annt59

Kassandra, cutting down, that's what I have been doing wrong. Also Janice, I have started to measure each square. Thanks for the tips. Looking forward to using these hints in my next block.

Libster

Annt59, when I cut my HSTs down to the right size, I always have to remember to cut some from all 4 edges. If I don't do that, I'll have a good point on one side with the point cut off on the other side. For a 4 1/2" square, I start with a 5 1/4" square, draw my diagonal line on the lighter fabric, and then sew 1/4" on either side of the line. Cut them apart and press to the dark side. You'll have 2 HSTs. Then I use my square ruler to cut them to size. On the right side and the top side of my pressed open HST, I'll cut maybe 1/4" off. Then I turn my HST around and cut on the right side and the top again, this time making the square 4 1/2". This way, both of your points will be where they should be. I find for me, I'd rather lose a little fabric by trimming down than to take a chance on my HSTs not being quite big enough. This works for me. I just thought you might like to try it and see if you're comfortable doing it this way.
I have worked on making my points right because I do love stars! Remember, practice makes perfect (so my Mama always said!).

Kassaundra

Also when you trim HST you can trim them while they are still triangle shaped, before you press them open. I was going to try and explain but it wasn't making sense. https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2014...-cuts-and.html She shows how to do it, this is the way I trim them, only I use a regular ruler, her ruler does look cool though.

Kassaundra

I got to thinking about something. I thought I remembered buying some quilting scraps fabric from an older quilter years ago when I first started trying to quilt, and I thought I remembered she had quite a bit of those browned colors and older fashioned patterns. I didn't do much w/ them at the time so I went deeeeeeep stash diving and found some. I had already saved a picture of a block that came up on a civil war block search so now I think I'm golden for the civil war block.

sewbizgirl

Beautiful block for Kass, Annt! Points are more tricky than they look, but I echo what Janice said about making sure you are sewing enough of a seam.. too scant and your points will come out at the edges.

Instead of cutting blocks down, consider altering the seams instead. Take them up a bit if the individual units come out bigger than they are supposed to. Then you won't have to cut off points at the outside edge. I've said it before... I pick out and resew seams very often, if I think I can make it better. I never leave it if I can make it better.

Like anything else, your points will get better with more practice.

Libster, your block for Jaba is cool. I noticed with that fabric, everything looks slightly wonky and out of square, because the lines in the fabric seem to make the pieces curve. Spacey... A whole quilt like that is going to be a fun optical illusion.

Kassaundra

I just finished Quiltermom's civil war inspired block. I hope this is what you had in mind color and style wise. The dark color is a dark green it might look black on the screen but I promise it is not.

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It took every bit of self control I have not to make that orange and green fabric into a fussy cut dressie, but I didn't think that would be to civil war like.

JayneW

Kass, your block is awesome and your self control is noted! If only I had some right now and could step away from the bowl of M and M's!

sewbizgirl

Great block, Kass!

D.Henson

Kass, that is a very cool block. I’ll bet that dark green looks great in person.

QuilterMomma

So perfect! Thank you Sewbiz and Kassaundra. Love them both. Appreciate all the effort you are all putting into my blocks.