“Favorites” BOM #4

Happy May Day! On the home front, my husband and I are ushering in May by planting squash and corn in our garden. Hopefully it will rain in the next few days to speed the germination process.

Here, on the blog, I am ushering in May by publishing instructions for two blocks in our “Favorites” quilt along: Ohio Star variation and Bird of Paradise. I think you will enjoy making these 12″ blocks, from selecting fabrics, to cutting, and finally to sewing.

Ohio Star is a perennial favorite among quilters. I have modified the traditional design by piecing Four Patches for the corner squares and by including an additional color for the small triangles surrounding the center square. Begin by selecting fabric for the center square – perhaps a large scale print. Then, pulling colors from that print, select tonals or small scale prints to coordinate. I chose the yellow tonal for accent triangles because I will also use it as my sashing fabric.

Bird of Paradise is another favorite star block. When making the star point units, you will have the choice to use specialty Tri-Recs rulers or to paper piece. I highly recommend Bonnie Hunter’s You Tube tutorial for using the rulers. Note that she begins with 3 1/2″ strips, but you need to cut the triangles from 4 1/2″ wide strips. Click here for the cutting tutorial. Click here for the sewing tutorial.

Are you excited to add these blocks to your “Favorites” project box? Click on “Favorites BOM QAL” in the menu. Scroll down the page to BOM #4 and download the instructions. On your mark, get set, sew!