Scrap Jar Stars ~ Tutorial & Giveaway!

Monday, January 16, 2012

 I L♥VE scrappy quilts! 
I love the idea of making something beautiful and original out of seemingly nothing.  I love the idea of making something useful with little or no cost. 
I love that sense of nostalgia I get when I see an old, worn, hand-quilted quilt, that was pieced together with scraps saved over the course of many years.  Scrap quilts are charming to say the least!  That's why I had so much fun making these little cuties a few weeks ago.  I called them my Scrap Jar Stars.


Shortly after posting this photo, my friend Jodi {from Pleasant Home} emailed me and said those stars were just the thing she was looking for to round out her 2012 Sew Scraps Along!  She's a girl after my own ♥ and I love that she's dedicating the whole month to sewing with scraps, including lots of great tutorials and giveaways!  Head on over to Pleasant Home for all the fun details!


Jodi asked me if I'd post a tutorial of my Scrap Jar Stars and maybe give away a few scraps as part of the fun.  I was flattered as could be that she asked and happy to do a giveaway.  Hopefully, one gals scraps will be another quilters treasure!  Edit: I now have a full pattern in my Etsy shop that includes efficient cutting instructions for 4 different size quilts (not just one block) and modified block instructions so there are fewer seams!  It's available in paper and PDF.  You can check it out HERE.

So here we are.  A little tutorial just for you! 


As part of the Sew Scraps Along, I decided to make up another colorway of my Scrap Jar Stars.  I pulled out my reds, navys, blues and aquas from my scrap jars.  I'm loving these colors against the white.  A happy and fresh combo if you ask me.  Of course, there's a million different possibilities, so pull out some of your favorite scraps and let's get started!


Cutting
(per block)

(12) 2" bright squares
(12) 2" white squares
(4) 2" x 3-1/2" white rectangles
(4) 4-1/4" white squares*
(4) 4-1/4" bright squares*

* Note: Cut more than 4 for more variety!


I like to make one block first and then when I know what I'm doing I use an assembly line for the rest. So you might like to multiply the cutting requirements (above) by however many blocks you are making. It seems to go quicker that way.


Assembly

Make Star Points: 
You will need 8 Half-Square Triangle blocks for each star.  Each pair of bright/white 4-1/4" squares will make two HST blocks.  Make extra HST's for more variety in your star points :)

Step 1: On each of your bright colored 4-1/4" squares, draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.  Pair up each bright square with a white square with right sides together (RST).

Step 2: Use a 1/4" seam allowance to sew along both sides of the line.

Step 3: Cut on the line to form two HST's.

Step 4: Press the seams towards the dark side.


Step 5: Use a ruler to trim the HST blocks to 3-1/2" square.  By starting out a little big and trimming down to 3-1/2" square your star points will be more exact.  I like to use my small 6-1/2" square ruler to do this step.  Set the HST's aside. 

Make 16-Patch:
Lay out sixteen 2" squares next to your sewing machine (alternating 8 white with 8 bright).  Use a 1/4" seam allowance to sew the squares together in rows. 


Press seams towards the bright fabrics.  Then, sew the rows together (butting up alternating seams against each other and pinning in place).  Press row seams in one direction.  Set aside.


Assemble Star Blocks:
First, lay out 2 HST blocks on each side of the 16-patch block to make the 8 star points.


Sew each set of HST's together with RST.  Press the seams open.



Sew two of the sets of HST's to opposite sides of the 16-patch.  Press seams towards the 16-patch.


Before sewing the other sets of HST on, you will need to make the corner blocks.  I like to sew them together at this point (instead of earlier) so that I can make sure the bright corner fabric is not the same as the two star points on either side of it.  So lay out the desired 2" bright colored squares in what will be each of the outer corners of the star block.  Then lay out a 2" white square next to it (on the inside) and a 3-1/2" rectangle above or below them (depending on which side of the 16-patch unit you will be sewing it on to).

Make the corner blocks by first sewing a bright 2" square to a white 2" square with RST.  Press seam towards the bright square.  Then sew that unit to a 3-1/2" white rectangle and press seams towards the white rectangle.



Sew a corner block to each side of a set of HST's, making sure to keep the bright square in the outer corner (see photograph below). 


Sew two of these units to the sides of the 16-patch unit to complete the Scrap Jar Star.


This unit should measure 12-1/2" unfinished.

I made four blocks and sashed them with (4) 2" x 12-1/2" white strips and (1) 2" bright colored square in the middle.  I'm still deciding whether to make a table topper or a throw size quilt.  Any thoughts???


So there you go!  I hope you liked this tutorial
(and I hope it all made sense ~ my brain is fried right now :)
They're really fun to make and if you haven't been there already,
go to Pleasant Home to see Jodi's "camping" colorway! 

