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Let’s change those plain blocks into snowball blocks, that we learnt to make using the sew and flip method

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How about a bit of appliqué in those blank spaces, Look :lol: not hearts this time.

I've tried to use examples of combinations that we have covered so far, to show just how wide a variety of choices you have available to you for working with your quilts. It really is amazing what can be created with a few simple shapes :P

Also below is a PDF file with the instructions for making the Ohio Star

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Variable Star

I am going to briefly cover making a variable Star using quarter square triangle units as these are very similar to half square triangles, just a repeat of a couple of steps really. When cutting squares for quarter square triangles we need to add 1 1/4” inches to our finished size, then cut both ways on the diagonal. We will again be sewing before we cut as in the method used for half square triangles Although I would probably classify this block as intermediate rather than beginner. I think that if you’ve mastered the half square triangles, then a quarter square triangle is very do-able and it’s good to stretch ourselves a wee bit. Don’t be afraid to have a go, if it does all turn to custard, you can always toss it in your scrap bin to use in a crumb block.

Fabric Requirements

You will need two color ways that contrast yet work well with each other and a background, I have used pinks and greens

From the background cut
Two of 4 7/8” squares and one of 5 1/4” square
From the dark green cut one of 5 1/4” square
From the dark pink cut two of 5 1/4” squares
From your medium green cut two of 4 7/8” squares
And finally from the light pink cut one of 4 1/2” square
(Pic 1)

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Using the 4 7/8” medium green and background squares make four half square triangles as in the previous instructions for Split 9 Patch and Ohio Star (Pic 2)

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Making the Quarter Square units

On The reverse side of your dark pink 5 1’4” squares mark a line diagonally from corner to corner. Sandwich one of these with the background 5 1/4” square and one with the dark green 5 1/4” square. Sew 1/4” seam on both sides of the line as previously for Half square triangles, Cut apart, press seams towards the dark pink and trim dog ears (Pic3a,b)

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Your should now have four half square triangles, two of each pictured.(Pic4) To make quarter square triangle units just rinse and repeat :wink:

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Mark a diagonal line on the reverse side of your half square units, drawing in the opposite direction to your seam line (Pic5a,b)

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Sandwich two Half Square units as shown, butting the diagonal seams and ensuring that the dark pinks are opposite each other, In view B< I have folded back the top piece so you can see how the units need to be placed. Stitch 1/4” seam each side of marked line as previously (Pic 6a-d)

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Cut Units apart and press seam open to reduce bulk (A) You should now have four quarter square units that look like this (B) (Pic 7a,b)

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Lay out all your completed units and center square as shown. Pic 8