Kassaundra

CostumeG, hope your aunt gets to feeling better.

I did finish my one star block, this is finished 12 inches, so each star is 6 inches. I did to freezer paper foundation piecing it was awesome, I will switch to fp for all my fpp projects in the future. I drew out 2 small triangles, one for each of the two mirror images, and was able to reuse them for the whole block, so each one got reused 16 times.

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costumegirl

Oh Kassaundra!! That is a great block!! I didn't realize that you had reduced it to 6" - I really like it!! It is so dimensional!! and I love how the green makes a star in the middle! It reminds me of a Kaleidoscope! So pretty!! I can hardly wait to see your other blocks!

I guess I should pull out the freezer paper and try it

My Aunt is feeling better - she has a Dr appt Friday - I've been at the retirement home everyday - going back today.

costumegirl

I hope everyone is having fun with their projects and having good results

My DH and I have been very busy taking care of our four senior relatives these past few weeks. They range in age from 89 -98 and each one has had issues and incidents happen that we had to deal with. We are the only ones that live in the area now as all siblings have moved to Toronto with jobs so the care and stress falls on us. We do appreciate that we still have them with us and try to make sure that they are healthy, comfortable and happy. Situations are getting better and things are getting smoother.

I think the super full moon from a few weeks ago had an effect on each of them - let's just say that everyday has been an adventure.

I finally got time to play at my sewing machine today. I want a second set of blocks to make a larger "Stars in Her Crown" to possibly bed size using the same fabrics. I will be switching them around for each block. Hopefully I will be able to retreat more often in the coming days to sit at my machine and get lost in sewing these second blocks

costumegirl

Here is Block 1 for the second set. I had a bit of wonkiness going on with the bottom right side - the block measures 12.5" all around except it is out by 1/8" on that bottom quarter - maybe after I remove the paper on the back it will straighten out and be the right size.

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costumegirl

So I have a question for all of you that have worked with paper piecing.

Do you remove your paper backings before or after you have joined all of your blocks together?

I have watched a few online videos and have read different instructions given by different designer/teachers and some said to remove the paper before joining blocks together and some say wait till blocks are joined.

I'm thinking that when the paper is removed some of the bulk causing any wonkiness and the cause for making a few edges slightly undersized by a 1/16" or 1/8" might be able to be pressed out to achieve the final 12.5" block size. My blocks are turning out to be either correct size or have a quarter that is slightly under.

I also know that I have to be careful when pressing so that any bias edges don't get stretched out of shape. Perhaps when the blocks are squared up it will work out.

**Please share your thoughts and your experience with this

Oh - on a side note - I found my wooden Tailor's Sleeve Board and have been using that like a Tailor's Clapper and putting it on top of a warm pressed seam to set seams and flatten out the seam layers. I would place it on the seam right after pressing and then I put my 2 heavy pressing hams on top for weight till it cools ( only a few seconds). It has been working really well and I have noticed a big difference.

costumegirl

Barbara Brackman did a review post yesterday "Stars in Her Crown Pattern Posts and Links".

She re-posted the links for the block patterns, requirements and info and showed examples of different blocks and finished projects.

There is quite a variety and styles from traditional fabrics to modern - really worth checking out. There have been participants from around the world that have taken up the project.

http://barbarabrackman.blogspot.com/...sts-links.html

Also her group FB page and Instagram for "Stars in Her Crown" has many examples
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1999776300321330/

https://www.instagram.com/explore/ta...wnquilt/?hl=en

It's not too late to sew up a few of these blocks or put the project on your "to do" list. The results are nice whether your style is traditional or modern.

I have enjoyed doing this project even though there were a few "blips" getting the pattern printed and am happy at how the blocks are turning out. I do hope to continue with another set of blocks.

I haven't been able to do any sewing
My FIL has been in the hospital with pneumonia this week. He wasn't doing well last weekend and all the family came. Fortunately this past Monday he showed improvement by the hour and was really doing well - we all thought that he would be going back to the retirement home today however yesterday there was a set back. The family is again arriving from out of town so we will have a house full. Please keep him and us in your prayers.

costumegirl

I want to thank everyone for your very kind messages and words of encouragement these past few months - it has been a very difficult time for the whole family. We had many long days and nights at the hospital and although my FIL was steadily improving and truly rallying and getting better he unexpectantly passed away two weeks ago. We know that he lived a long, joyful life but losing him has still been very difficult for all of us - He was the glue that held the family together and the person that was respected, looked up to and made us smile.

Momentoes have been distributed, family members have left and returned to their lives, the apartment has been emptied, paperwork and legalities are being completed - a stillness has descended and memories will be cherished. Our remaining three seniors will be loved and hugged everyday.

Sewing and my projects will be my therapy as soon as I can get organized.
Again thank you - I truly appreciated your many kind thoughts and messages.

costumegirl

Hope you all are enjoying your July!
Getting my sewing stuff all organized and ready to churn out more of these blocks. I have a small window of time to work on this project and I would really like to get as much done as possible - my sewing area is my dining room so hopefully there will be few visitors in the coming weeks.

Has anyone made any more blocks? Please post your pics to help me get the creativity cranked up again!

Would love to see the fabrics that you are working with and what you've done

costumegirl

Finally got a chance to do another block - this is my second Block #2

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I switched in a fabric that I had previously put aside because I wasn't sure it would be suitable to use for this project but I thought I would try it anyways - I think it may look fine in the end with the other blocks.

Has anyone else been working on any of the blocks? Please share your ideas and fabric choices

Summer has been busy with lots of family visiting - It is always so nice to have them come and stay awhile. Hope you've had a great July and are enjoying August!

costumegirl

Wow!! September seemed to have just crept up on me and now we are in full "Fall/Autumn" mode and kids are back to school! Summer zipped by soooooo quickly!!

It has been a busy one especially August! ...."Drum Roll here"... My daughter had a beautiful baby girl on August 16!
She is our third grandchild and her name is "Maren"! We are super excited to welcome her to the family!! She looks very much like how her brother did when he was born but much smaller. DH and I left and flew to our daughter's the day after I did my last post - so glad we were there for her arrivall!! I helped out as "night nanny" for a few weeks so DD could rest and our little one has slowly got her days & nights straightened out and is doing well. Our Grandson who is 3 1/2 is absolutely thrilled to have a sister and wants to help with everything

We wanted to stay longer but with Hurricane Dorion causing major problems with closed airports and cancelled flights we decided to come home when we could - just got back this past Wednesday. The destruction that this storm has caused has left so many in terrible circumstances and my thoughts and prayers go out to those affected. Sending lots of ((hugs)).