January Feathered Star - it ain't that easy!

[ajclapp]

I am still working on my feathered star. It is taking me ages!! I have got the hang of the technique (at last) and am pleased with the colours. It is quite satisfying to do as it is so accurate. I just read the tip about using glue to stabilise the seams before sewing them - I'll try that. Is the rest of the quilt paper pieced by the way? This is my first go at paper piecing - and I have only just started to rotary cut!

[Margo]

Is the rest of the quilt paper pieced by the way? This is my first go at paper piecing - and I have only just started to rotary cut!

No, Jacky....for the rest of the quilt Sue's directions have us paper piecing the HST (half-square triangle) units, but mostly it's just sewing squares and triangles together! The thing about this pattern, however, is that precise measuring and cutting along the way will make everything fit together beautifully, but if you tend to be a little more casual about your piecing, it will make it more complicated to put together. However....after saying that, I can tell you that Sue's floater strips and awesome instructions tell us how to compensate for pieces that don't come out to the exact size, and make everything work out just fine. WE CAN DO THIS!!

[Margo]

I had a brain wave regarding putting the units together - mind you I haven't put it into practice! I was wondering if using a tack gun in strategic places would make sewing the long seams easier? (Instead of basting) I think the long seams are making me the most nervous - I would hate to spoil the units, especially as they have taken me so long to assemble! I think I'll do a test run on spare fabric/paper to see how it works. Thanks for the info, Margo, re the rest of the quilt.

[Margo]

This was posted in another forum thread, but you might want to try Sharon Schamber's glueing method!!

"If anyone is interested in Sharon's techniques for gluing pieced blocks here is a link to her free tutorial. It shows a curved flying geese design, but you can get the concept of gluing and stitching: "

http://sharonschambernetwork.com/fre...ese/part1.html

[Margo]

I have finally done it. Yesterday I picked out fabrics for the BOM (on sale). I have put them on my profile. NOw I just need to get the background fabric so I can start sewing. Cheryl

[Margo]

Margo, you are so generous to take time out of your schedule to provide simplified instructions for the BOM on your website. It was so easy, when I questioned my piece placement, just to go to your website and see how you did it. Thanks for taking time to help those of us who are a little challenged learning these techniques.

[Margo]

Glad to help, Ann! I am also challenged and figured that between Sue's great directions and photos, and what I could add, maybe it would help others figure it out! SEW LONG!