Jewel Box Stars

Bonnie Hunter's 2018 leader/ender project is called Jewel Box Stars. This is a free pattern on her website. I've been working on this project for a few months now. If you want to learn about leader/ender projects, I highly recommend Bonnie's post about why you should add this to your toolbox.

I thought I had enough 4-patch and half-square triangle units to make my blocks. I found I was mistaken.

I was short about 14 half-square triangle units. I looked through one of my boxes (yes I have more than one) labeled 'batiks' to see if I could pull off a save. I happily discovered a stack of 5" charm squares which was perfect for my needs. I'm making my units finish at 4" by 4", so the 5" charms were a great discovery. I used some lights and darks to make a stack of half-square triangle units so I could finish up my blocks. This method isn't my favorite because of the need to sliver-trim, but if you want to make just a few it's perfect. I prefer to make my half-square triangle units using the 6.5" Easy Angle Ruler and strips.

When I was done with the blocks, I ended up with a couple extra, which is not unusual. Not all of them are perfect, so these few leftovers don't bother me a bit. The best part was that I had only one lonely 4-patch left over.

I joined four of the blocks into one big block. This block will finish at 16" by 16". Now, I only need to finish 29 more. This project isn't moving quickly but that isn't the point of a leader/ender project. I did swap the placement of units, but the stars will pop out when I have the rest of the blocks done.

I think I will make more progress when Bonnie Hunter's next mystery quilt starts next week. I haven't narrowed down my fabric choices, but you can be sure I'll be making some units along with everyone else, even if I don't make the whole quilt. Or, I'll get really excited on Black Friday and run to the fabric store and buy a bunch of fabric in fun colors. If you want some great color theory tips for this year's mystery quilt, I recommend you check out String and Story's Quilt Cam with Bonnie.

Tools (affiliate links):
Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle
Fiskars Rotary Cutter
Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
BLACK+DECKER Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron
Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion
Fiskars 8-inch scissors
Juki TL-2010Q
6.5" Easy Angle Ruler
Tucker Wing Clipper Ruler
Creative Grids 6.5" Square Ruler