New 1904 Star Block Calculator

I've just uploaded the 1904 Star Block calculator. It is a fairly intricate block that I made with multiple quantities only, but I think I've broken it down enough for easy assembly. It does use templates and  I have learned to embrace using templates except when my printer is out of ink :)

Ideas from Pintrest

Pinterest has to be one of the best things to happen to quilters of all time. For those of you who don't know what Pinterest is, it is a virtual bulletin board for images. At first, I thought, "big deal", until I tried it. Now I have so many ideas for quilting and other things that the hardest part is getting off the internet and deciding which one to start first.

Kansas Troubles Quilt

In my previous 3 posts I showed different versions of a Kansas Troubles quilt block. Here I've put them together in a quilt. The original Kansas Troubles block in the middle with the other 2 variations around it.

Kansas Troubles III

Here is yet another variation of the Kansas Troubles quilt block. In this version you'll again use squares, half square triangles and quarter square triangles to make this block. To calculate what size the finished pieces should be choose a quilt block size that is easily divisible by 8 and follow the formulas below. All triangle seam allowances are for triangles cut from strips using triangle rulers or templates.

Kansas Troubles II

In my previous post, I described the Kansas Troubles quilt block. Today is the same named block in a different variation. In this block there are squares, half square triangles and quarter square triangles. Choose a finished block size that is again easily divisible by 8.

Kansas Troubles I

The Kansas Troubles quilt block was first seen in about the 1850's but it wasn't seen in print until 1890 with the name. See civilwarquilts.blogspot.com for more details about this quilt block.

Different sized half square triangles and squares make up the pieces of this quilt block. To make this version, decide how large you want the block to be choosing sizes that are easily divisible by 8.

Kings Crown

The King's Crown is a fairly simple quilt block using half square triangles, flying geese and squares set in a 2 by 2 square grid layout. There are several ways to use pieces in this block and as you can see at least 2 ways to select fabric.

Alternating Block Quilt

To the left is another version of the Broken Dishes block set in a 5 by 5 grid layout.

Delectable Mountains

A famous example of a Delectable Mountains quilt was carried on the Lost Wagon Train of 1853 by Lucinda Anne Leonard Worth.

Jewel Box Watercolor Style

I usually like my Jewel Box quilt in vivid jewel tones, however, I've seen some beautiful versions using subtle differences between background and jewel fabrics as well as using very earthy fabrics. They were stunning too.

Lately I've been experimenting with mixing traditional quilt blocks with watercolor style. In this example, I divided the block into a 16 X 16 piece block. Within each color group, there are 4 different shades from light to dark which makes 20 fabrics total.

Background

• light - 57 half square triangles
• medium light - 40 squares
• medium - 48 squares
• medium dark - 24 squares

From each of 4 color groups

• light - 12 half square triangles
• medium light - 10 squares
• medium - 8 squares
• medium dark - 6 squares

Happy Quilting, 

Jeanne

Quilt Genie - Jewel Box designer

Quilt Genie - Jewel Box designer

Hunters Star Watercolor Quilt

Here's another way you can have fun with the Hunter's Star block. Each quarter is 16 squares by 16 squares with 8 different fabrics in 2 color or shade groups. If you use 2 inch finished squares (perfect for jelly rolls), you'll have a beautiful watercolor quilt for a table top or as a wall hanging in no time.

I've done a similar quilt in Christmas fabrics - reds and greens - and it was great and very festive.

Happy Quilting,
Jeanne

Scrappy Hunters Star Quilt

In this design, there are 4 fabrics chosen from each of 2 color groups to make each block. To use the Hunter's Star fabric calculator, choose the special ruler method and you'll have to divide all the fabric and pieces instructions by 4.

Happy Quilting,
Jeanne

Quick Hunters Star Throw - Part 4

Binding

1. If the number of binding strips are greater than 1, sew strips together by laying ends right sides together forming an L.
2. Sew on diagonal where fabrics cross from upper left to lower right.
3. Trim excess to ¼ inch.
4. Repeat to make a continuous strip; press seams open.
5. Fold and press strip lengthwise in half wrong sides together.
6. Leaving a 5 inch tail, sew binding to quilt top matching raw edges with a  ¼  inch seam allowance.
7. Stop  ¼  inch before corner with needle down.
   

Quick Hunters Star Throw - Part 3

Sandwiching Quilt

You will need a backing fabric of at least 88 by 64 inches, but a bit larger would be better.

1. Place pressed backing right side down on a flat surface large enough to lay flat; tape in place at sides, then corners.
2. Lay batting on top of backing and smooth wrinkles; tape in place at sides, then corners. (If using slippery batting, spray baste to baking and top.)

Quick Hunters Star Throw - Part 2

Border

1. Cut and/or piece 2 strips of border fabric the length of quilt top measuring from middle.
2. Sew borders to sides using ¼ inch seam.
   

Quick Hunters Star Throw - Part 1

This Hunter's Star throw measures about 84 by 60 inches finished and used 2 fabrics for blocks and borders. Use the Hunter's Star fabric calculator with the following settings for fabric requirements and instructions to make the blocks:
24 inch block
2 columns
3 rows
The other settings can be set to your preferences.

Hunters Star Fabric Calculator

Just added at www.myquiltgenie.com a new fabric calculator and layout previewer for the Hunter's Star quilt block. You can choose from 4 different methods of making half square triangles, from 1 to 100 blocks with sizes from 4 to 36 inches and 5 different fabric sizes.

Hunter's Star quilt block fabric calculator

Happy Quilting,
Jeanne

New ePattern Big Block Quilts

Big Block Quilts

Four quilt patterns for big block quilts that are about 45 inches square available at Amazon and Smashwords or print versions at Ebay and Cafe Press.

Forest Path Quilt Calculator

Just added, the Forest Path quilt block fabric calculator with layout viewer at www.myquiltgenie.com. You can choose from 4 different cutting/sewing methods, block sizes from 3 inches to 36 inches and figure out how many fat quarters or fat eighths you'll need for your project. Enjoy!

Happy Quilting,
Jeanne