Fixing a Wonky Star for a Friend

I found this on the giveaway table at my local quilt guild's weekly Bee in 2020. It looked so sad. It was crumpled up and I honestly thought it was weeping. I walked over and whispered, "Are you all right? Do you need something? Can I help you?"

She sighed BIG and said, "I'm alone. I know I'm ugly, but my fabrics are beautiful and my maker did the best she could, but I'm wonky and my seams aren't straight and I need some help!"

I recognized the beautiful fabrics as those of Jinny Beyer. This was NOT an easy block to piece and I totally understood how hard it must have been for the maker. I turned it over and saw the "adventurous" stitching. (This photo shows the pieced corners removed)

I grabbed the weeping star and assured her I would make her beautiful again! I found out who put it on the table (Suzanne; it was in her mother's stash) and then I went home. The first thing I did was introduce her to my sewing room and assure her it was safe. Then I told her I was going to start by removing the 9 Patch corners. She said, "OK, but will it hurt?" No - you're going to enjoy the process!

Removing the 9 Patch corners

The 9 Patch units were pieced accurately, but they obviously didn't fit well with the pieced diamonds.

9 Patch block corners

She was fine. I kept going. I had to take apart the 8 pieced diamond wedges. She started to laugh - "That tickles!" Things badly needed to be trimmed and pressed.

Now, this is where I needed to use my surgeon's knife (aka rotary cutter). The 8 pieced diamonds were different sizes and in order for them to lie flat in a new star, they had to be the same size. I cut off a little here and there and then stitched them back together, this time using solid cream triangles so there were no y-seams.

Back of Lone Star with new plain setting triangles

She lies flat - perfectly flat! And the lovely little Lone Star was now singing instead of crying!

I gave this back to Suzanne (she had no idea I was going to restore the star) and she had a big smile on her face. I don't know what she did with this beautiful Jinny Beyer star, but I know the star was happy to be loved again!

It sure glows, doesn't it? You would, too, if you got some new clothes and a lot of love!