Rainbow Stars

From Vintage Quilts

Fall 2002 Issue

Owned by Beth Hayes

Rainbow shades of the 1920s and 30s solids dominate this cheerful quilt, with feedsack scraps and some older solids, like the bright yellow cheddar, thrown in for good measure. Try this pattern as a weekend retreat project—it would be fun to see all the stars made in a variety of fabrics.

FINISHED QUILT SIZE
73" x 81"

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS
... Ivory solid 2 1/4 yds.
... 16 assorted solid A 1/8 yd. each
... 16 assorted solid B 1/8 yd. each
... 16 assorted print A 1/8 yd. each
... 16 assorted print B 1/8 yd. each
... 16 assorted print C 1/8 yd. each
... Light pink solid (background, binding) 4 yds.

... Backing (piece lengthwise) 5 1/4 yds.
... Batting Double size

OTHER MATERIALS
Sewing thread
Rotary cutter
6" x 24" acrylic ruler with 45° angle
Quilting thread (hand quilting)

Planning a Reproduction
Have fun selecting fabrics for each star. Refer to Diagrams I-V to see how the solid A and B fabrics and print A-C fabrics go together in each star.

Two of the light pink background patches require a cutting size of 5 13/16". If you are not familiar with cutting at 1/16" intervals, note that 5 13/16" is halfway between 5 3/4" and 5 7/8".

CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS
Ivory solid
... 192 strips 1 1/8" x 14"
16 assorted solid A—cut from each:
... 9 matching strips 1 1/8" x 14"
16 assorted solid B—cut from each:
... 5 matching strips 1 1/8" x 14"
16 assorted print A—cut from each:
... 3 matching strips 1 1/8" x 14"
16 assorted print B—cut from each:
... 4 matching strips 1 1/8" x 14"

16 assorted print C—cut from each:
... 3 matching strips 1 1/8" x 14"
Light pink solid
... *2 strips 4 1/2" x 74", cut on lengthwise grain
... 28 squares 5 13/16" x 5 13/16"
... 9 squares 11 1/8" x 11 1/8"
... 12 rectangles 5 13/16" x 11 1/8"
... 4 squares 8 3/4" x 8 3/4", cut in half twice diagonally to make 16 quarter-square triangles
*Cut first.

Piecing the Stars
Step 1. Referring to Diagram I, sew 6 strip sets using 1 1/8" x 14" strips, offsetting each strip approximately 1". After each addition and keeping right sides together, press to set each seam. Press seam allowances away from first strip in each set in direction of arrow as shown. Make 16 of each.

Diagram I

Step 2. As shown in Diagram II, position acrylic rotary cutting ruler over strip set; align 45-degree-angle line on raw edge. Trim away and discard end. Cut 8 segments 1 1/8" wide from each color combination. Check the 45-degree angle occasionally and true up if necessary.

Diagram II

Step 3. To make diamonds, position segments for rows 1 through 6 (see Diagram III). With right sides together and using a pin, align match points of rows 1 and 2 at each seam line. Stitch seam, and keeping right sides together, press to set seam. Continue adding segments and setting seams. After all rows have been added, press seams in same direction (see Diagram IV). Make 16 sets of 8 matching.

Diagram III

Diagram IV

Step 4. Referring to Diagram V, pin 2 matching diamonds together; align match points at each seam line. Stitch together, starting and stopping 1/4" from corners. In same manner, add remaining pieced diamonds to complete Blazing Star. Make 16 total.

Diagram V

Quilt Top Assembly
Note: Refer to Assembly Diagram for following steps.
Step 5. Using set-in seams, sew together 4 stars with light pink solid 5 13/16" squares. Continue adding rows of stars by setting-in squares, light pink solid 5 13/16" x 11 1/8" rectangles, 11 1/8" squares, and 8 3/4" quarter-square triangles until pieced center is complete.
Step 6. Sew light pink solid 4 1/2" x 74" strips to top and bottom; trim even with sides.

Assembly Diagram

Quilting and Finishing
Step 7. Layer and baste quilt top for quilting method of your choice. The maker outline quilted the stars along one side of the diamonds. The center setting squares feature a medallion, and a hanging-diamond pattern fills the quilt background.
Step 8. Bind quilt with light pink solid fabric.

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