August 2003 Block of the Month

Spinning Stars

(12 1/2" unfinished – 12" finished)

Cutting:

    Cut 4 squares Medium, 3 7/8" x 3 7/8"

    Cut 4 squares Dark, 3 7/8" x 3 7/8"

    Cut 4 squares Light, 3 7/8" x 3 7/8"

    Cut 1 square Light, 7 1/4" x 7 1/4"

Divide the 7 1/4" light square diagonally twice to get 4 quarter square triangles (Figure 1).  Divide 2 of the 3 7/8" medium squares, 2 of the 3 7/8" light squares and 2 of the 3 7/8" dark squares in half diagonally to get 4 half-square triangles of each (Figure 2). 

Sew a dark & a medium half-square triangle to the short sides of each of the quarter square light triangles (flying geese units).  See the color diagram for placement.

On the back of each remaining light square, draw a line diagonally corner to corner.  Draw two more lines, 1/4" on each side of the first line.  Layer the remaining 3 7/8" squares right sides together, matching a light square with each medium square and a light square with each dark square.  Sew on the dotted lines and cut apart on the solid line.  Press out into half square triangle blocks.

Sew the 4 dark/light half square triangle blocks together into a pinwheel (See color diagram)

Sew a med/light half square triangle block to each end of two of the flying geese units.  Use the color diagram for placement. 

Sew the other two flying geese units to opposite sides of the center pinwheel.  Sew the two flying geese units with the half square triangle blocks on the ends to the other two sides.