The Star Kissed tutorial/pattern is written for four different sizes, and I just HAD to make all of them. Tops were finished for three sizes and the fourth is in the works, but it was time to get one truly finished:
This is a single block based on 2-1/2″ squares, with borders added.
Finished at 36″ square. A fun table topper, wall hanging or baby quilt. Or, make four blocks for a bed size quilt (with borders, of course).
YAY!
How are you doing with your Star Kissed blocks? Remember there is no hurry, but I do like to know how it is going and if there is anything I can do to help.
Today I am sharing another option for your blocks. (Information on the entire quiltalong HERE.) Since the quilt is designed in four different block sizes, I decided to make four different quilts to show some ideas that might work for you.
These blocks are based on 1-1/2″ squares. Four of them, with triple sashing (also based on 1-1/2″) makes a 37″ baby quilt or table topper. Of course, feel free to add more blocks. I think it would make a striking bed quilt.
Keep stitching!
Welcome if you are new! Welcome back if you have been here for a while! It is time for the Star Kissed Quiltalong! This is an ongoing quiltalong with no deadlines and no race to the finish. It is a great day to get started.
You can find all you might want to know about previous steps in the quiltalong HERE, or you can link from the button to the right or the menu above.
Today’s focus is the star points, and then block assembly. It is possible that there will be some concern about fabric waste due to using the stitch-trim-flip method on the corners. I chose this method so that you can get REALLY scrappy and make every point out of a different fabric if you like. Also, those BONUS TRIANGLES are a lot of fun! I have made many projects with them at different time and will share those ideas later.
That said, if you do not want to use this method, don’t. You can make “no waste” flying geese if you like. Basic directions can be found HERE. You can make them any size you like depending on which size base square you decide to use. It should work out either way.
For EACH block you plan to finish, you need FOUR pieces of background fabric, and 8 colored squares:
*If using 1-1/4″ base squares you need FOUR background rectangles 3″ x 5-5/8″ and EIGHT squares of colored fabric 3″ x 3″. The flying geese will measure 3″ x 5-5/8″ as made, or 2-1/2″ x 5-1/8″ finished (you can probably get by with 2-1/2″ x 5″ if using the no-waste method).
*If using 1-1/2″ base squares need FOUR background rectangles 4″ x 7-1/2″ and EIGHT colored squares 4″ x 4″. The flying geese will measure 4″ x 7-1/2″ as made, or 3-1/2″ x 7″ finished.
*If using 2″ base squares you need FOUR background rectangles 5-3/4″ x 11″ and EIGHT colored squares 5-3/4″. The flying geese will measure 5-3/4″ x 11″ as made, or 5-1/4″ x 10-1/2″ finished.
*If using 2-1/2″ base squares you need FOUR background rectangles 7-1/2″ x 14-1/2″ and EIGHT colored squares 7-1/2″ x 7-1/2″. The flying geese will measure 7-1/2″ x 14-1/2″ as made, or 7″ x 14″ finished.
The sewing steps for all four sizes are the same. Remember, I am showing the stitch-trim-flip method for flying geese here.
2. Line up the square on one of your background rectangles. I like to stitch from the side to the corner. It keeps the corner from being eaten in the feed dogs.
3. While you are at it, go ahead and stitch a second seam 1-2″ to the outside (towards the corner) from the first one. This created bonus triangles that are all stitched together and ready for a project.
4. Trim! Cut between the two seams.
5. Set the bonus triangle aside. You might want to get a box or something for the purpose. They are so much fun to play with and turn into a future project.
6. Press open. Repeat three more times.
7. Use the remaining four squares to form the other side of the flying geese.
8. Ta-dah! They are so satisfying!
9. Lay out the block. Notice that the corner four patches are all touching the star points.
10. The only tricky part of assembly is lining up those points. I recommend pinning. Mine still aren’t all perfect, but it helps a lot.
