Sunday, January 17, 2010

Hunter's Star

Hello Everyone,

So how many of you ever wanted to make a Hunter's Star quilt? How many have made one? Well, I fall into the first category. I have always wanted to make one, but just never got around to it. But this past November, while on my quilting retreat, one of the ladies was busily making one all week long. Terry had a neat little ruler that made it really simple to create the Hunter's Star block.

We were all very intrigued and almost everyone at the retreat ended up purchasing this ruler. It is called the Petite Rapid Fire Hunter's Star ruler from Deb Tucker. It allows you to make this block in any size from 5" to 8". She also has a larger ruler too.

Anyway, so my favorite LQS, Quilting By The Yard, was doing a class with this ruler. So I rounded up the girls and we took the first class last Tuesday. It was a lot of fun and I just can't say enough about this ruler. It really gives you perfect results and you strip piece the whole thing!!



Here you can see me using the ruler to cut my first trapezoid. You first cut the strips and then just align your ruler and cut.


Then using the lines again on the ruler, you flip it and cut again.


Until you have your trapezoids cut and then you join them to another strip. This strip will form the diamonds which will become the stars.


Here are my trapezoids all joined to the "star point" strips. Kind of looks like prayer flags a little.


You press them open and then align your ruler again and cut them apart. This is what forms the star point.


In this photo, you can see where I had cut them apart and now have joined the other side of the trapezoid to the opposite "star point". Everything does get trimmed up later.

I did get to the point where I made one block, but I am saving those results for later. We have one more class next week and I will let you see it then. But I highly recommend this method! Very speedy and accurate!!

In other news, lots of new goodies in my online shop!! Kona Cotton fat quarter bundles, roll ups, charm packs, NEW Kaffe Fassett fabrics, and Martha Negley fabrics as well. Just go HERE to check it out.

Also, my newest Podcast Episode #9 is out. I talk about the value of having the correct quilting tools and highlight some of my favorite. Just click HERE to listen or go to iTunes to download.

Until Next Time...

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31 comments:

Pam Geisel - For Quilts Sake said...

I made a Hunter's Star quilt last year, but I didn't know about that nifty ruler! Here's the one I made:
http://forquiltssake.blogspot.com/2009/09/hunters-star-quilt.html

Victoria Findlay Wolfe said...

One of my first projects was pillows for everyone as a teenager using the hunters star... But I did them all by hand... this looks great! Very slick!
Much faster!

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

looking forward to seeing what this looks like when finished. Nice colors! Interesting looking ruler.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

I have always wanted to make that block too but didn't figure out an accurate way to cut the trapezoid. I think I'll have to look into getting that ruler.

Abby and Stephanie said...

So many tools to help make quilting easier. I love a good review. Thanks Jackie!

Kathy said...

I've wanted to to a Hunter's Star so I can't wait to see how this turns out!

FabricFascination said...

I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out. Love new tools!

Barb said...

I have always wanted to make a Hunter's Star--wish I had known about the class; will have to look for one! Wish there was one close to me. Thanks for sharing! Love the ruler too!

Thimbleanna said...

But Wait! Come Back!!! I want to see the block!!!! Don't be gone too long!

annemariesquilt said...

How wonderful and yes I will also love to see the finished block ;.))

Barb said...

Do you realize that you are just feeding my need for notions....you are killing me....thanks for the tutorial...it was great!!

Vicki W said...

Stop it. My list of quilts I "need" to make is quite long enough already!

Halfway Crafter said...

I am starting to learn that there seems to be a nifty trick to creating all of these fancy looking blocks. I'm curious to see how this one comes together.

Tina Craig said...

I've always liked Hunter's Star, too and it was on my list for about 15 years before I finally made one. It was the workshop project at the getaway 3 years ago, and we used the same ruler. It really make it fast and easy. The quilt is in sherbet colors and hangs in my kitchen.

Cathi said...

I've wanted to make a Hunter's Star quilt forever. I love the effect of that block!

kclily said...

I have never heard of a Hunters Star so I am looking forward to seeing yours.

Sharon (Stitches on Mars) said...

Hi Jackie,
Looking forward to seeing the finished block...especially as I don't know what a hunters ster block is?
Fabrics are great.
hugs,
Sharon

pratima said...

Thank you for the lesson, Jackie. This seems like a great tool. I'm not familiar with Hunter's star, so looking forward to yours :)

Rose Marie said...

This method has certainly simplified the pattern ...... looking forward to seeing this come together!

Sharon said...

I'm not one for gadgets and project specific rulers until I see them perform. This one is great, can't wait to see the next segment.

Vickie E said...

wow a ruler I haven't seen...interesting..LOL

wishes, true and kind said...

Congratulations! You and your blog have just been awarded a Lemonade Stand Award. Please see my blog for further details :)

joan

Teresa said...

I have made a hunter's star - but it was hard and involved a lot of ripping out - so this looks much better. I am so interested in getting one of these rulers and learning this technique - sould be a great workshop for my club. Are the instructions with the ruler easy to follow?

Your blog pictures are great!

grendelskin said...

The right tools make all the difference! Thanks for the new podcast too, some real nuggets in there! I admire the Hunter's Star but am not ready yet, it's still too daunting. I'm taking a class at that same shop, if you're free on April 20 wanna come applique with me?

Cheryl said...

I have always wanted to make a Hunters Star. The shop I used to work out had paper pieced pages to make one, but the thought of ripping all the paper off always stopped me. I'm ordering a ruler!!! Thanks for the photos and great explanation.

an encourager said...

Till now, I had never heard of a Hunter's Star!

Allie said...

Wow! I can't wait to see more!

jacquie said...

the ruler looks great. amazing what a good tool can do! i love the fabrics and how this is coming together...going to be a wowser for sure!

Sherri said...

Thanks so much for all this info...and I can't wait to see the block!!!

Browndirtcottage said...

This looks like it is going to be a wonderful quilt..can't wait to see.
Man...I feel like such a house frou cleaning out kitchen cabinets and you're over here sewing and stitching away on all these lovely quilty projects....good stuff!!!

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

Very cool. I shop at QBTY too. I don't get up there very often but I try to go a couple times a year. I need to make a trek up there soon. Maybe in the Spring.

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