One of things that helped me, both on the May blocks and feathered star, was Carol Doak's instruction to not remove the paper until the whole block was together. Sometimes that works, other times the paper would be buried in the block so I pull that piece. Let me know if you have any suggestions for laying them out.

What a great idea - Thanks for your suggestion. Jan
dianaupp wrote:

Yahoo Mountain Dew, the four big May blocks are done and posted! No hair pulling this month, just a few goofs that could be corrected easily.

Diana, what an intriguing idea. I had already drafted a border block using my fabric colors to keep me straight. A foundation pattern in eq6 shows 6 strips that don't look any harder than the feather medallion center block. I'm going to try one and time it, because I think a lot of my inaccuracy comes from cutting. I'm not sure how to fix that issue. I keep trying to be very observant. Has anyone else paper-pieced an entire border block?

Hi Sandy in CO,
I have gone beyond paper-piecing the HSTs. I have drafted the blocks in EQ and foundation piece the blocks in 5-6 sections. Wish it was fewer but it helps me with the accuracy.
Diana

When I was faced with a block coming out too big, I reviewed for the 3rd time, my 1/4 inch seam, following Margo's tutorial. I have one border block that I'll probably do over because I cut it down to size & the resulting seam allowances are probably going to be too small.

I've learned to analyze the way I sew each seam as I go along & measure frequently as I piece...catching mistakes before the block is complete. If a piece doesn't look right, I'll measure again and re-cut if necessary. My blocks sure aren't perfect, but I feel like they are getting better, and sewing with patience is becoming easier.

I'm using Eleanor Burns' mini-flying geese template for the sawtooth stars.

If you decide to shrink the block, let us know how it turns out! Sharon Schamber has a free video on how to do this on SharonSchamberNetwork.com

Hi there,

Yes, I use Sue's paper piecing for the HST. I also use the flying geese in any area possible. Since each of my blocks are different fabrics, I work on one at a time. I look to see where I can use flying geese, where I need HST and where I need squares. I use whatever amount of paper pieced HST I need for the block. For example if I need 4 HST I just use 2 of Sue's squares. Then I cut out the pieces and sew the units together to make the whole block. At the same time I cut out the fabrics for the Border Blocks, I cut out the fabric for the saw tooth border blocks. All my saw tooth border blocks are different. I used Margo's tutorial for the flying geese, it's perfect! Hope this helps. geneva

I apologize if someone has already covered these items, but I have a few questions about the new star blocks we made in April, and now in May.

First, is anyone NOT paper piecing their half square triangles (HST)? I didn't for the April blocks, but I noticed Sue said in May that her paper pieced method results in only 1/8" seams, rather than 1/4", making the blocks less bulky. So I'm considering trying the paper pieced method in May.

Second, I also noticed after I finished my April blocks that there are a lot of HST's that could have been made as flying geese instead, which would also cut down on the bulk I would think. Has anyone tried this?

Third, some of my April stars turned out to be 6 3/4" instead of 6 1/2". Should I try and shrink the 6 3/4" blocks, or stretch the 6 1/2" blocks? Which is easier, shrinking or stretching?

I got pretty far behind on this project, but went to a quilt retreat a couple weekends ago and got caught up a little. It was interesting, it was a large retreat (78 women), and I found several women who are also doing this BOM (could have been more that I didn't know about)!

This is my first BOM, and I am having lots of fun with it, but it is definitely the most challenging project I think I've ever done. I'm learning a lot through Sue's instructions, Margo's tutorials, and all of your tips and comments. Thanks!

Sandy in CO

I finished the May Blocks, plus I have the sew tooth stars for Feb, Mar, Apr, and May done too. There are 4 each with the same fabrics. I am posting the picture in Show and Tell.

Margarita in Auburn, CA

after all the grauation at my house I will work on this month block Happy

Don't worry, your in good company. I finally got started with looking at April's blocks this week, and am trying to combine them with doing May's. if we just keep plugging away at it we will get there in the end. Don't panic! it is for fun really

Yours in the cause

Rosemary

Boy, do I feel behind, I have not even started the April blocks let alone the May blocks. I have completely finished the Jan, Feb and Mar, life is just tooooo crazy. But I am still planning on finishing this years BOM, I love the pattern!

I have 3 of them done. going slow but steady. maybe tomorrow???

Margarita in Auburn CA

I have one done and will post a picture when they are all done. Love looking at everyone's different ideas and color-ways.

Have a good night.

denise