The Wonky Star block was designed by Laura Ryle, who was initially inspired by the quilt Blaze by Adrianne Ove. Ruth Smith put together the directions, based on Laura’s design.

This is basically a 9-patch block. Each block is made up of a center block, 4 pieced “Star Points” squares, and 4 yellow and white pieced “Ray” squares. There are opportunities for improv piecing when making the star points and the rays, so have fun!

Read through all directions before beginning!

“Wonky Star” Block Directions

Due November 1st! Final photo of quilt due November 30th to MQG.

Please track your progress on instagram with #sbamqgcommunityquilt2021. Completed blocks can be dropped off by November 1st at Pat’s house (Capitola) or mailed directly to Elizabeth. Please email sbamqg@gmail.com for delivery/shipping address.

Although the 2021 QuiltCon looks quite different next year, SBAMQG is still excited to participate in virtual workshops, shows, and of course the Community Outreach Quilt Challenge. Our 2021 quilt will be donated to an organization in Santa Cruz County helping with those impacted by the CZU lightning complex fire.

QuiltCon’s 2021 Community Outreach Quilt Challenge theme is Curves! To read more about the complete guidelines including quilt size, equivalent theme colors in different brands, and rules, see The MQG’s challenge post here.

Thank you to Elizabeth McGinnis for submitting the chosen block for the outreach quilt, aptly named “California Curves.”

If you are queasy about sewing curves, there are numerous tutorials on youtube.  Here’s one:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4WFZIU-vyw

California Curves

Cut (5) 12” squares from 5 different fabrics, using the QuiltCon palette (bright white, apricot/mango, tiger/dark orange, sky blue, cobalt blue, indigo)

Fabric hints:  If you use white, use a pure white, or “arctic” white.  An off-white will look dingy with these colors.  If you use a print for the colors, be sure that it doesn’t introduce a new color.  Small prints look better.

Making the block:

1. 1. Stack the 5 squares. With chalk, lightly draw 4 curves on the top square, to make sure you like the spacing of your curve.  The curves do not need to be perfect arcs or echoes. Make sure to leave at least 1-2 inches on the last, largest curve to allow for seam. allowance

2. Cut gentle curves through all five layers, following the chalk lines, using a sharp rotary cutter (or scissors). Use one hand to hold the fabric squares in place so they don’t move while cutting—watch your fingers!

3. Shuffle the stacks – Move the top layer of stack 1 to the bottom; move the top 2 layers of stack 2 to the bottom; move the top 3 layers of stack 3 to the bottom; move the top 4 layers to the bottom; leave stack 5 as is. You can also arrange your pieces on a design wall until you have 5 blocks that appeal to you. Each block will have all 5 colors in a different arrangement.

4. Using the top layer from each stack, fold each piece to find the midpoint. Match right sides together at the folded midpoint. If you prefer to pin, place pins about 1 inch apart, starting from the center out to the edge. Starting with the first two inside pieces (light blue & indigo in the example above), match the curves and stitch using ¼” seam allowance, gently easing the curve.

5. Repeat with each of the 4 curves. When each block is finished, press seams outward. Repeat for each layer of stacked pieces. You will end up with five different blocks. They will look fairly wonky at this point.

6. Trim the blocks to 9.5 inches and you’re done!

It’s time for the 2020 QuiltCon Charity Quilt! This year we opened the design up to a guild vote. All submissions were excellent. After a vote…and a runoff vote, the choice was made for “Persisterhood.” The quilt design honors the women of our guild and the memory of those who taught us how to sew, quilt and break boundaries.

The background of the quilt will be made of flying geese in white and very light grey solid fabric. The word “PERSISTERHOOD” will be pieced with medium to very dark grey solid fabric. The quilt will likely be square, but the mock-up above provides a general idea of the lettering on the quilt.

Background Directions:

The background is made up of flying geese that will be low contrast to add interest and some texture to the background of the quilt.  The blocks should measure 2 ” x 4” finished, 2 ½ ” x 4 ½ ” unfinished. 

Fabric: Select solid fabrics, in the range of white to very light grey. If using Kona fabrics as your reference, Kona Silver is suitable for a light grey. 

Create the blocks: There are several ways to make flying geese. The four-at-a-time method can be seen in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aa4vZUJFtw

If using the four-at-a-time method, use one 

5 ¼” large square and four 2 ⅞ ” squares.

Letter Block Directions:

The letter blocks (or parts of letter blocks) will be assigned based on comfort level and availability of sewers.

The letters will be composed of traditional quilt blocks (e.g., half square triangles, ohio stars, broken dishes, drunkard’s path, orange peel). All letters will measure 8” tall finished (8 ½” unfinished) while the width of the letters may differ (e.g., an “I” will have a thinner width than an “O”).

Fabric: Select solid fabrics, in the range of medium grey to dark charcoal.

Create the blocks:   The lettering of this quilt is composed of 79 blocks:

• 49 small square blocks (2” finished,  2 ½” unfinished)
• 16 small curved blocks (2” finished,  2 ½” unfinished)
• 14 large curved blocks (4” finished, 4 ½” unfinished)

If you feel so inclined, use the hashtag #sbamqgcharityquilt to show off your work via social media.

Please reach out to sbamqg@gmail.com with any questions, concerns or comments!