I am learning to quilt and have learned so much from you guys. I have made 2 quilts (lap size) and I am working on my third. I am doing the "Sister" block. I want to do this for my adopted sister and while I am pleased with the block (even though it has it's share of mistakes) I am overwhelmed by the number of pieces in this block. I tried to resize it and that didn't go so well either. The block is 17" LOL. I have 5 blocks made. I would like to put one in the 4 corners and one in the center. I am hoping for something simple to "fill-in" the rest. I do not want to take away from the blocks but really don't want to make more either (Is that being lazy?) Can anyone suggest a simple plain block that I can make for the alternate squares. My "quilting" abilities so far are stitching in the ditch, so I am thinking a plain block that big will not work. I would like to add, my 1st 2 quilts were 4 patch and I went with 4" squares. This block is a little advanced for my abilities but I loved the story behind the block and decided to try it. I think my sister will love it so that was my motivation to give it a try.

Please reconsider and make four more blocks. You will get better with the practice and have a better appearing quilt.

You could make the four blocks from the yellow/cream and quilt the star in them??

You're doing great ... just keep with what you're doing and you'll have a beauty. It maybe seems like a lot now, though later, you will be glad you did!!! :)

Great idea!

I think you will be happier if you make more blocks.

Nice looking block! If you want simple, I think I would look for a large print fabric that uses the colours from your block and put them in between.

I have this book in my quilt library (Marsha McCloskey's Block Party) and I refer to it quite often to find a coordinating block. I thought this might get your design juices flowing. If you don't know how to draft, I have EQ5 and could do a draft with finished size. Setting a block on point is a little more difficult but once you have the measurements, it is rather easy. A nine patch is a simple block but you can see how it compliment the Sawtooth star Hope this helps.... I have also included two other blocks that I have BOTH used. GOOD LUCK :)

Just playing - and I'm not sure of the measurements of your block so the proportions might be off a bit.

Kind of has a plaid thing going on.

I guessed the inner block was 15" and the sashing was 1" finished.

ANd my bad - I only should have the 9 blocks. Sorry.

Here's the same layout with just the 9 blocks:

Thanks. I like your idea MTS. I am gonna go with the 2nd or 3rd. That looks good to me and might be less frustrating with my beginner quilting abilities. LOL. May I ask how you did that?? I would love to be able to see a quilt before I do it. After my 1st quiilt, I bought alot of fabric from a store that was closing. I am ready to start sewing on some more! I do enjoy working on them...I guess I just like to make progress quickly. My grandmother is surprised I am learning. She said to me "you are learning to quilt? You the one with no patience?" and then we both laughed. (My Nonnie is 90)

Thanks again for all the ideas. Can't wait to finish.

I do like the 1st quilt picture that MTS posted the best...it gives a great flow to the quilt...it is just squares and you should be able to do that....like a checkerboard. Otherwise, the other 2 choices are good too. Whichever you do, your sister should love it! Keep quilting!!

MTS ... Nicely done for all!!!

The block is a very nice block. One of the reasons it has so many pieces could be the half square triangles (HST). There are shortcuts on making several of those at one time. Check the tutorials and search for HST's for the easier way to make multiples of these. It is a really cool quilt.

mltquilt