Welcome back to the Milky Way Sampler! If you’re new to this starry sampler quilt, and want to find out more about this foundation paper pieced sampler, you can check out this post for all the info. And if you need to brush up on your foundation paper piecing skills, I’ve got a tutorial for that!
Block 8 for the Milky Way Sampler is Polaris. AKA the North Star, something I actually had a conversation with my kids about last week. We can’t see it from Australia, and theoretically we could have seen it while living in Japan… except Tokyo’s lights don’t allow you to see many stars at all! So alas, this pink version will have to do for us.
Download this block for free during August from my Craftsy store.
Polaris
What you’ll need
Polaris pattern – print 4 copies of the template at ‘Actual Size’
Paper piecing supplies – read this post for my recommended paper piecing supplies
Pattern notes
- Templates should measure 5 1/2″ along the longest side.
- A5 and A6 are the background sections.
- When you have pieced all four templates, arrange them so that the prints point to the outside of the quilt block.
- Sew the templates into pairs, pressing seams in alternate directions so that they nest when you sew the block together.
- Sew the block together and press the seam open.
- Quilt block should measure 10 1/2″ x 10 1/2″.
This is one of the tricky blocks in regards to the incredible bulk of seam in the centre point. I personally use Flatter and press the seams open when sewing the blocks together. It helps a little, but I also just accept the fact that this is a bulky block (and avoid quilting over that centre point…). Leave your tips for bulky seams in the comments below!
Block 9 will be out on September 1st (AEST), and this block will no longer then be available for free. Make sure to download it now so that you don’t miss out! You can also sign up for my newsletter so that you don’t miss out on future block announcements.
SHARE YOUR BLOCKS
Looking for how to show off your masterpieces? If you’re on Instagram, use #milkywaysampler and feel free to tag me too – @blossomheartquilts! There’s also a fabulous community happening in the BHQ Facebook group where many people are sewing along to this QAL too.
This post contains affiliate links. It just means if you make a purchase, I receive a small commission. Thanks for your support!
Joni says
You mention using Flatter on the bulkier seams. What’s that about? I have a lot of blocks coming up with this problem!
Alyce says
It’s a “starch-free smoothing spray” – so it’s not going to starch your fabric, just helps remove crinkles and wrinkles, and smells divine! I love the yuzu scent.
Paula S. Pike says
Alyce, thank you for sharing the Polaris pattern. This might find it’s way into my grandson’s quilt. Your experience is so unfortunate and unacceptable. I’m glad you were able to get it resolved.
Alyce says
Thanks, Paula, I appreciate it!
L. Schieber says
Love this block! And so sorry to hear that someone “borrowed” your work. Glad it is resolved.
Alyce says
Thanks Lynn!
Anna says
Last time I was using Sassafras Lane tutorial: https://sassafras-lane.com/blogs/news/16953088-sewology-sunday-getting-perfect-centers
Tutorial helped a lot but I was not satisfied with results so I just …put a button in the middle of the work (block became a pillow).
This tme I am going to reuse the tutorial and practise, practise and practise…..
Alyce says
Haha, “put a button on it” sounds like a great answer 😉
Anna says
I also laugh at me but finally it was no so bad idea and eventually I like the effect even more. This time, with pretty Polaris such a hint is useless.
Alyce says
That is very true!
Ramona says
Thanks again for a great free paper piecing block. And a pox be upon the copy pasta monsters.
Alyce says
Thank you, Ramona, I appreciate the support!
Charlotte says
Thank you for doing this series. I love all the stars so far and I’m learning so much with each one. I can’t wait to put all my blocks together.
DT says
Thank you for this series. I’m new to quilting so I appreciate the great advice and free patterns. I was in accessories previously and even our manufacturer would steal our designs! You did the right thing.
Alyce says
My pleasure! Welcome to the quilting world 🙂
Linda Pohlenz says
I have learned to spray the bulky seams and press open. Then I put the block under a heavy book for a bit. It may sound funny, but this has helped my blocks.
Alyce, thanks for sharing about your blog world. I think there are quilters that have no idea about copyright. You have such a nice way of explaining the situation that people who infringe on copyright out of innocence have now been informed and can do the right thing to support bloggers like yourself. Thanks for your time and expertise!
Alyce says
Heavy books is a common one! You’re certainly not alone in that 🙂
Thank you, I really appreciate it x
Linda Cejnar says
I, too, would like to show my support to you and your blog, by applauding your post on copywrite infringement. Even though I visit your blog on a more than monthly basis, I chose to purchase the pattern when you had it on sale. I learned in sixth grade (many, many years ago) that you can’t copy someone else’s work into your own book report…I think everyone else learned it too.
Alyce says
Thank you for your support, Linda!
Tricia says
Alyce, Thank you so much for the Milky Way blocks and all of “YOUR” tips and techniques. For the thick seams after I press them while they are still warm I take a small hammer and tap them a few times, even holding the hammer on the seams and this does help with some.
I sat in a class once listening to a teacher speak of copying patterns and explaining copyright and it being illegal. Someone new spoke up and said “if they bought a pattern didn’t it belong to them and they could do what they wanted once they paid for it”. Well she had a lot of us explain copyright to her. She really believed once she purchased the pattern it belonged to her. She finally understood what everyone was saying but did it change her thinking…I hope so.
Alyce says
A hammer is a common method!
Thanks for the support, I hope so too!