I was just thrilled with all the suggestions I received about my dilemma with the lousy pattern I thought I had to use for Ahren’s William Morris quilt! I did download a different pattern that was suggested, and will give it a try at some point. What I did do was order Deb Tucker’s Hunter’s Star ruler on several recommendations. I used Amazon and had the ruler in my hands the following day.
A number of people said this is the only way to go when making this difficult block. I watched several YouTube videos of Deb Tucker demonstrating the tool as well as a few other demos by other quilters. One gal, The Opinionated Quilter, actually compared the Tucker Hunter’s Star ruler with the Creative Grids ruler of the same name. She strongly preferred the Tucker ruler, so that is what I got.
The technique that sets this ruler apart from the competition is that you sew your trapezoid strips along a strip of fabric that will become your star point diamonds. Use the ruler to trim to size and you have all your trapezoid units done perfectly in no time.
The other thing that makes the blocks come out so perfectly is that they are made oversized and trimmed down upon completion. My blocks are all 10 1/2″ square, which will be close to the size in the pattern Ahren picked out.
I have not launched into full production mode just yet, because I am still dithering over the border fabric, which will determine the fabrics I use for the blocks.
I may have ordered this amazing fabric for the borders.
15 Responses
Gonna have to order that ruler! I’m a huge fan of trimming down— you always get the right size. And I highly support the new border purchase— it’s gorgeous—- and I won’t even mention all the extra fabric you had anyway! Lots of binding ideas, right? A pieced backing? A girl needs choices.
Oh, my that fabric is gorgeous!
Good fir you! You are going to be so happy with the results.
I’m a big fan of Deb Tucker’s rulers. (I haven’t needed Hunter’s Star but if I ever do I’ll make the investment.) The Opinionated Quilter (Maureen O’Connor) is terrific! I love her attitude. I watch the weekly YouTube episodes and some day I’ll win the giveaway she offers. Her shop is in my hometown.
I am about to embark on a Morris print quilt of my own. It’s called Thameside Ramble, and uses a ruler from Robin Ruth Design to make compass blocks. I have a large collection of Morris prints, some that you have and some that you have that I would like to add to my stash. I am pretty sure I have made a hunters star quilt, I know I have the same Tucker ruler. Ahrens quilt is going to be beautiful.
I’ve been making a Hunter’s Star quilt off and on for the last year or so, using the Accuquilt die. It cuts all the pieces perfectly and somehow I still manage to put them together not quite correctly. But, it will be beautiful when it’s done (I’m using my Midwinter Reds, finally!) and yours is going to be gorgeous. Love that border fabric!
I purchased the Creative Grids Hunters Star ruler last week and after making only two blocks , I am a fan of this ruler. I followed the directions with no problems and the block turned out perfectly!
So glad you ordered the Tucker ruler! I love her rulers and complete instructions. Looking forward to seeing ypur fabric selections 😍
You’re just about ready to go! Have you starched yet? It’s great to see you excited about a quilt project!
Gorgeous fabrics! This quilt is going to be stunning.
I have Deb Tuckers Rapid Fire Hunter’s Star ruler, I think it is a great tool. My blocks turned out just right. I was gifted the AccuQuilt die but I haven’t tried it yet. I’m sure it would speed up the cutting process.
Have fun working on these blocks with such beautiful fabric. 😊
You will actually enjoy making this quilt now!!
I never worry about the border this early in the game….I just plow ahead. That would be a HUGE mistake with this fabric. It will be tricky picking the border. I can’t wait to see what you choose.
Tell Ahren he’s inspired a bunch of your followers to fall in love with WM. Also, did you notice how MANY people posted on your last post? Your blog has so many ‘lurkers’. WTH?! I have way too many opinions to just lurk. ;p
Ina, I noticed a bunch of ‘lurkers’ on that post, too! I’ve always got something to say & I really like her new format where we can reply to each other, as well! Hope the new people will continue to comment!
Same, Jan. Same.
That looks great. I have both the Hunter’s Star Rulers. I used the larger one and thought I would need the smaller version sooner or later – added it to the collection! My florals were red background with roses and a similar one in yellow. I was very happy with the result.
Have fun and the border fabric is beautiful.