Design Shapes - Odd Shapes 2


This lovely laced star is not as difficult to piece as you first think. Each square is made from four triangles. The mariner's compass is as difficult to piece as the design looks; it is a 36 inch wall hangings and was an enjoyable challenge to piece and to design the quilting motif to enhance the design. My dear husband used his compass and protractor and designed these blocks. Then he made the templates for me to use in cutting out the patterns. After sewing two pieces together, I would iron and then double check it still fit the template; if it was off by even a tiny bit I would trim the piece to be exact. The first mariner's compass quilt was not checked after each seam was sewn and ended up being about 380 degrees around and could not be completed.

The pattern for quilt to the above left was a Kansas City Star quilt pattern from a box of these left to me by my paternal grandmother. I cut the blocks and pieced a few of them, my mother pieced the rest of the blocks, I set the blocks with the sashing, church ladies quilted it, mom added the binding and my son has used it and continues to use it many years later. The quilt to the right is a bow tie quilt. Although it is a pretty design, it wins the honors of my least favorite quilt to piece and quilt.