Summer Sampler 2017: Block 6 – Marine Star

Summer Sampler 2017 Block 6 is here! This week, we’re doing a simplified mariner’s compass block—Marine Star by Katie Blakesley of Swim Bike Quilt.

I did the 6″ version of this block, and I’m not going to mince words: It’s a challenging one. LOL. Particularly in the 6″ size, the paper-piecing isn’t too bad—it’s joining the paper-pieced units that can be tricky.

I also did a scrappy print version of the 12″ block, and that one sure came out better for me. LOL. So if you’re concerned about this one, you may want to stick with the 12″ version.

But in spite of all my warnings above, don’t worry, I KNOW you guys are up for the challenge of this block! I’ve been so impressed with what you all have done so far in this quilt-along—especially our newbies, who are trying out techniques you never thought you’d try! I love that!! So to that end, let’s talk about this week’s tip.

Here’s what worked for me on this block:

• I left the paper on throughout the process, waiting to remove the paper until the very end. I think the paper helps stabilize some of those angles as you sew them and try to get them to line up.

• I had several parts of the block that didn’t come together well at first (especially that white center square, which was my nemesis this week). So once the whole block was together, I removed the paper and THEN snipped stitches where the seams didn’t come together quite right. I did NOT unstitch the whole seam—only as much as I needed to in order to more accurately resew the areas where seams needed to align. In many cases, with angles like this, tiny adjustments are all you need to perfect the block!

• Pressing is SO IMPORTANT! A lot of people finger-press when paper-piecing or use a seam roller. I’m fanatical about pressing with my iron very thoroughly after every paper-piecing seam, because it absolutely can affect the accuracy of your block. If that seam isn’t pressed quite right, once you remove the paper? Bam, the size of the unit has changed without the paper to stabilize it. It may be only a slight change, but that’s enough to screw you up with this block!

I hope that helps! Can’t wait to see your Marine Star blocks—post them with the hashtag #summersampler2017. And it’s not too late to join us in the quilt-along! Click here to join in!