Saturday, May 14, 2011

Wandering star

May is Angela's month for our Sew Beautiful Bee, and she asked each member to make a block that is "us." She sent us this excellent blue fabric to work with and asked us to add a bit from our own stashes. So, after some deep introspection and meditation about who I am, I decided, "Katie likes stars!" I've been on a bit of a star kick lately (I asked the members of my other bee to make star blocks for me), so I found a pattern for a Wandering Star block in this old copy of Encyclopedia of Classic Quilt Patterns, which I picked up from my work library when it closed a few years ago (and probably haven't cracked open since).




This is a fine book, but it makes me realize how spoiled I am by all of the photo-heavy, step-by-step, super detailed online tutorials. This book was all: "Here's some templates. Cut out the fabric and sew them together." Did I mention that the block has set-in seams? Honestly, I didn't know what set-in seams were before I put together this block, but I figured out what I was doing (this explanation helped) and got some practice!

Sew Beautiful Bee block for Angela
I hope you like it, Angela! (Eek, I'm nervous!) Now, I have to admit the block is not perfect. I lost one of my star points when I squared up my block (ouch), and the set-in seams could be better. But I'm hoping what the block lacks in perfection it makes up for in likability. (Hey, maybe this block IS me!)

Perhaps I should've just made a block with the word "DORK" on it...


18 comments:

Jan said...

I'm sure she'll love it. It's a great block.

Elizabeth Dackson said...

Well, I think it looks fabulous, I'm sure she will love it!! I've never done set in seams before, so I will definitely bookmark that helping link you shared :)

Heather said...

It's beautiful! I love stars too and the the blues are perfect. I think imperfections in quilt blocks makes them much more original and personal.

Leah said...

I love it. Nothing I make is perfect, and it would drive me insane to try to make it that way. So I just do my best and hope it works. I guess that sounds lazy. But I just tell myself that I'm learning as I go along.

Becky (My Fabric Obsession) said...

That's really gorgeous!

AnneMarie said...

I love it Katie! I agree there was much contemplating before starting this block!

CityHouseStudio said...

Katie, I think it's gorgeous!
It's pretty darn close to perfect.
And the colors are awesome!

Anne - Tesla's Mom said...

Beautiful and so inspiring!

Tracey Jacobsen said...

it looks great Katie! :) (And set in seams aren't too bady, huh?). ;)

Megan said...

fabulous block Katie!

Angela Nash said...

I do love it - and I can't believe you had never done set-in seams before this block! Thank you so much for trying them out for me, because I love stars, too.

Sallie said...

You're too hard on yourself! It is great and I love the colors! When it's quilted, you won't be able to pick out a missing point.

Lee said...

It's gorgeous! I love it!

felicity said...

I salute you for braving set-in seams so beautifully. This is wonderful!

A.J. Dub. (Amy) said...

I think it's a pretty cool block!

audreypawdrey said...

It is beautiful! I am trying to learn how to make more advanced blocks, too, and it is tricky! You did a fabulous job and I know she will love it.:)

casquette new era said...

realize how casquette lacoste spoiled I am by all of the photo-heavy, step-by-step, super detailed online tutorials

Hannah said...

wow, you are quite talented! :)