Prism99

I think you need to start with a theoretically perfect template and then see if you can block each piece to fit that. I'm not sure averaging all the existing pieces will work..... This is because the *angle* of each piece needs to be accurate in order for all the pieces to fit together.

MTS

That's actually Jan Krenz's method. I've done a few and it worked well.

I drew the size I wanted on muslin, marking the rows, then pinned the diamond along the outline. And starched the hell of it - gently, of course. The key is to let it dry completely before you remove the pins.

The other idea, about using coping strips, is also very doable - and much, much easier. I've used that method to. I would sew on bigger strips, however, and then cut them done to size (instead of trying to figure out the exact amounts). That way can make them all 15x15, for example. And I don't think the small differences in the width of the coping strips will noticeable. You can use the dark green fabric if you have it, or more of the light. I guess it would depend on what your background wil be.

The blue strips below aren't really the same size. You can't tell.

0tis

I did the very same thing about 20 yrs ago - I tried to make a lonestar - and I did not know what I was doing. Mine looked just like yours- I carried those around with me for years - finally burned them. Now that I understand what to do and how - that is one pattern that I have tried but still not very good at it. Its still pretty - I wonder if you could applique them to a piece of material... Good luck.

almostfree

This has scared me from trying a Lone Star! My daughter wants one, but I don't think I'm ready for it just yet.

okiepastor

That is going to be very pretty--I love the one with the strips!

lisalisa

This is what I was thinking. Anything can be saved with a sashing strip
:).

So sorry this happened to you. I was teaching my bff to piece the other night and she thought I was being anal about the lines being drawn accurately. I told her there is nothing worse than spending three hours on one block only to not have it come out right.

blahel

sorry this happened..they are gorgeous fabrics. Not much help as I have never done one but hope you can manage to fix it somehow.

luvstitches

I have not attempted this pattern yet but the colors and fabric you chose are absolutely beautiful. I hope this works out for you. I've had frustrations with quilt patterns as well, I feel for ya.

Rose L

Ugh! I feel your pain. I used to make these blocks for a living and there is a learning curve to them. Most especially if you have pieced each tiny diamond individually.

What is the size of each of the eight pieced diamonds supposed to be?

Do the group of four that are the same size match up? What about the group of three that are the same size...do they match up?

texaspam

I had a similar problem with the Bethlehem Star. Those diamonds are so tricky because of the diagonals. They tend to stretch when you sew them. I am not sure what I will do with my Bethlehem Star. It will be my last UFO to try to conquer.

I do have a couple of thoughts for you though. First, make a full size template of one of the large diamonds, maybe use freezer paper and see if you can use steam and get them all back in place where they belong, then starch them real good before piecing. Those bias edges may be willing to go back in place.

If not, how about making it look like a broken star by putting some strips of the background in between them. Maybe even do something off the wall with them. Lay each one of them out on a big background square and applique bias tape around them. Your diamonds are pretty. I would definitely try to use them somehow.

Because of my experience with diamonds, I will never do it again. Just make this one a converstion piece and enjoy it.