Modern Monday - Block 59

Sunshine Star

Block 59 - Sunshine Star

This is really a Sawtooth Star block, but I like how sunny and cheerful it turned out, so I renamed it! Name yours whatever you choose! I thought we'd do some precision modern today, which is where I see modern heading - at least for now!

You'll need 3 colors. I chose two oranges and white, but I considered blue for the center. For more color, you could make a 2 1/2" unfinished four-patch block for the center.

Cutting:
From the white, cut:
4 - 2 3/8" squares*
4 - 2" squares
2 - 1" x 2 1/2" strips
2 - 1" x 3 1/2" strips

From the light orange, cut 4 - 2 3/8" squares.*
From the dark orange, cut 1 - 2 1/2" square.

*I cut mine 2 1/2" so I had room to square the half-square triangles up at the end.

Here's the cut fabrics. Pretend the 2" white squares are here (I forgot them for the picture!).

Make 8 - 2" unfinished half square triangles from the white and light orange squares in any method you prefer.

Once the half-square triangles are done, lay out the units as they will look when sewn.

Make the center square. Sew the two short strips to the sides of the center square. Press to the square if it is darker than the strips. Add the long strips to the top and bottom. Press to the dark. This unit is 3 1/2".

Sew the triangles together as shown and press the seams open. Sew to either side of the center square. Press to the square. Sew the remaining triangles together and add the 4 - 2" squares to each end. Sew to the top and bottom of the block. By pressing the seams on the points of the triangles, you will have a clear guide as to where to sew so the points don't get cut off. (I forgot to get a picture of this.) Your block will be 6 1/2".