Summer Sampler Series: Star of Virginia

Welcome to the Summer Sampler Series! I know I can't wait to get started, I hope that you consider joining in, for 3 blocks or 12! For my first block, I chose the Star of Virginia, found on page 266, block 2141b in the Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns. (Note: The Encyclopedia is a great resource, but not necessary to participate in the Summer Sampler Series).

Like many traditional blocks, the Star of Virginia has several names, including Variable Star, NorthStar and Sawtooth Star (of course, I chose to use Star of Virginia because I live in Virginia...) I found some beautiful historic quilts using this pattern online; this one was sold in 1836 at a fair organized by the Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society. Click on it. It's gorgeous!

Have you ever visited the International Quilt Study Center's website? Located at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the site is a treasure trove of information. This beautiful quilt on the left was most likely made in Pennsylvania in 1886; spend some time on the site, I guarantee that you will be inspired.
[International Quilt Study Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2003.003.0317]

STAR OF VIRGINIA TUTORIAL

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CHOOSING FABRIC
I think choosing fabric is the best part! I chose three fabrics for this block: Kona snow, and two Katie Jump Rope prints (blue ribbon flowers and blue basketweave).  Alternately, you can make this block with a solid instead of patterned background, make the star points scrappy, etc.

CUTTING

1. Cut according to the diagram below; note that the 3 7/8 inch squares and 7.25 inch squares will be sub-cut.

Block Pieces	Size	Cut
Inside Square (blue ribbons)	6.5 inch square	1
Background (blue basketweave)	7.25 inch square 3.5 inch square	1 4
Star Points (Kona snow)	3 7/8 square	4

2. Take your 7.25 inch square and cut it in half, corner to corner.  Repeat on the other diagonal; you will end up with (4) quarter square triangles (see picture above).

3. Cut the (4) 3 7/8 squares on the diagonal one time; you will end up with (8) half square triangles (HSTs)

PIECING

(note: please use a 1/4 inch seam allowance; I would recommend pressing seams to the side for this block)

4. Each star section is made of (2) half square triangles and (1) quarter square triangle. 

Align the bottom edge of a HST with the bottom edge of a quarter square triangle (right sides together). Sew a ¼ inch seam along the diagonal edge. Press seam.

5. Repeat, by aligning the bottom edges of new HST with the quarter square triangle as shown above (right sides together). Sew on the diagonal (bias) edge and press. You have completed one of your flying geese/star points. 

6. Repeat steps 4 & 5 three more times; you should have four identical units.

7. Lay out your block as shown. 

8. Putting right sides together, sew block A to B and B to C, press seams. 

9. Putting right sides together, sew block D to E and E to F, press seams.

10. Putting right sides together, sew block G to H and H to I, press seams. 

11. Refer to the diagram below: match seams in blocks A & B, pinning on both sides of the seam.

Pay attention to where the HSTs meet in a point--I mark the spot with a pin.  Sew a 1/4 inch seam and try to sew right through the point--it will help your star look like a star :)

12. Repeat, match seams in blocks B & C; sew & press seams.

13. Tada! Your block is complete! Your block should measure 12.5 inches; trim it down, if necessary. (Please let me know if you have any questions.)

14. Show your friends! Consider adding pictures to the flickr pool, and make sure to check in with Faith on Wednesday and Lee on Friday for blocks 2 &3. 

Note: There are multiple ways to piece this block; you can use HSTs to piece the star points, or you could construct your flying geese using squares and rectangles. I liked the look of the quarter square/half square combo--it seemed "cleaner" as well as more traditional for this block, but either would work.