2025 Block of the Year - Lemoyne Star

Last year I focused on the Star 60 Tool from Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design. I feel that I mastered (almost) the tool and the various variations and techniques to make blocks using a 60 degree cut. I think I should do a blog post about all these projects I did using the Star 60 Tool.

This year, I want to focus on the 8 pointed star. This uses a 45 degree cut, but I'm not going to struggle with pointy centers, Y seams or odd shaped blocks.

I am going to use the Rapid Fire Lemoyne Star tool from Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design. I've already made a few quilts as samples for the upcoming Lemoyne Star Block Exploration and I have a few ideas for some larger quilts this year. The tool makes these blocks really easy to make. Guaranteed Success!

As an introduction to this class, I was going to record a welcome and introductory video, but I've been sick, so you get to read!

We are going to meet for 3 hours each month at either 1pm or 6pm (Tuesdays, January 28, February 25, March 25, April 22, May 27, June 24). Each month we are going to explore a different method of making the Lemoyne Star block.

So, on to what we'll do and what we'll need.

Each month we are going to make at least 1 block in a size of your choosing. I'll explain a little bit more when we are together but, you can decide to make all your blocks the same size or each of the blocks in a different size.

I will be encouraging you to make more than one block using each technique either in class or at home as practice. You can plan to make these blocks into small projects (table runners or wall hangings or plan for a larger sampler quilt.

Rapid Fire Lemoyne Star tool: This tool is an acrylic ruler used to piece 10 sizes (3"-12") of a basic Lemoyne Star block. The instructions are included on the cardstock packaging but you can access and download a PDF of the instructions. I'll have a tool available for student use in class, but remember, you won't be able to take it home with you and I only have the one.
Studio 180 Design has created Technique Sheets that work with the basic tool instructions. We'll use these alongside the basic tool instruction to make a number of blocks in a variety of sizes. The cost for these have been included in your class registration. You will get the technique sheets at the first class.
Tucker Trimmer I or III I'd recommend the larger tool as it will be more useful to make all sizes of the blocks. I'll make my Tucker Trimmers available for use in class.
Fabric Supplies: Fabric Supplies: 1/2 meter cuts of 2-3 fabrics and 1-2 meters background. Fat Quarters will work. I recommend you starch your fabrics before cutting as this well help deal with bias edges and fabric fraying.
Rotary Cutting tools: a smaller mat for trimming as well as a rotary cutter with fresh blade and a smaller ruler (6" x 12"). I have some larger rulers and mats available for you to use in class.

A Basic Sewing Kit: thread snips and small scissors, seam ripper, straight pins (I like the Clover patchwork or silk pins), Piecing thread (a 60wt is recommended), fabric marking tool and fine permanent markers in at least 2 different colours.