100 Blocks, vol 4

November 15th
Karen in Breezy Point  (Aztel2000) won the collector's issue. I appreciated everyone's comments -Anita

November 10, 2011
Jester
#356, p 45, pattern sheet 4
Star light, star bright, the first star I see tonight... 
Anita's Design Door. My sliding closet doors are metal so I "pin" blocks to it using magnets 
I have been obsessed with this block for ages. Now that it's seeing the light of day in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, and since I will not be teaching this December, I intend to make more blocks next month. Or at least cut the fabric for them. IF I can find my project box. Jodie Davis and Mark Lipinski of the Quilt Out Loud show visited my studio last August. To make room for their video crew I stashed my stash and works in progress. Thank goodness I had the foresight to bring some fabric home from Houston:
You might make cutting templates for the background. Make 3 photocopies of  the foundation pattern (p 45) and add ¼" seam allowances beyond the sewing lines of each patch. I "laminate" each patch with wide transparent shipping tape before cutting it away from the photocopy.

Over five years ago my friend Susan pieced 8" blocks. Yesterday when she saw I'd set them as the digital quilt below she smiled slyly and said she'd be sewing them together.
Susan's fabric serves her well.
If you are having difficulty with the "comments" feature, accessing this post rather than the entire blog may be a solution.  Quiltmaker sent will send a copy of 100 Blocks to a random commenter. I am glad for your thoughts and ideas.  My gift to everyone is my NEW pattern, Anita's Unbiased Bock. Refer to the sidebar, on the right column,  for a link to my  PDF. It's about a technique that calls for Interfacing.

Previously, in Quiltmaker's Quilty Pleasures, an interview with Anita

126 comments:

Debby said...

I love your block with the repro stripes! And thank you so much for your tips on templates. I must try that!

Amy Laura said...

What a striking block! I really love it. Thanks so much....

Madeline said...

I love stars of all kinds, and this is definitely a new one, thanks!

Cathy said...

I love your block and the quilt setting you show. The fabrics are fantastic. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway. Hugs

Diane Harris, Stash Bandit said...

I adore this block, too! That pink quilt is amazing--it's all I can do not to run straight to the sewing machine! Thank you so much for sharing.

~Kris~ said...

This is a beautiful block. The digital quilt is really striking. I hope your friends gets it put together in real life so we can see it.

Anonymous said...

The block and the quilt are both lovely.

Anonymous said...

Your block and the colors are simply gorgeous. I want to make a quilt now. Thank you for a chance to win Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volmne 4. All of you designers have done a terrific job.

Sandi T.
sandit1@sbcglobal.net

Patti said...

Love the block. And seeing it done in different colors provides a lot of inspiration. Thanks for a chance to win.

Lee Ann L. said...

This is a neat block. I love how you showcased it using various different fabrics!

Kathy H said...

I love your block. I think it would make a great scrappy quilt and I do love star blocks.

Jocelyn said...

I love your block! Thanks for sharing a copy of 100 Blocks. I have so enjoyed the previous issues.

Unknown said...

Wow, what a very striking block. Your colorways are very bright and interesting.

WvHmmngbrd said...

Love the block!

cynthia said...

What a dazzler of a block! I admire your work so much, but this block is especially stunning!

Maria Kievit said...

Really nice block, and lots of versatility to go with it.

Mary said...

Love the block, and the bright colors used.Does look like "Star Bright"

Kathy in GA said...

How nice of you to "guide" your friend in her 8" block placement, ha ha. I love how you have tried out all sorts of different fabric combinations for the block, I haven't really strayed in that direction before...or to the interfacing...I'm headed there now, thank you in advance!

FREWGAL said...

wow, what a great star.....I see a sky full of them in a quilt coming to my sewing table soon.

Mom2four said...

I love your block!

bairdmtn said...

This is one interesting block!! Susan did a great job with the color selection and setting!! I'll HAVE to make this because it is so stunning!! Thank you and congratulations!! Can't wait to get my hands on the new issue!!

