I love LeMoyne Stars but have never felt completely satisfied with the ones I made. I decided to devote some time this week to making some LeMoyne Stars and trying to get more comfortable with them.
I have a piece of software by one of my favorite designers, Judy Martin. Stars and Sets has over 200 blocks for several types of stars – Ohio, Variable, Lone Star, Compass, Spikey Star and LeMoyne. The software is difficult to find but the patterns I chose are also in her books as noted.
The patterns are rated 1 to 4 stars, with 1 star being the easiest. There is no one-star LeMoyne block so I chose four two-star patterns to try. I made all them in the 8-inch finished size.
SALSA – I combined rotary cutting and templates and it went together fairly well. There are a couple of points that are a little short, but otherwise I like the block. This block also appeared in Judy’s book, Block Book, pg 38
LAKE OF THE WOODS – I used Judy’s suggestion of cutting the center triangles from the same pattern of fabric to form a kaleidoscope. The block went together well and I really like it. Also in Judy’s book, Scraps, Blocks & Quilts, pg 33
BUILDING BLOCK – Made this block completely from templates. Judy provides piecing diagrams for all of her blocks which made it go together fairly easily. The center hexagon was quite small and difficult to sew with a partial seam.
While I was working on this block, it didn’t look promising but it was like a puzzle and other than wishing I had made a couple of different fabric choices, the block is impressive.
Also in Judy’s book, Judy Martin’s Ultimate Book of Quilt Block Patterns, pg 31
THE RIVER JORDAN – I used both templates and rotary cutting. A nice pattern and not too difficult. Also in Judy’s book, The Block Book, pg 34
I had a fun, challenging week, but now I’m ready to piece something a little easier. Some day, I hope to actually make one of the 3-star or 4-star versions.
LILLIAN'S CUPBOARD 
I like them all but prefer the pink one.
It looks like you had fun. They all look great!
They are all very appealing. I like the way you fussy cut the center of the one with the red gingham. The first one looks so very soft, and the third one very masculine. What will you do with the blocks now?
Since these were practice blocks and made out of scraps, I’ll probably use them in other small projects like pillows, placemats, gift bags, etc. Occasionally, I applique a block to the front of a knit top to hide a stain or bad spot. They never go to waste. Lillian
Wow… what beautiful blocks! Great job!
Beautiful blocks Lilian, they look so complicated, but intriguing too! The way you have used your fabrics are fabulous, a bit like a jigsaw:)
Have a fine week!
I expect I should challenge myself more with some ‘advanced’ level blocks just for the practice. Most of the quilts I make fall into the ‘intermdediate’ or slightly beyond.
I like precision and don’t want my projects to be more complex than I can nicely finish.
I do like your blocks–and the fact that you ‘play’ with fabrics and patterns.
I liked seeing all the variations on the LeMoyne Star – I had no idea sew many existed!