Reetzbobeetz wrote: Rita, my circle cutter is adjustable, and I think the opening I used is slightly larger than on the pattern for the reason you mentioned, not losing star points when assembled.

Have fun this weekend on your travels! (Singing for your supper again? )

Looks good Connie. I wish I had a circle cutter. Is your one adjustable? I guess it must be. I cut out my template for the centre circle today and I used 3 layers of freezer paper which made it good and sturdy. I haven't done the background circle yet. Did you make the opening slightly bigger than the printout? I did a mock up and realized that it was going to be difficult to retain all the star points if I didn't make a slightly wider opening. I also made the centre circle slightly smaller than the printout because once the fabric has been starched around it it makes it just that bit too big so that the centre points are lost - or at least that's what I found. I managed to sew three of the star points today before setting off on my travels and really enjoyed it. I look forward to getting back on Monday and tackling them again.

I have used Connie's method many times for circles, squares and other shapes and it works great and results in a super professional and perfect-looking product. I would highly recommend it. I think that the technique was even demonstrated on a TQS show and used by Alex when she made her circle quilt hanging in her quilt studio.

BethMI

Month 5 is done! I used paper piecing, and set the star into the background using Margo's instructions. Here's how I deviated a bit from the method in her video.

I made the background template from 2 sheets of freezer paper ironed together so there was one shiny and one dull side exposed. Instead of marking and hand cutting the circle, I used a circle cutter (left from the days when I thought I was going to do scrap booking ). It cut a much cleaner edge than I could ever do by hand. I did a couple of mockups on cardstock and with scrap fabric to get the size right. The freezer paper template was then ironed to the background fabric, the center cut out, leaving about 1/2 inch seam allowance, clipped to within a few threads of the template, then starched and ironed down. My template was 7 inches square, and I cut the background fabric at 7 1/2 inches, so there would be enough freezer paper to stick it well. I tried to be careful with the starch, but I did end up replacing the template after the 5th block since the edges were getting worn.

I, too, am holding off sewing months 1-5 together. I have been so impressed by the pattern deviations done by Margo, Rita and others, that I want to keep my options for substitution open for as long as possible.

So glad you are finding some useful info in the videos! This month is really a quick and easy one compared to previous months! It won't take nearly as much time to get these 9 star blocks done. It is so tempting to sew the units together, but I'm trying to be patient and wait until the instructions tell us how Sue and Pat want us to do it!

I have too much on my plate this year so am not able to tackle Two Of Us still not finished Sedona Star but I am following and watching Margo's videos I am learning so much Please don't stop Margo the videos are great. Joan

Totally agree Susan and Rita, Margo makes it look so doable once again. Thank you Margo. I have watched the video a few times and taken notes, so almost ready to give it a whirl
Gail in Oz

I watched the video last night too Margo and it is great. Very clear and easy to understand. Thanks again. I did a mock up of what I want mine to look like so I am all ready to go. I have to go sing for my supper (sing for my habit more like ) so I will be starting to work on it next week. Looking forward to it. May the force be with you all.

Well, it's late at night and I just watched Margo's fantastic video. Wow. Margo, you are a natural born teacher. This video gives instruction as clear as can be and I'm not scared
Thank you so much!

I haven't posted in Show & Tell for awhile. I have yet to do my stitching for last month, but my pieces are prepped. I'm almost finished my piece with a deadline, so will be able devote more time to catching up. I'm also waiting for all of the pro's and con's of different ways of completing this month. I'll look at the video tomorrow.

Well, if judging from the number of quilts posted in the Show & Tell link is any indication, we are a very small group this year, but I hope that the videos are helpful.

Great video, Margo! I'm not even doing the BOM this year but I'm still following the thread AND your instructional videos. Thanks!!!

Once again, Margo has treated us to a wonderful video! By the end of this BOM we will all be brilliant, thanks to her fantastic teaching.