Pumpkin Picking Quilt-Along: Weeks 5-6 Tips
How do I choose the right fabrics for the large pumpkin blocks, so my blocks look dimensional and not flat?
To help the pumpkin blocks look dimension, pay attention to the scale and contrast of your fabrics. A larger and darker print works great for the center of the pumpkin, while a lighter and smaller print works on the sides of the pumpkin to create a curved look.
My smaller center blocks aren't quite the right size. What do I do?
This is an easy fix! If your center small blocks are too small, add wider white rectangles to the small blocks (in the pattern this is Assemble Large Star Blocks, Step 1). Then trim the blocks to size.
If your blocks are too big, add the white rectangles as the pattern states, then trim down to the right size.
I'm not a big fan of making Flying Geese units. Is there an easier way to do it?
Absolutely! You can make four matching Flying Geese units at a time (exactly what you need for each large star block) using this no-waste method.
For each large star block, cut:
- 1 -- 7-1/4" square of background fabric
- 4 -- 3-7/8" square of star point fabric
Use a pencil to mark a diagonal line on wrong side of each star point fabric 3-7/8" square.
Referring to Diagram 1, align two marked star point fabric squares with opposite corners of a background fabric 7-1/4" square. Sew a scant 1/4" from drawn lines on both sides of lines.
Cut apart on drawn lines to make two triangle units (Diagram 2); press open.
Referring to Diagram 3, align a marked star point fabric square with background fabric corner of a triangle unit. Sew a scant 1/4" from each side of drawn line.
Cut apart on drawn line (Diagram 4). Press star point fabric triangles open to make two Flying Geese units. Each unit should be 3-1/2×6-1/2" including seam allowances. Repeat with remaining triangle unit to make two additional Flying Geese units for a total of four.
