Monday, April 26, 2010

Martha Washington Star

This block is named for the first First Lady of the United States.  According to her biography at US History.org, she seemed to be a beautiful but uncomplicated woman.  Maybe that's why this block is named after her.

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As usual, 12" block measurements are listed first with 8" block measurements in parenthesis.  Before you start, make sure to check out the Flying Geese Tutorial to refresh your memory on our fast and easy flying geese method.  The math is done for you, but it's necessary to be familiar with the steps of construction (they are not shown here).  


Step 1: Cut as follows.
Light
  • Cut 1  7 1/4"square (8" block -- 5 1/4").
  • Cut 1 4 1/4" square (8" block -- 3 1/4").  Divide into 4 quarter-square triangles.  
  • Cut 2 3 7/8" squares (8" block -- 2 7/8").  Divide each into 2 half-square triangles.
  • Cut 4 3 1/2" squares (8" block -- 2 1/2").
Medium
  • Cut 1 4 1/4" square (8" block -- 2 1/2").  Divide into 4 quarter-square triangles.
Dark
  • Cut 4 3 7/8" squares (8" block -- 2 7/8").
Step 2: Using your large light square and your 4 dark squares, create four flying geese using the easy flying geese method.  Remember that your pieces are already cut to size for this method; all you need to do is follow the steps listed to create your geese.

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Step 3: Join your medium and light quarter square triangles using a 1/4" seam.  Make sure to join triangles together on the short side, and be consistent about your layout.  Press seams.  When you have finished, all pieced triangles should look identical.

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Step 4: Join your remaining half-square triangles to the triangle units constructed in Step 2.  This time, sew on the long side.  Be sure to use a 1/4" seam.  Press seams.  You will now have four squares.

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Step 5: Create a pinwheel by joining your squares from Step 4.  Sew using a 1/4" seam.  Press seams.  You now have the cutest pinwheel ever.

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Step 6: Lay out your pieces and join as shown.  Sew using a 1/4" seam allowance.  Press seams.  You're done!

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