The block for July, 2001 is a Variable Star block.

This block measures 12 inches square.  (12 ½ inches unfinished).  This block is Variable Star block.  The center square is red and the background is a white-on-white fabric with the rest of the star being some sort of floral.  The red center will give the finished quilt consistency.

Instructions:  Use good quality, 100% cotton pre-washed fabrics.


 
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    1. Cut one 2 1/2 inch square from the red fabric.

    2. Cut four 3 inch squares from the floral fabric.

    3. Cut four 3 inch squares and four 2 1/2 inch by 5 1/2 inch strips from the white-on-white fabric.
     

    4. Cut four 3 3/4 inch squares from the floral fabric.  Using a rotary cutter, cut each square from corner to corner twice to form 4 quarter-square triangles. 
    (see graphic 4)

    5.  Do the same with four 3 3/4 inch squares of white-on-white fabric. 
    (see graphic 5)

    NOW FOR THE SEWING!!

    6.  You should have 16 quarter-square triangles from both the floral and white fabrics.  Match these into pairs right sides together.  Sew one short side of each pair with a 1/4 inch seam to form 16 triangles like that in graphic 6.  Press each pair toward the dark fabric.  (make sure all finished triangles look identical with all florals on one side and whites on the other side)

    7.  Match two triangles together right sides together.  The white parts should face the floral parts.  Sew the long sides together and press open to form a square like in graphic 7.  Repeat with the other 14 triangles to form a total of eight squares.

    8.  Refer to graphic 8 to piece together one floral 3 inch square, one white 3 inch square, and two of the pieced squares together into a 5 1/2 inch pieced square.  Make sure to attach the floral triangle to the white square and the white triangle to the floral square.  Repeat for four more squares.

    9.  Sew each long side of one white rectangle to one of the 5 1/2 inch pieced squares to make the top row of the block.  Repeat for the bottom row.  (refer to graphic 9)

    10.  Sew the middle row of the block by sewing the short sides of two white rectangles to opposite sides of the red square.  (see graphic 10)

    11.  Finally, assemble the rows into the finished block.  (see graphic 11)
     
     

    Your completed unfinished block will measure 12 ½ inches.

Twelve inches after sewn into a quilt!
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