moonangel12

I really really like the looks of this simple star topper posted in the pictures section - http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-70774-1.htm. I want to make it for our room, but I was hoping to do more of a scrappy look. I have a whole box of red, blues, and greens that I had set aside for a string quilt... do you think I could combine the two ideas? Maybe sew 2-4" pieces together on a foundation square, then cut them in half to use as the HSTs in the star? Or would that look totally crazy? What I picture in my head looks like it would be neat, but that doesn't always translate to fabric well :wink: Is there a site that might let me plan it out, kind of like the programs many of you use?

wolfkitty

If you can't find a program, some people use graph paper and colored pencils to lay out a quilt.

moonangel12

I was thinking I could try that, if I can get away from my kids for a few. They always like to "help" me color :lol:

clem55

try www.quiltivate.com they have some block patterns and you can try out different colors. neat spot

sewcrafty

I you need graph paper here's a site you can print off for free:

http://www.printfreegraphpaper.com/

I tried going to the link you had and couldn't open it so the graph paper is the best I could help with.

moonangel12

I think the period at the end of the sentence is messing it up... try this maybe? http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-70774-1.htm

doowopddbop

This quilt is a simplified version of the Lemoyne Star. If you piece it with half-square triangles instead of diamond-shaped pieces, it goes together in a snap! (no Y-seams!) I taught this class to a couple of groups of 4-H kids, and their quilts turned out beautifully. You can see a slideshow here: http://www.quiltscapesquilting.com/slideshows.php
These quilts were about 58" square, but I drafted instructions for you using 16" finished blocks like the one in the link you shared. It makes an 84" x 84" quilt.

Yes, you can make it scrappy. Piece eight squares using your blue, red and green stripes. Cut them to measure 17" square. This can also be made with 8 fat quarters, one for every section of the star. Or make it with one print (2 yards) or 2 colors (1 yard each). It will take 2 yards for the background, 5/8 yard for the inner border, and 2 yards for the outer border. You'll also need 3/4 yard for binding and 5-1/2 yards for the backing.

Cut each pieced square or fat quarter into a 17" square. Cut each square in half, diagonally. From your background, cut four 17" squares (then cut in half diagonally) and four 16-1/2" squares for the corners. Lay out your quilt center, then piece the half-square triangles in each row. Be careful not to stretch those long bias seams. Press, then trim each HST to be 16-1/2" square. Place them back in position, then sew your rows together.

Cut your inner border into eight 2-1/2" x width of fabric strips. Cut your outer border into eight 8-1/2" x width of fabric strips. Piece two inner and two outer border strips together for each side, then add your borders, mitering the corners. If you do not miter, you may need to add more yardage for the borders.

I am attaching a couple of pictures, but my EQ6 program doesn't allow me to change the direction of the stripes. Hopefully this makes sense! Have fun, and be sure to post pictures of your finished quilt!

moonangel12

WOW! Thanks so much! I think it might actually look pretty neat with the stripes going opposite directions within the star like you have it. I will definitely be trying it "soon" - although I can't promise any finished pics within, oh, the next 6 months :wink: Just b/c I WANT to make a quilt doesn't mean I actually get to. This one is top of my list though b/c we do need something for our bed - I just wish it weren't so close to Christmas b/c I have sooooo much to do in the next 2 months!

moonangel12

I'm also thinking a piano key or 4 patch type border to tie in the scrappy look.... paired with white on white or solid white to tone it down a bit (that's what the background will be).