Mariner's Compass Stars Class Plan

by Carol Doak

Mariner's Compass Stars Everyone Can Make!

CLASS DESCRIPTION
The Mariner's Compass is now within everyone's reach. Using accurate paper foundation piecing, learn how easy it is to make these dramatic adaptations of the Mariner's Compass without any fuss. Make one block design and frame it with setting triangles and a border for a wall quilt that is sure to command attention in any room.

APPROXIMATE CLASS TIME
5 to 6 hours

WHAT EACH STUDENT WILL GET
Each student will make the 12" x 12" France block (48 pieces), set on point to make a finished quilt 25" x 25".

STUDENT SKILL LEVEL
Basic quilting skills

PROJECT SUPPLIES

  • Required text: Mariner's Compass Stars by Carol Doak
  • Sewing machine in good working order, size 90/14 needle and open-toe presser foot.
  • Add-A-Quarter ruler either 6" or 12" and postcard to accommodate the ruler
  • Flat pins, rotary cutter, mat and scissors
  • Four France A & B Foundations printed on foundation paper (recommended: Carol Doak's Foundation Paper, available at www.ctpub.com).

YARDAGE REQUIREMENTS
Measurements based on fabric 42"-wide. The colors listed here are the same as the quilt in the book, but you may change them if you prefer other colors.

  • Dark green: 7/8 yard for border and binding
  • Green/Pink print: 3/8 yard for setting triangles
  • Maroon: 1/4 yard for block
  • Light green: 1/8 yard for block
  • Medium green: 1/8 yard for block
  • Peach for: 1/4 yard for block
  • Dark pink: 1/4 yard for block
  • Light pink: 1/4 yard for block
  • Yellow: 1/8 yard for block
  • Gold: 1/8 yard for block
  • Backing fabric: 7/8 yard
  • Batting: 29" x 29"

Before class, cut the following pieces and label them as to their location, location number and section.

CUTTING FOR SETTING PIECES, BORDER AND BINDING
(Cut across the width of the fabric, selvage to selvage.)

FabricNo. to CutSize to CutLocation
Dark green 2 4 1/2" x 25 1/2" Top and bottom borders
  2 4 1/2" x 17 1/2" Side borders
  3 2 1/4 x 40" Binding
Green/pink print 2 9 3/8" x 9 3/8" Setting triangles

Cutting for Block
FabricNo. to CutSize to CutLocation #sSections
Maroon 8 3" x 3 3/4" 4 A, B
  8 2 1/4" x 3 1/2" 1 A, B
Light green 4 1 1/2" x 5" 2 A
Medium green 4 1 1/2" x 5" 2 B
Peach 8 2" x 5 1/2" 3 A, B
Dark pink 4 2 1/2" x 8" 5 A
Light pink 4 2 1/2" x 8" 5 B
Yellow 4 2" x 4" 6 A
Gold 4 2" x 4" 6 B

TEACHER'S ADVANCE PREPARATIONS
Make a sample of the finished quilt to advertise the class ahead of time and to use for demonstrations during the class.

DURING THE CLASS

  1. Following the instructions for the France Block on page 50 of Mariner's Compass Stars, demonstrate setting up the sewing machine.
  2. Trim foundations for Section A and B 1/4" from the dotted lines.
  3. Arrange fabric pieces to assembly line piece four Section A foundations.
  4. Have students assembly line piece four Section A's and then four Section B's.
  5. Demonstrate trimming the completed sections 1/4" from the solid line and then joining Section A to Section B by using the pin and baste method. Have students join the four sets to make four-quarter blocks.
  6. Demonstrate joining two block quarters using the pin and baste method to make two block halves. Have students make two block halves.
  7. Demonstrate joining two block halves using the pin and baste method. Have students join two block halves.
  8. Demonstrate joining setting triangles and outside borders.
Resources
Return to top

!