Help needed for block search

I'm making a valance for my daughter's kitchen window. I'm making it similar to a table runner with 3 blocks. I could use an 8 inch or 9 inch or 10 inch block. The fabric has a coffee theme and I want to have the center to be a focus of the block because I want to fussy cut the fabric to fit the center. I found Aunt Eliza's Star on Quilt Blocks Galore, but I'm just not 100% sure that's the one I want.

Here's that block: http://www.quilterscache.com/A/AuntElizasStarBlock.html

Any thoughts or ideas?

By the way, this is the block that gave me the idea, but this particular block is a 12 inch and that would be too big for the window width.

http://www.quilterscache.com/F/FourPatchFox&GooseBlock_Page2.html

This was one of June's BOM Quilt Along selections.

Well, here's what I have to say:

If you like the Fox & Goose block, make it. You can make it in 8" or 10" very easily. Additionally, if you're going to make a valance, consider making it in rows, rather than blocks. This will avoid quite a few half square triangles.

Make a row of flying geese, a row of square-in-squares, then 2 more rows of flying geese (I'm referring to the picture on the pattern page).

The thing you'll have to math about the most is the central square-in-square components. I'd do stitch & flip, but if you want to cut those corner triangles, there's math for that.

And probably if I weren't still on my first cup of coffee, I'd be able to tell you all about that math.

Yeah, what she said.

I was doing a little math and think that I could get away with a 12 inch block if I didn't have any sashing, which is what the Fox and goose did. I would put a border on the top and bottom and then an additional row at the top and bottom because I have a coordinating coffee fabric that is in rows. I don't mind making HST's. In fact, I live for making HST's.

This would work because the window casing to casing measurement is 33 inches, but actually there is about 3 to 5 inches on each side of the window before the cupboard starts. Also, there is nothing above the window until the ceiling which is a 10 foot ceiling.

I see what you mean as far as saving making extra HST's. I was thinking of making the outside corners just plain squares, but changed my mind because I like the additional color fabric in the block.

Luvs, would you like me to resize this block for you in EQ7 and send you the info by email?

That will make a splendid addition to the kitchen!

I really like the Fox and Goose block a lot!! I frequently use the copier to reduce/enlarge. Here's a chart for that process: http://www.thequiltedsnail.com/scale.html ('cuz I'm not a math nerd, er I mean genius. like someone here!

I'm actually pretty good at math ratios which would be what you'd need to reduce a block.

Tracy, I had to reread your post about 4 times before I got what you were talking about. Guess I'm good at math, but not English! I would be easiest that way and reduce the number of seams between blocks. If you look at the block with more than one together, different fabrics make a star depending on how you look at it.

I think I'm going to use the 12 inch block because I need the center square to be that 4 inch square to pick up the fussy cut I need for the motif in the fabric. 4 inches is about the minimum.

3 blocks would work because there are 3 different coffee pots in the fabric, so I can do one of each.

You just learn everything! Thanks QBee for your added info. I made a copy of it for my files in my sewing room. I can't tell you how much paper I've wasted trying to make things smaller or larger! Now I know thanks to you and your chart.



I just may make new kitchen curtains for my little window too for Fall/Winter. Never gave it a though about quilt blocks. I don't think to much about doing things like that on windows or for shower curtains or at least valance. That would be cute too. With matching seat, lid and tank cover.



I think I'm thinking "out of the box" here! This could be very scary ladies!

Joann - even I can do ratios. . . but I have a gadget with the calculations all ready to use which makes it really quick.

Except it would take me 30 minutes to find the chart.

Finished the fussy cut square in square portion of the block. 5 of them. Found out I fussy cut them going the wrong direction. Guess they are going to be table runner or placemats now. Need to go buy more fabric to start over.

The thing is that I don't really care for the red I used. Now I get to pick a different red.

Joann - I keep my little recalculating tool hanging on a hook right by my cutting table. I frquently resize designs I want to use for applique. I'm sure I can use the little gadget faster than pencil/paper/calculator. Sorry about your fussy cutting. Goofs are frustrating. But, at least you got far enough to figure out you didn't like your red.

I just wanted to use my stash, so the red worked, but had gold stars in the fabric. I didn't really like those, but thought it would be okay. Now I got to choose another one.