I'm trying to make a block that is 6" square, finished. It is the same as this patch on quilter's cache, that is just the spiky part of the star (the middle of the three outer blocks). It is also the same block shown in the border of the quilt.

[url] http://quilterscache.com/D/DoveattheWindowBlock.html[url/]

I made a 6.5 inch square of background, then made two 3.5 x 6.5 rectangles of star spike fabric, and sewed diagonally, top left to bottom right of the rectangles and obviously, that just doesn't work out. I finally folded the rec and placed it on the square and realized that it had to be sewn on in an off set manner, so strip piecing is out because it needs to be so precise with the recs already cut and I worry that my blocks won't end up at 6.5 unfinished. Quilter's cache always uses paper piecing for this part of the star in all the blocks that have this patch.

Is anyone aware of a strip piecing method? I have all 24 of my squares cut, so I need to be very careful and very little spare fabric to cut more. All other blocks for the quilt are made.

If I have to paper piece, am I going to need to put a 6.5 square of the star spike fabric over the background square in order to get the right results for each side of the spike?

I have never paper pieced or used templates before.

BTW, does anyone know the generic name of that star with a solid center?

Diane

i think your talking about the Ohio star http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AiWGWQS...SIG=124n8d65l/**http%3A//www.shopsimplethings.com/ohio-star-country-chairpad.html

i have a pattern for different blocks if you want to see how to do it this pattern is sooooo easy to do even i can do it lol
mema

I know how to make an ohio star, so it isn't that one. The star in question is the one shown in the picture on quilterscache that I linked to. I was wondering what it's generic name is if it had a solid center. It has very spiky star points, kind of elongated.

Diane

i have a pattern for different blocks if you want to see how to do it this pattern is sooooo easy to do even i can do it lol
mema[/quote]

Mema,

Do you mean the star that I want to make? Or actually, just the patch that has the points.

Diane

i meant the points on the Ohio star without the center block

The ohio star points are even within the patch. I make them using HSTs sewn to each other with opposite seam lines.

The spiky star is a bit different because the background is a square, but the sides (spikes) only cover 1/2 of the patch area, at an angle.

I sewed this patch as one would a flying geese unit, but the sides come from rectangles, not squares, so it doesn't work.

I'm baffled!

Diane

There is a triangle ruler you can get that is used for making this. I think it's called Tri-Rex.

okay, if you search for tri rex ruler you will find lots of sights to go to. You have to type it just like that or you might find more than you ever wanted to know about vaccinations! LOL

this spikey star is used in Eleanor Burns book called Tennessee Waltz. The rulers come with the book to make it. I did several quilts uxing this particualr block with a plain center.

this unit used to be known as Peaky and Spike

really easy to cut and piece with the Tri-Recs set

centre portion is a 60 degree triangle, and the spikes are half tri's (bigger tri, cut in half with a seam allowance added to the longest side)

if you want, pm me and I can work out the dimensions

...gotta LOVE!! graph paper :mrgreen:

Update: That block with a plain center is called "Fifty Four Forty or Fight" It is an older one. Marge

Lisa,

Have I told you lately that I LOVE YOU!! This is the answer I needed! I actually have a set of rulers that I have never used (found them new at a yard sale last year), called "Tri-tool and Recs-tool," by N.Zimmerman and there are for a max size of 6.5....PERFECT! I just tested them on a block and I can use all the pieces I have already cut and not waste any fabric.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Diane :XD: :thumbup: :lol: :-D :D

Mic-pa,

Thanks so much! That is the name I was looking for. I did some searching and found the block on Quilterscache so I got some good instructions.

I just love this quilting board and all the wonderful and helpful people on it!

Diane

I like that block.

This is an illustration to show WHY the 30-60-90 angles DO NOT WORK in a Peaky and Spike unit.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-22974-1.htm

The approximate angles in the "Peaky and Spike" unit are:

the wide based triangle: 63.475, 53.050, 63.475 degrees

the skinny triangle: 26.525, 90, and 63.475 degrees

I have not been able to figure out a way to strip piece this unit.