Done! (top at least!)

Piecing a radiant star block was a challenge.  It is the most difficult quilt thing I’ve done in my 3 years of quilting.  And to my surprise, I enjoyed the process and took my time.

I learned a bit too:

*Cutting the fabric on grain:  The book emphasized, heavily, the importance of making straight grain cuts of the fabric strips.  And its to maintain the integrity of the cut and then sewn diamonds.  But cutting on grain is not easy, at least for me.  I did the best I could and honestly, it was just fine. 

*1/4″ seams:  I used my 1/4″ foot, but I found that it will produce a slightly fat 1/4″.  I found this out by measuring my seam on a test scrap of fabric.  I adjusted by lining up the fabric edge just slightly left of the foot.  I didn’t even use the guide that is built as part of the 1/4″ foot. 

*Pin matching: This technique was a pain in the ass. I didn’t think I was clumsy until I tried to pin match (could also have been the mimosas; who am I kidding? Totally the mimosas.)  The book suggests drawing a line 1/4″ from the edge of the fabric or marking a dot 1/4″ from the edge. Then you match the dots (or lines) to the other piece using a pin to keep your seams accurate. 

*Clover clips are better than pins:  So, using pins to hold the fabric together can actually shift the pieces.  These little clips did a much better job holding the fabric pieces in place without distorting the seam.  I had no luck finding them at any local store, so I bought them from Amazon. 

*Y-seams: These are tricky, but not as bad as you’d think.  Or at least, since I’ve done some tricky seams while sewing garments the Y-seam wasn’t too bad.  The book doesn’t explain them well at all, in my opinion.  I think this tut does a much better job. 

*Sewing and mimosas totally go together: I did neither drew blood, nor sewed my fingers together.  Success!

So, now I have this half-star that I love.  I’m not sure just yet what I’ll do with it.  Pillow? Throw quilt? Wall hanging?  Stay tuned!