QM Patterns: Stars of the Improv

Designed by Theresa Eisinger. Fabrics from Northcott/Monarch and Timeless Treasures. Sewn by Mickie Swall.

Stars of the Improv is a crib-size series quilt that you can make at your leisure as the improvisational construction techniques are featured in several issues of Quiltmaker. The directions for this quilt are given only on our web site but, as mentioned, you'll need copies of the magazine for reference. To order these issues of Quiltmaker magazine as they become back issues, call 800-477-6089. (Outside the U.S. call 303-604-1464.)

For help with all phases of the quiltmaking process, see Basic Lessons.

See Part 1 on the web site for the pattern schedule, yardage and cutting, and the patches needed for this crib quilt. See Part 2 to make the Spinning Star blocks. Part 3 includes directions for the Four Hearts blocks.

Directions for the string-piecing and wavy block techniques are given in Quiltmaker Sept/Oct 2002 (No. 87) and are needed for making these blocks.

 Part Four of Five:
  Bright Stripes and Wave Blocks

Select a series of brightly colored fabrics for string-piecing the Bright Stripe blocks. Directions for this technique are given in the September/October 2002 (#87) issue of Quiltmaker magazine.

Step 1: String Piecing the Bright Stripe Blocks
Read the directions on page 67 of the September/October 2002 (#87) issue of QM for the string piecing technique. On a muslin C patch, string piece 7-8 strips of fabric, slightly angling each strip as shown as it is added. Trim the block to 6 1/2" x 6 1/2". Repeat for 4 more blocks.

Step 2: Making the Wave Blocks
Follow the directions for Makin' Waves on page 23 of the September/October 2002 (#87) issue of QM. Layer a dark pink over a purple D, both right sides up.

Cut through both layers 4 times across the width as shown. Make the curves shallow for easy sewing.

Lay out the strips from these 2 D's as shown in the block 1 and 2 diagrams. Alternating colors, sew 3 dark pink and 2 purple stripes together to make block 1. Again alternating colors, join 3 purple and 2 dark pink stripes to make block 2.

Repeat the cutting and piecing process 2 more times to make 3 block 1's and 3 block 2's. Trim each block to 6 1/2" x 6 1/2".