Old School BOM - Variable Star Block with Album / Autograph Variation

Hi!  Welcome to February's Block in the Old School BOM by Kim Lapacek of Persimon Dreams.  

I'm super excited to be this month's designer.  If we haven't met before, I'm Nancy Scott of Masterpiece Quilting.  To learn about my quilting journey and business, check out the About Me section on my blog. 

If you are just learning about the Old School BOM, wondering what it is or needing to get caught up with January's block tutorial, let me direct you to Kim's post with all the juicy details including a section on basic knowledge & skills you will need, complete with links for tutorials to get you up to speed in case your skillset is a little rust. 

Without any further adieu,  I'd love to introduce you to this month's block, the Variable Star Block with Album / Autograph Variation. 

Star blocks are my favorite and you will notice that a number of my designs include some type of star block.   As I was selecting a block for this BOM, I dwelled on the phrase "old school" and started thinking about "old quilts" and some really cool antique quilts I've seen.  My mind was drawn to album or autograph quilts where the maker has signed or embroidered their name in the block.  This type of quilt was popular as a gift when someone moved from an area.  Their friends would each make a quilt block that included their name, the blocks assembled, quilted and the resulting quilt would be gifted as a reminder of those friends.  If you are intrigued by album / autograph / presentation quilts, here is a great read with lots of historical context. 

While the concept made be "old school", the application would be great today for a retirement quilt, a baby quilt, a get-well-soon quilt or any occasion where you would like to express personal sentiments in quilt form.  And there is no reason to limit it to just a name and hand embroidery.  Break out those embroidery machines and stitch up anything you want!   The sky is the limit on your creativity and I can't wait to see your version. 

If you prefer the block instructions in downloadable PDF format, click here.  Please note an email address is required for delivery.  The PDF is available for free until March 11, 2021.  After that date, there maybe a small fee associated with the download.  In the pdf, I've included a bonus layout for a quilt made using just this block.  

CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS

I used 4 fabrics for my block - white, light pink, dark pink and medium blue. Since bias edges will be exposed while cutting, I like to press and lightly starch my fabrics before cutting. 

From white cut:

    1 (2-1/2" x 6-1/2") A strip

    1 (7-1/4") square; subcut on both diagonals to make 4 C triangles

    2 (3-7/8") E squares 

From light pink cut:

    2 (2-1/2" x 6-1/2") B strips

From dark pink cut: 

    4 (3-7/8") squares; subcut each square on one diagonal to make 8 D triangles

From blue cut:

    2 (3-7/8") F squares

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Center Square

1. Using a 1/4" seam, sew B strips on opposite long sides of the A strip.  Press seams away from A.  Trim square, if needed, to measure 6-1/2" x 6-1/2". 

Flying Geese Units

1. Arrange and sew a D triangle on one short side of a C triangle.  Press seams toward D. 

2. Arrange and sew a second D triangle on the opposite short side of C; press seams toward D.  

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to make 4 flying geese units. Trim each unit to measure 3-1/2" x 6-1/2". 

Half Square Triangle Units

1. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the wrong side of each E square. 

2. With right sides together, pair an E and F square and stitch 1/4" from each side of the drawn line.  I am showing them slightly offset but you want they perfectly aligned on top of each other. 

3. Cut on the drawn line and press open with the seam allowances away from E.  

4. Repeat with the remaining E and F squares to make a total of 4 half square triangle units.  Trim each unit to measure 3-1/2" x 3-1/2".

Block Assembly

1. Arrange the center square, flying geese units and half-square triangle units as shown. 

2. Sew into three rows and then stitch the rows together to complete the block; press.  Your block should measure 12-1/2" x 12-1/2".  

If a downloadable PDF of these instructions will work better for you, here is the link.  

SOCIAL MEDIA

When you’re finished be sure to share your blocks to social media:

• Instagram: using hashtag #OSBOM21 and please tag me @masterpiecequilting on Instagram
• and/or the new Old School BOM Facebook Group!

And the blocks will continue to come! A new block will be featured on the 12th of each month on different bloggers websites! I have them all linked below but I’ll also post right here on my blog on the 12th of each month to get you in the right spot!

SCHEDULE

January 12, 2021 - Patched Friendship Star – Kim Lapacek (Persimon Dreams)
February 12, 2021 – Nancy Scott (Masterpiece Quilting)
March 12, 2021 – Quilt Jane
April 12, 2021 – Missie Carpenter (Traditional Primitives)
May 12, 2021 – Natalie Santini (Sew Hungry Hippie)
June 12, 2021 – Kerry Goulder (Kid Giddy)
July 12, 2021 – GoGo Kim
August 12, 2021 – Lee Chappell Monroe (May Chappell)
September 12, 2021 – Yvonne Fuchs (Quilting Jetgirl)
October 12, 2021 – Pat Sloan
November 12, 2021 – Katy Cameron (The Littlest Thistle)
December 12, 2021 – Sherri Falls (This and That Patterns)