Dots on Dots Blog Hop and Giveaway

Hourglass Star Block, finished size 11 x 11 inches.  I made my block from fat quarters picked by Maureen Cracknell for The Intrepid Thread that came in this bundle (photo from Maureen Cracknell Handmade).  The dots are called oval elements.

I started by separating the 10 fat quarters into 5 sets of dots/solid combos.

From the dots I cut two 5 x 5 squares and from the solids I cut five 4 x4 squares and two 5x5 squares.

Mark 1/4 lines on either side of the diagonal.

Pair up the dot/solid 5 x 5 squares and pin.  Sew along each line.

Cut right down the middle into two halves.

Then subcut the triangles into two by making a right angle.

You will end up with a little pile of triangles.  Press them all before opening up to set the seams.

Now, this is the most important part.  Finger press the seam open before pressing flat.  Finger pressing will keep your seams from getting wonky or distorted.  Pressing the seams open also makes the finished block flatter.

After pressing flat, I like to give it a little spray of starch and set everything one more time with a hot iron.  I don’t use steam.

Now, match up two triangles to make a square.

I pin the triangles together since the seams don’t nest.

Chain sew all your pieces.

Finger press again and flip over. 

Voila!  A pretty hourglass block.

Line up the diagonal on a square ruler with the seam line.  Trim to 4 inches square.

Very pretty!

Now lay out all your hourglass blocks with the solid 4 x 4 squares.

Press the seams toward the solid squares and you will end up with this hourglass star block.

Now, onto the important part!   I am giving away a $25 gift certificate to Quilt Taffy.  I’ve ordered from Corrie’s shop tons of times and she has sweet fabric and great customer service!  To enter, you must be a follower and leave a comment telling me your favorite fabric.  If you are a no-reply blogger please leave your email address in the comment.  Open to international entries and the winner will be announced next Monday, September 17th.  Have a great week and don’t forget to check out the other stops on the blog hop today:

Cat Patches

Busy Bee Quilts

Stitch by Stitch

Mary on Lake Pulaski

Just Let Me Quilt

[Amy's] Crafty Shenanigans

PolkaDotClassic

AnnieOak Designs

Blueberry Moon

You can find the entire schedule on Corrie’s blog here:

http://quilttaffy.blogspot.com/2012/08/dots-on-dots-blog-hop-schedule.html