Starry block for Katharine

Did you ever have a quilt block that seemed like a good idea at the time? It lured you in with it’s beautiful points, you found the perfect scrappy fabric, and then bang. You’re trying to sew it together and the seams aren’t lining up and you can’t even get it close to being flat?

That would be my May QCA Stars Bee block for the gorgeous Katharine. I have been lucky enough to be in 2 bees with her now, so I really wanted to make something special for this block.

Celestial star paper piecing block

Her brief was plain black background with lots of scrappy purples, magentas, fuschias and pinks. With a few hits of lime or aqua for variety. Of course, her favourite designer, Anna Maria Horner, does those colours so well. There is also some of the wonderful Australian designer, Emma Jean Jansen in there too.

The block is the advanced version of the Celestial Star by From Blank Pages patterns. Diane has since released a simplified version which I would definitely use over this version again. There are 132 pieces in this 12″ block. 132!!

Celestial star paper piecing block

The centre is a hot mess. I tried to get the seams to spiral and lay “flat” but it’s not pretty.

Celestial star paper piecing block

Lining the 12 sections up to sew together is a tough gig. I highly suggest using a light streak of glue along the seam line for these. They are way too thick for pins and I find that pinning paper piecing seams actually pushes them out of alignment more than just holding them and sewing slowly. The glue was great, but it does leave residue until the quilt is first laundered. There are some very obvious glue spots on the front of this block.

So, yes, it’s a stunning block for a lovely lady. I’m really glad I challenged myself and gave something so complex a try. I just won’t be in a hurry to repeat the performance!

Do you have one of these types of quilts hiding in your WIP pile? It seemed like a good idea at the time, but you can’t face finishing it?

Happy Crafting - Cassie.

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10 Responses

  1. Fiona

    Well done you for giving it a go & persisting. It’s the best way to learn when we push ourselves.

  2. Raquel

    It’s a stunning block, Cass! Way to take on a challenge. You have grown so much in your patchwork/ quilting skills & I think it is a direct result of pushing the boundaries. You are an inspiration.

    • Cassandra

      Raquel, thankyou so so much for your sweet compliments. I’m not sure about the inspiration bit. I just won’t take no for an answer. Ever. 😉

  3. Melissa (minniecat)

    This quilt block is amazing Cassie. Wow you sweat talent!!! Yes I have more than one block in my “this is a hot mess” pile that I don’t know what to do with but I’m not admitting how many

    • Cassandra

      It’s all part of the fun of quilting I’m sure. But as for sweating talent? I just sweat, mostly nervous of failing spectacularly.

  4. Melissa (minniecat)

    My laughing faces emoticons didn’t show up on my last comment so I will add LOL 🙂 🙂

  5. Ruth

    thats a great tip on the holding and going slowly rather than pinning. i found pinning makes them shift too – wondering about clover clips as it may be easier to hold together…

    • Cassandra

      I’ve tried wonder clips, but they just don’t seem to hold firmly enough going in to the machine, and I have to unclip them too early before they hit the feet. I just wish that the glue residue didn’t look so bad.

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