Gretchen said...

Love your block! It creates a very dynamic quilt.

Fran Cleary said...

Congratulations. thanks for the chance to win.

Nancy C. said...

I love this block - and actually love every one of the ones you show that's been made up - what a wonderful block with so many possibilities = thank you!!!

Sharon said...

Love the block. I just bought your book. Ordered it and it came in the mail yesterday. I was so excited. I have been making Arrowhead blocks a few at a time ever since the pattern came out in Quiltmaker.

Blue Bird said...

Love the block! Thanks for the freebie, it's a great idea. Glad I know about your blog now.

Anonymous said...

Nice Block

Kristen said...

How really neat. I'm looking forward to trying this block when I get the magazine. Thanks for the chance to win!

Leah Rubin said...

This is wonderful! I love your books, and seeing your video posting is a great tip! Thanks!

Karyn said...

Congrats on being in the 100! Thanks for showing so many different color ways!

Sherri G said...

Nice block! Thanks for the Unbiased pattern.

Gill said...

I love this block - especially the scrappy version!
Thank you for the free pattern!

aztel2000 said...

Can't wait to try this block! I have been having a lot of fun making Arrowhead blocks--your techniques are so clever!
Karen in Breezy Point

Carol in Rock Hill, SC said...

Wow, great block. Congratulations on being included in the magazine.

BeachQuilter said...

Your stars are very striking, I love the fabrics.

Linda in PA said...

Your block is great. Thanks for a chance to win a copy of Vol. 4.

Martina said...

Oh my I love the scrapy look! What a great block!

Robyn said...

I love star blocks. This one is just beautiful. It's got me thinking winter nights.

Kathy Schwartz said...

Another great block to use up scraps! I have done your Arrowhead block and the Old Italian Block so I look forward to trying your Unbiased Block too!

Barb Johnson said...

I love the movement that the stripes lend to the star!

Joanna said...

I love the design where the corners of the blocks meet in the whole quilt. Looks great.

LizA. said...

This is definitely my favorite block of this tour. I will be breaking out my black & white stash for this!

Marilee said...

I'm so glad I found you! I love your work and techniques. I heard you speak at Asilomar last year, bought your book and sold a couple of friends on it. I didn't think to look up a blog for you. This block is great,

Anonymous said...

I really like your work. Keep it up.
ljdutcher@yahoo.com

Linda said...

Your block in Vol#4 is awesome! I love it. And thanks so much for the instructions on how to make your Unbiased square. So neat.

Quilter In Paradise said...

what a great versital block - I see it in novelties -- on a dark background

Lori S said...

What a strong block. Very nice! Thanks for the chance to win!

Linda said...

Thanks for showing your block in such a variety of different fabrics. I'm always amazed at how different a block looks depending on the fabric used.
Linda in Southern Illinois

Jennifer said...

It's been a lot of fun looking at all the new blogs! Your block is great, can't wait to get my hands on the issue so I can make one. Thanks for the chance!

Karen said...

Oh my stars, I love this block!!

Amanda said...

I really like your block. I really am glad you showed it in different colors cause the black and white is absolutely beautiful!!!

Linda E in NM said...

Nice block, and thanks for the video Post-It which worked for me. Having used a GO cutter, I understand the problem you were illustrating.
thanks!

Debbie said...

Great block! I will try the interfacing method too.
Thanks for the chance to win extras.

WoolenSails said...

I love all the variations you did and the fabrics, wonderful block to work with.

Debbie

Marianne said...

So many wonderful uses for this block! Thanks for the chance to win.

bunbear said...

very nice block!

scarlette said...

thanks for the block and opportunity to win. very interesting block for the magazine. definately cool. shobbs@vcu.edu

swheatsue said...

Thanks for the "gift" (your unbiased block directions)! I just finished your arrowhead block in the form of a lap quilt for my niece. I did it all in greens as that is her favorite color. At least once a week she sends an email starting "Have I told you lately how much I love my quilt?"
Your technique was amazingly easy & very accurate. Next time (and there will be a next time - I have already had several quilting friends ask for the pattern) I will try using the fusible interfacing.
Thanks!

