Today is the big day when we take our lovely fabric and really get sewing. Welcome to Super Stars Quiltalong Step 3: BLOCKS
We are about to make this!

I hope you like stars, but the name of the quilt, Super Stars, should have given you a hint where this was heading. “Super” because the blocks finish at 16″, and “Stars”, well, because they are stars. Not very creative, but we have to call it something.
Let’s get to work!
Get one of your sorted stacks. Set aside the 4-1/2″ squares. They will get their turn shortly.

1. Take the colored squares and arrange them in a circle. Make sure you have nice color distribution and like the look of each color next to the other. This was my original idea, but later on I switched two of the colors because it was too red-orange on one side and too blue-purple on the other, but this gives you the idea.

2. Take the fabric from the circle and lay it in two straight lines starting with Fabric 1. In this picture, the floral at the bottom is number 1.

Now is the color arrangement issue more obvious? It was to me, so I changed things up a bit.

Ah, much better. Ultimately, it probably doesn’t really matter. As far as I can tell, every block is going to look great in the end, so don’t stress about it, just think about it a little bit.
3. In the top row, take each fabric and sew it to a 5″ back ground square to make Half Square Triangles (HST). I like to use the draw-a-diagonal-line-and-stitch-on-both-sides method. For a full explanation of this technique, check out THIS tutorial. She does a great job. When finished you will have 16 HST.

4. In the bottom row, take each fabric and stitch to the one next to it–match up 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6, 7 and 8. You will again make HST. When finished you will have 8 HST.
5. Square up. Yes, I know that noone really likes to do this, but it makes such a difference in the results, particularly if you are using precut fabric, which never is exactly-precisely cut. You might have noticed a fringe of the colored fabric peeking out behind the background square in the picture above. Now you know why I wasn’t worried about it. Squaring up is your friend.
You don’t need a 4-1/2″ ruler, but, if you happen to have one, it is really nice. This one came free with a batting purchase.

6. Separate the HST into two matching sets. In each set you will have four color-color HST and 8 color-background HST. Add 4 4-1/2″ background squares to each set. (Note to self: I need to add a picture here.)
Using one set, lay out the pieces to create a faux-Lemoyne star. The center is a pinwheel shape and then the background-color HST form the points. Notice those 4-1/2″ squares have their turn in the corners.


7. Assemble block.
8. Do it again with the other set. Yes, this is a two-for-one deal! When you compare the two blocks you will see the color arrangement isn’t exactly the same. It is fun to try different combinations.
9. Ta-dah! You have two beautiful Super Stars blocks. We are going to do this 10 times to create 20 blocks.

The blocks go together quickly. I am thinking I will get several done in the next week or two. Please check in and let me know how you are doing. I hope to be ready for the sashing and assembly in a few weeks. How does that sound to you?
Also, if you want to send pictures I will be glad to share them in future posts–let us know what fabric you are using and send a snapshot or two of your blocks as they come together.
If you are just joining us and need the previous steps, here they are
Introduction and Fabric Requirements
Step One: CUTTING
Step Two: SORTING
Remember, the entire quilt will be posted as a tutorial when the quiltalong is finished.