderful use of color and line! It's beautiful. I would call it Rainbow Roads. Thanks for the inspiration and for your lovely blog!

Susan said...

These are just beautiful fabrics and I love this star! How about Dreamweaver's Star for the name of this block. Don't we all hope our quilts help us have a dreamy sleep.

MB in MI said...

Such a clever star! thanks for this chance to win the pretty fabric.

Anonymous said...

Clever! Count me in please! Thanks bunches.

Vjquilter said...

How about Over-Under Star for the block's name? Love those pretty fabrics!

DeborahGun said...

it looks fantastic. I would call it Threaded Ribbons :-)

QuiltSue said...

I love it. How about calling it Interwoven Star, or Spinning Star?

liniecat said...

Such a smashing result and thank you so much for the tutorial, for dummies like me it's a real bonus! I had never considered removing those few stitches in that way to enable piecing together to become easier so have learnt much from this post.
Love the colour selection youve used too.

Anonymous said...

Love your block! Bright rich colors and so in motion. I think the block should be named, Sparkle and Spin. I can be reached at varanofobake.com

Susie said...

I would call the block Crosshatch Star. The block turned out great! Love the fabrics!! You can reach me at scanon@sprt.com.

Stephanie said...

All these stars are just beautiful! I love it! Star crossed path came to mind when I was drooling over it! Great block thanks!

LittleHouseontheDairy said...

I thought I was clever thinking of woven star. Then I saw it in the comments! I still like it though. Other wise maybe A Tisket A Tasket star.

Lori said...

What a fun block! With those fabrics I'd call it Caribbean Star.

Cece said...

Great design. Thank you.

Beth said...

That pink makes me think of grapefruit - I would call it citrus stars!

Brenda said...

Beautiful! How about "Dream Star"?

Leah said...

Great tutorial and lovely fabrics. The star is beautiful!

Farm Quilter said...

Awesome!!!!! Thank you for the perfect tutorial :)

Judy in Michigan said...

Too cute! I would call it "Candy Ribbon Star". Good tutorial! Thanks for the chance to win these beautiful fabrics!

Sowing Stitches said...

Lovely! Your background reminds me of the sands in the desert...which reminds me of camels...which reminds me of Abraham. I would call this block Abraham's Star. As I love to star gaze and wonder what Abraham thought when he looked up into the night sky knowing that his descendants would be more numerous than the sands in the desert and the stars in the sky. Lovely block!

Rina Mason said...

How refreshing! Love everything about your block from the colors to the design. Interlocking Star is what comes to mind when I look at it. Thanks for the great tutorial, this will be going on my to do list.

Allison Sews said...

I think i would call it the nestled together star

Wtrstone said...

Am loving the looks of this fabric! The irregular dots give it a great texture.

Darlene B said...

Love these fabrics! They are so fun and I can see some great baby quilts being made from these (if I win!!)

VickiT said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Terri said...

How about Vibrant Star for a name. I like the way the colors really make the star shine!

Nancy said...

Ohhhh, I like your star!!! I think it should have a fun name like Double Delight.

VickiT said...

Wow. Gorgeous color and what a great block. Thank you. I really love this block

I think I'd name this block Braided Dreams.

Sharon Decker said...

What a fantastic and dynamic star. Love it.

Linda Christianson said...

Summer's Ribbon Fun for the name of the star. The block would make a cute kids quilt. Love the colors

Diana @ Red Delicious Life said...

I'd call it Basketweave Star since it has the illusion of being woven in the center. Looks complicated but it's really not! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the how-to on the block construction, very easy was to make a classy block that I think should be named "Gelanto Star" because it looks so yummy. Keep up the good work. K

AnnieBikes said...

The block is great, and so easy to make a complicated looking block. Thank you so much for sharing it!

ThreadCatcher said...

I was thinking of Woven Star...whatever you call it, I think it looks great and the tutorial is excellent. Thanks for sharing.

Mary said...

How about Blooming Star. Each of the four sections looks like a flower to me. Great color combination!

Unknown said...

Hi Kim, beautiful block I love it! How about naming it.... Tropical Confetti

Marilyn K said...

Dots are one of my favorite fabrics and I love the way the colors work together here. Thank you for a fun block!

Suze said...

I adore the colors you chose for your block - some of my personal favs. The block is dynamic. I appreciate your showing what a completed quilt might look like, as well. I can't seem to get enough stars. Thanks for participating and all your great hints in the tutorial. Thanks for the inspiration and chance to win some great fabric.

Ginger said...

Basket star? Behind the fence?
Whatever you decide to name it, it's a cute block.

Anonymous said...

Oh goodness. It is a lovely block, full of lively colors. A good name escapes me.

Anita said...

Beautiful star, and fabrics. Ribbon Star seems like a good name

Unknown said...

Great tutorial and great fabrics!

Anonymous said...

