Stellar Elegance Block: A Quilter's Galaxy Guide by Zen Chic

Hello all you stellar quilters out there!

Brace yourselves because it's that fabulous time again. You guessed it - Blockheads 5 is in the scene!

For those who've been living under a quilting rock, let me catch you up: Blockheads is an exhilarating project where quilters from all around get to sew their own sampler quilt, piece by delicious piece. It's like putting together the ultimate quilted jigsaw puzzle, only with more elegance and sass.

Curious? You can find all the details about it here.

Now, you must be wondering, "What's Zen Chic's angle in this?" Drumroll, please! 🥁 Introducing our very own...

Stellar Elegance Block!

Now, darling quilters, you might be wondering, “What’s in a name?” But let me tell you, this block isn’t called Stellar Elegance just for the giggles. Like that dark chocolate mousse you promise you'll have "just a bite of" but end up devouring (guilty as charged), our block is a delightful challenge.

Ah, Stellar Elegance Block, you sneaky beauty! Just when you think you've figured it out, it throws in a twist. It’s not just a star; it’s a star with a story. And because it's a Zen Chic design, you know it's a story worth telling!

Before we dive into the sewing instructions (trust us, we have some juicy hints coming up to make this star efficiently), take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this block. Like a fine wine or a timeless fashion piece, this block embodies the spirit of Zen Chic: modern, sophisticated, and a tad playful. After all, who said quilting can’t be fun and sassy?

So, dear quilters, roll up those sleeves and let's get stitching. And remember, every stitch is a step closer to a masterpiece!

📍 1. Preparing FPP Templates:

Download your Block instructions and cut out the segments of your FPP templates you'll need, but don’t stress about precision at this point - a rough cut will do.

📍 2. The Joy of Fabric Choices:

Oh, the excitement and the challenge! There are so many ways to color your star. Will you go scrappy, symmetrical, or accentuate the beams? How about creating a cross in the middle? Dive into this delightful decision-making process, and don't be afraid to play around. The star's the limit!

📍 3. The Secret Fabric Reveal:

Oh, I have a juicy secret to share! For the 12” block I've managed to get my hands on a bundle of top-secret fabrics. Though I shouldn't reveal them yet, I just couldn't help myself but to employ these 5 fabulous prints from my upcoming SHIMMER line. A little hint - they're festively gorgeous and might just be the alternative to the red/green Christmas theme you've been seeking. Perfect for a star sampler, don't you think? 😉 And the 6” block is sewn with my Spring 2024 fabric line FLIRTATION

📍 4. Cutting the Fabric Shapes:

Onto the cuttings, shall we? To cut the individual fabric shapes for the FPP, start by cutting squares for the background. Then split them in half to acquire the triangles. For the petite 6" finished block, the squares measure 2 1/2” and 3” Meanwhile, for the grand 12" finished block, go ahead and cut 4 squares of 4 3/4" and 4 squares of 3 3/4" (in two different background colors) to end up with a combination of 8 larger and 8 smaller triangles.

📍 5. Cutting the Midpoint and Beams:

To craft the midpoint and beams of our stellar star, you'll need an equilateral triangle. Simply trace the shape of the FPP template, add 3/8" for a seam allowance, and voila, you have yourself a cutting template. Now, cut a strip to the height of your template and create your triangles from that strip. A quick method to craft the 16 needed equilateral triangles!

📍 6. Assembling the Block:

Now, onto the assembly line! Chain piece your papers, then join triangles to forge squares, all the while pressing the seam allowances in the same direction. Proceed to join pairs of squares to craft rows, maintaining the pressing directions, and finally unite the rows to complete the magnificent block. Keeping all seam allowances flowing in the same direction (clockwise, in our case) will bless you with a neat and flat midpoint.

Voila, The Stellar Star is Born!

Here we are, standing before the splendor of your creation! Should you find this block a charmer, envision a 12” version framed gracefully as a pillow. Alternatively, a repeated 6” size coupled with some sashings could transform into a charming Christmas table runner.

So, take a bow, dear quilter. Your stellar masterpiece awaits to grace your home with chic elegance and a sprinkle of festive cheer! And remember: “Don't let anyone ever dull your sparkle!”