Carla G said...

Love your block! And it looks cool in all the different patterned fabrics! Thanks for a chance to win! :)

LJ said...

I was excited to see your block done in all the colors and the patterns; it's lovely. Congratulations!

Debbie said...

Congrats on being included in the 100, Anita. Thanks for the new 'unbiased' block!

JoyceLM said...

Love your block. Thanks for showing the different colorways. And thanks for the chance to win.

Lee said...

Congrats on your block! thanks for the tips and giveaway!
butler83ataoldotcom

Carrie P. said...

That block is totally awesome. What an interesting quilt it makes. Congrats!

Marcia W. said...

Great...star block, fabric, stripes, tips, and setting examples. Thanks for the giveaway. And, I have one of your books (with the Arrowhead) and love the simpler way in which you give directions. Congratulations on your block being published in QM's 100 Blocks.

Julie S said...

The first thing I saw when looking at your block were party hats! Wouldn't it be fun to make this one with all different party fabric! But the final pic of the digital quilts uses fabrics differently, and the hats disappear for a whole different look. Great job!

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I'm totally in love with star blocks and this one is no exception. Wonderful job.

Annmarie said...

Love your star block. Amazing how it looks different with different fabrics. Thanks for the chance to win Vol 4!

Jeanne said...

I really love your block! I need to make this! Thank you for the giveaway for the magazine too.

kwiltnkats said...

Great design and wonderful fabrics that you and Susan used to put all of the samples together with. Sounds like you have a quilting sister in Susan! Thanks for the free pattern and the chance to win. Sandi

Jackie Warren said...

Wonderful block. Love all the fabrics and colors.

Anonymous said...

I like the way you've used stripes to make the pattern seem even more complex.
Thanks for the chance to win volume 4.
joan(dot)mathews(at)comcast(dot)net

Tamsyn said...

Beautiful block!

Celine said...

This is a lovely block which look so different depending on the colour combination you choose. Well done!

Nancy Sue said...

Congrats on your wonderful block. Thank you for the tips you included in your post, as well as the free pattern. It's beautiful!!! I need to refill my coffee cup and gander around some more on your website :) It's a rainy day here outside of Washington DC, so it's perfect weather to browse! Thank you again!

Heather A said...

These blocks look especially amazing en masse! Way COOL!!

Sallie said...

Congratulations! Thanks for the giveaway!

Judy W said...

Love the block! I need to look for your Rotary Cutting book -- how did I miss that? Thanks for the chance to win! Judy W

ritainalaska said...

conrats on having a very good block for this edition! the dk grey and white print block is gorgeous! would love to win a copy.

Beth said...

Your block is so striking and quite versatile. Thanks for sharing your techniques with the rest of us. (I could never think of it myself but love to wrap my head around it once you've laid it out for me.)

Nancy said...

WOW, yours has got to be one of my favorite blocks of all! Beautiful!!! Thanks for the giveaway!

Janet said...

Great block! and it looks wonderful done scrappy.

Glenna said...

Love your block!

Karen in Tucson said...

Fantastic block with so many color possibilities.

Anonymous said...

Love the block-would be a great block to use for a scrap quilt!!!

Bev (kwiltpharm@aol.com)

Anonymous said...

A wonderful block with so many possibilities. Susan's quilt is amazing - I'm always a bit (a lot) afraid to work with color like that but she got it perfect. Thanks for the chance to win. VermontPines@aol.com

Grandma Shell said...

I'm so glad that our opportunity to win a co of the magazine isn't based on judging the blocks! This blog tour has been so much fun, I'll miss doing it after Friday.

Rachel Bates said...

you have great fabric boldness

Darling Jill Quilts said...

Love the strips in the block! Great block!

Julie said...

Love the block! I've really enjoyed reading yours--and everyone else's blogs so far. I'll be returning to read it more in the future!