Love the block and the cheeriness of the colours. I think Ribbon Star works a name for this block. My email is wainsare@bigpond.net.au. Cheers, Mandy

Clooniff said...

How about Ribbon Star, or Woven Star?

Lisa E said...

Nice! How about "Ribbon Rail Star"?

Jody said...

Love this block! And even though it's not original, I think "Woven Star" describes it perfectly.

kck83 said...

Oo-la-la! An awesome block design and perfect fabric line!

DebraKay Neiman said...

Love this block - "fence rails to the stars" comes to mind. Happy New Year from Oklahoma, USA. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

Betty said...

My first thought was Ribbon Star, even before I read the other comments! It is very pretty!

Anonymous said...

I love this star! It reminds me of basket weaving. Call it "Basket Woven Star" Thanks for sharing! I can be reached at pjblake@marshallnet.com

Linda E in NM said...

Fun block!
Maybe I'd call it Star Stripes
thanks!

Unknown said...

Being a quilter and a weaver, I think a good name would be WOVEN DREAMS. It is a gorgeous block.

Anonymous said...

I love this block. I would call it Dreaming of Ribbons.
Marlo
mamr51@aol.com

kbo said...

Love how it has the look of weaving and ribbons.... "Woven Ribbons"

Anonymous said...

I'd call this block "Ribbon Star"

1redhawk@gmail.com

wendy said...

Love the dotty fabrics and your block design. I would have called it the woven star but I see that's already been used. How about Star Weaver.

Anonymous said...

Lovely choice of colors! Perhaps you could call it "Dream Weaver"?

calico632 said...

I love your block..and those colors! wow! I would call it 'STREAMERS"

Deb Ny. said...

Love it! How about "Dream Weavers"? (Oh, now I have the song in my head!)

Janie said...

Maybe Spring Star Flag...very nice!

Vicki in MN said...

Love your star-how about woven strip star for a name.

Susan said...

Caribbean Star -- all the colors of the Caribbean!!

Anonymous said...

How does Woven Summer Star sound? Gorgeous colors!

Unknown said...

I love this block, I would name it the strip block or the happy bright block, because when I look at it it makes me happy.

moosecarol said...

Love the block design. I'd call it Ribbon Star

Pat V. said...

Woven Ribbons. Not cutesy, just descriptive.

Anonymous said...

How about Parallel Star. Love the block!
Sorry I don't have any of those "accounts" so I cannot privately leave my email address. Not comfortable posting it publicly in this comment (that's why I don't care for Blogger)

Nancy in IN said...

I saved at stripy center. So neat.
Thanks

KatheG said...

So pretty and colorful - looks like candy ribbons. Thanks for shharing.

Phyllis Mundell said...

Rainbow Cabin Star or just Cabin Star.

LeAnne said...

Springtime Star

Linda Mac said...

I love this as yet, unnamed woven star block! I would name it Dream Weaver. I am posting it on Facebook.

Debbie said...

You could name your block:Shining Star,Star Embrace,Woven Star or Laced Star.

Unknown said...

I think it is very pretty. You should name it the Knot Star, because it reminds me of a Celtic Knot.

Vicki H said...

I think Ribbon Star would be a good name.

QuiltDragon said...

Love the block - I think a good name would be woven star - that's what it looks like to me!

Jen Barnard said...

How about cabin of stars? It reminds me of a log cabin block. You didn't say if the giveaway is open internationallly or not - I'm in the UK.

Cat said...

I so LOVE this block. I can see making it in the future. And the fabrics really make it pop. I think that I would call it Interlocking Star. Thanks for the opportunity to get these great fabrics.

Unknown said...

Woven wonder! Beautifully done

Emily C said...

Stripy Star, Woven Stripes, Shooting Points Star. What a fun idea to have us name it. Thanks for the game =)

Valerie Gass said...

This is a beautiful block. I agree that it looks like a Woven Star. Just think how it would look in red, white,
and blues.

Lesauri said...

Not sure where my comment went, page disappeared on me. I would call the block Two by Two Star Block. Thanks for the great tutorial of the block.

Shauna said...

I like the names woven star or braided star, but also bright shiny star, those colors just pop for me. :)

Terry@ a quilting blog said...

I'd call it "Coming Together". Thanks for the tutorial!

Deb said...

Double Point Compass Star block.

Texas Quilting Gal said...

I'd name it friendship star (Star friends) or braided star!

Wendy said...

I love this block, thanks so much for sharing. The fabrics are gorgeous too. My first thought for a name was "Woven Star" but I'm not sure if there is already a block called that. Starcrossed?

magnoliasntea said...

Beautiful star block. Starstruck is what I'd call it.

Barb and Sharon said...

I'd call it woven ribbon star!
Barb@Witsend

Jonnie L Staggs said...

I like "Dream weaver's star"

Unknown said...

Beautiful colors and awesome block