I completed this star block for Suzanne the other day.  She provided all of the beautiful fabrics...they were so much fun to use together!  I fussy-cut the center for some added "pop."  For the pattern, I used a slightly-modified version of THIS block.

I hope Suzanne enjoys it!

Hi L Cat.

About that metallic thread..Not a lot of fun...But I survived it.  I have a Baby Lock Quest Plus, thats how i was able to get the stitches in the sky.  I used a metallic needle. I see that it provided me with more success than if I did not, because it allowed the thread to feed through better.

Some of the threads fed through better.  The gold wirey one was the absolute worst. (Thats my opinion).  The one that I used around the kings garments worked the best.  I used a zig zag stitch and shortened the stitch width and length.  I played around a bit.

I will definately try metallics again.  Perhaps thread gets old with age, because I cannot recall when I purchased the thread.  Next I will play with the tension a bit more. 

Overall, I would suggest giving it a try.  Just make sure you use a metallic needle...

Happy New Year.

E

This was not my first attempt at paper-piecing, but I would certainly consider myself a novice. I find it very challenging. To say the least, I’m so happy to be done, but very pleased with the result. In the process brainstorming what kind of block to make, I turned to my very limited assortment of quilt books. Carol Doak’s Simply Sensational 9-Patch Stars was a book that has been sitting on my shelf unused for years. I decided to make star #4 named ‘Arkansas.’ I thought it was super pretty, but also appropriate since Helen got the gold fabric in the Natural State (just an hour from where I live). I picked fabrics from my scraps and stash, and then I started to cut away. It didn’t take long to realize that I wouldn’t have enough of the gold fabric, since I was using it as the neutral. Thankfully, Helen was nice enough to send me a bit more. It’s amazing how much is used up in seam allowances. This block took me many hours, so I certainly cannot imagine making an entire quilt of paper-pieced blocks.

November for Jessica – A couple of 8^th grade students helped me pick the fabrics for the window panes. The simple geometry of this block is very appealing.

October for Mary – I challenged myself to not measure or use my rotary cutter on this block. I really enjoyed making it because it came together so quickly.

September for Nicole – I was late getting this block done. It gave me a chance to see what the other participants in the bee did for their blocks, so I could make mine different. This was my first Dresden Plate block, so I was a bit intimidated. I got over my apprehension and ended up really liking it...especially the scrappy look.

Happy Holidays.  Helen, this one's for you.  For more on what inspired me and a message for Helen, got to my blog (so I won't sap up the masses...smiles.)