11. And, YAY YOU! A finished block. Admire it for a while, and go make some more.
Thanks for quilting along! In the next week or two I will show you some layout ideas and tops I have made using the various size blocks. Feel free to share yours, too. Let me know how this is going for you and ask questions. It is challenging to write for so many sizes and options, and your questions will help make it better for all of us.
I am working on another layout variation for the Star Kissed Quilt.
How is yours coming?
Any questions?
The final step in the quiltalong and a number of alternate ideas coming soon.
If you are new to the Star Kissed Quiltalong, welcome! No, you are not late. Today is the perfect day for a new idea. You can find all you might want to know about the quiltalong HERE, or you can link from the button to the right or the menu above.
It’s finally time to get sewing! YAY!
Hopefully you have decided what size squares you are going to use and how many blocks you are going to make. If you need more thinking time, feel free to stop by the QUILT SIZE CONSIDERATIONS post for information and suggestions.
Whatever size base square you are using, these directions are for ONE block. So, if you are using 2-1/2″ base squares and making a baby quilt, you only need to create ONE set of a single 25-patch and FOUR 4-patches. If you are using 1-1/2″ base squares and making a queen size quilt, you need to create THIRTY SIX 25-patchs and ONE HUNDRED FOURTY FOUR 4-patches. (Don’t give up already, it isn’t as bad as it sounds.)
Go to your cut squares boxes, or start one now. Get out some scraps (you do have them, don’t you) and start cutting. The more the merrier. You can do it “anything goes” style or controlled scrappy, but remember that the star points will give a dominate color to the quilt anyway and “anything goes” is kind of fun.
If using 1-1/4″ squares, the finished 25-patch should be 4-1/4″ or 3-3/4″ finished. The 4-patches should be 2″ or 1-1/2″ finished.
If using 1-1/2″ basesquares, the finished 25-patch should be 5-1/2″ or 5″ finished. The 4-patches should be 2-1/2″ or 2″ finished.
If using 2″ base squares, the finished 25-patch should be 8″ or 7-1/2″ finished. The 4-patches should be 3-1/2″ or 3″ finished.
If using 2-1/2″ base squares, the finished 25-patch should be 10-1/2″ or 10″ finished. The 4-patches should be 4-1/2″ or 4″ finished.
Let me know how it is going, and feel free to ask questions. I look forward to hearing and seeing your progress.
Your response to Star Kissed was so kind! Thank you!
I am still sewing along on blocks. There are 8 of them now. And I still like them a lot.
So, here’s the deal: If you find this project interesting, start gathering squares–1-1/2″ or 2″ or 2-1/2″. Whatever makes you happy. I will shortly produce a quiltalong that will make a quilt using that size. It has been a while.
Come, sew along!
I caught up on the “curvy” blocks by not doing them curvy.
See, I knew that there was little chance I could complete 28 applique blocks and there needed to be some connection in the quilt.
So, (ta-dah!) I have started on these little blocks that mirror the center of the modified curvy blocks.
Good choice?
Thanks to Melissa for the Seeing Stars Quiltalong. Even though I have changed a few things, I have found it most inspiring.
Still playing catch up. 
I wasn’t feeling very “improv” myself, I guess, but the Improv Blocks came out as Basic Blocks. Maybe I should have varied the centers somehow? But, at least they are done.
And the Basic Blocks, too.
Nearly caught up and looking forward to next week’s final release of the Seeing Stars Quiltalong.
The first blocks of the Seeing Stars quilt-along came out this week: 24″ Double Star Block. 
People will sometimes comment that they are surprised I can work with such small pieces. Actually, the challenge this week was working with such LARGE pieces. It has been a long time. When working across long seams and big pieces things like direction of grain and pinning become much more important.
Also, my thanks to Melissa for a great tip this week. Check out her post and see how she pins pieces to help her flying geese be more precise. It really makes a difference.
I am happy with the results so far and can hardly wait until Wednesday and the next challenge.
Wedding Dress Blue 