Candace said...

This is a blast! Checking out all the blocks and reading the stories...way to cool!

MaryBeth said...

I love your block. And thanks for the linkys to "fix" the problems for the comments.

SewLindaAnn said...

I love your block shown with all the neat fabrics. I'm so excited to check out that unbiased block.

Angie in SoCal said...

I love those star light blocks in pink - they are so striking! And the one in white, black and blue looks like a snow flake. Thanks for the free patterns.
Off to download them!

Lori L said...

I think you have just given us all a reason to go out and buy some striped fabric. Love the block. Would love to win a copy of the magazine so I can try out your block.

Dianne Giles said...

Very innovative! I love it that you can get secondary designs with careful selection of fabrics. Thanks for the chance, Dianne

arlette said...

Your block's gorgeous!!!!, congrats for being published!!!

Sandra said...

Thanks for the freebie and thanks for the giveaway. Your block is lovely.

VickiT said...

Wow. Great looking block. Great way with all the color options to give everyone some new ideas other than your original. Beautiful job.

Thank you for the Anita's Unbiased Block as well. Very nice.

LizzieHelen said...

What a fun block. Powerful, too, as a group.

Shawna said...

Your block is so great. I really like the digital quilt you show. I'm putting this block on the list to do. Congrats on being in Quiltmaker's 100. Thanks for a chance to win.

missmoozie(at)gmail(dot)com

Stephanie said...

Wow, wow, wow! This is a terrific block. Can't wait to try it out! Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Donna Joy said...

Your fabric and block are stunning. Thanks for a chance to win. This is a wow blog, I want to make this one.

Mary said...

I always love star blocks, and this one is certainly no exception. The ones made with stripes are very striking.
Thanks for a chance to win the magazine. I would love the make a scrappy quilt using your block.

Cindi said...

Your Block is great! I love how you used the stripped fabric. Congrats on being in the 100 Block issue.

Judy said...

That block is fascinating. It looks different in each colorway. I would love to make it.

Lynn said...

What a great block! It looks so neat in stripes.

Jill said...

Neat block. Thanks for sharing it.

Kim said...

I love your block. Thank your for the giveaway.

Rachell said...

This block is amazing! I absolutely adore stars! And after scrolling down and seeing some of your other posts, I recognize some of your other blocks from my QM subscription. I love your traditional-style blocks with fresh updates or small twists. Thanks for your inspiration and a chance to win!
Does your rotary-cutting book help with techniques for those of us with weak wrists with tendonitis ?

Sherry Caldwell said...

Lov your block. Can't wait for the magazine to come out.

The Village Queen said...

Love the block and thanks so much for the pattern on how to stablize the bias. What a good idea!

Donna Keating said...

Wow, your block is wonderful. It makes a beautiful quilt and I could see myself doing this one.

Jennifer said...

I loved your pineapple class in Houston and would also love to earn a magazine. Your creative mind is amazing and thanks for sharing it with us. Love the block!

Anonymous said...

Very nice block. Thank you the chance to win.
Brenda L
bdlopez@yahoo.com

EngrSandi said...

Your block is so interesting! The coloring differences really make it move.

Karen said...

I love the "action" of your block. It makes things seem lively.

Debbi said...

That is one great block! Can't wait to make it.

Jennifer J said...

This block looks like fun. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

Peach Rainbow said...

Stunning block!
Thanks for the chance!

Shannon said...

What a cool block. I love paper piecing!

monique said...

Thank you so so much for your books and patterns. I am making an arrowhead quilt right now, and can't wait to get into those stripes. Love you block. Count me as one of your biggest fans!

Gwen said...

Love your block! It is amazing in those vibrant colors! Thank you for sharing and for giving us a chance to win!! :-)

Nessa said...

Hi, I could just see the is block in purples it is gorgeous from Ness in Eagle Point

Anonymous said...

You have once again created a beautiful block. Just beautiful. Love each and everything you do. Thank you for the free pattern and a chance at the giveaway.