Speaking of Jodi, ever since she contacted me about her Sew Scraps Along, I have been looking forward to emptying out my scrap jars for a giveaway.  It's a new year and time for a fresh start!  If you'd like to enter to win some of mine, please leave a fun comment below.

* THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED *
Here are the details:

Giveaway will end on Saturday, January 21st at midnight.
Leave one comment below for one entry.
For a second entry, leave another comment telling me that you're a follower.
I will announce a winner on Monday.

If you'd like the full pattern which includes efficient cutting instructions for 4 different size quilts (not just one block) and modified block instructions so there are fewer seams visit my Etsy shop HERE!  It's available in paper and PDF.  Or shoot me an email (gigisthimble@hotmail.com) for wholesale prices.

Happy Sewing!
Amber

377 comments:

  1. I love this pattern and have put on the list to make! I am already a follower too. Thanks for the giveaway. Yeah, scrappy

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  2. I really love your scrap jar star block tutorial. I am definately going to make a quilt using it. I really like the fabrics you used too. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. Wow! Great tutorial and I'm happy to participate to your giveaway. Thank you for the chance. Barbara from Italy

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  4. I am now officially a follower of yours :)

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  5. Wow, great tutorial. I'm happy to participate to your giveaway. Thank you for the chance. Barbara from Italy

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  6. Oooh very cool, love it!! I must get my scraps organised!!

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  7. Thank you for the tutorial. I love stars.

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  8. Love those stars...love those scraps!
    Thanks for the great tutorial and the chance to win!

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  9. I am a follower, thank you for the chance.

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  10. I love your tutorial.It's perfect for me. As for the giveaway, I'd love to win. I can't buy any fabric this year ( economic problems), so every scrap would be very welcome.

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  11. Thanks for sharing this cute pattern. I love scraps, thanks for the chance to win!

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  12. Thank you for the giveaway...I usually don't like to sew triangle, but your tutorial make it look easy:}

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  13. I'm a follower of your blog...:}

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  14. I really like the fabrics you used in your tutorial and I will be making this block. Thanks for a great giveaway

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  15. I am a follower of your blog. thankyou again for a great giveaway

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  16. Thanks for the tutorial... Lovely block!

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  17. Love your idea! Great tutorial! Thanks so much for sharing! Have a wonderful day! :)

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  18. For the second entry, I'm a follower of your blog. Baci

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  19. What a great scrappy pattern! Thanks so much! Love it!

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  20. I am already a happy follower! Thanks so much!

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  21. Love the idea of trimming to side after sewing for more precise points -- thank you.

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  22. Thanks for the giveaway!
    Love the free pattern!

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  23. I love the idea of using up your scraps to make this! I have a a bunch I have been thinking of making something with but wasn't sure what! Now I know! Thanks so much for the tutorial!

    gretaminton (at) sbcglobal (dot) net

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  24. Love this quilt. I don't have many scraps so this will have to wait until I can collect more.

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  25. I am a follower on Google Reader. :) (My birthday is on January 21st!) Thanks again for the chance to win!

    gretaminton (at) sbcglobal (dot) net

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  26. Hi Amber.
    I love this tutorial and plan to make it soon! :0)
    Thanks so much for showing us how.
    Hugs. Trish

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  27. Love this block! Thank you for the tutorial...

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  28. Oooooh! Star quilts are a favorite of mine and your version is lovely! Thanks for the tutorial!

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  29. I am happy to be a longtime follower!

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  30. Great tutorial. I love seeing the variety of colors. Thanks for sharing!

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  31. Love the red, white and blue - very fresh!

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  32. I am a follower. Thanks for the chance to win some of your scraps.

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  33. Thanks for the tutorial. I love your scrap jar stars. I'm always amazed how someone's scraps all of a sudden are so pretty. I need to learn how to organize my scraps by color to make them work.

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  34. HI:

    Great blog I have been a follower for a while and enjoy all your projects.

    thanks
    cathy

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  35. I think I will give this block a try I have some scraps that will work for it. This is my year to use up scraps.

    Although I would love to win yours too.

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  36. My most favorite quilt was a scrap block quilt and I recently sold it as a graduation gift - the recipient was thrilled! Scrappy quilts are just so happy.

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  37. Awesome tutorial! Already pinned it. :) Would love some of your scraps!

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  38. Thank You Amber!!! LOVE the colorway today! Love how the blocks look together with the sashing. ooxx`jodi

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  39. What a fun tutorial. Great looking stars.

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  40. Hello there! Lovin the scrap thing that's going on. I have done several scrappy projects----might be time for some stars.

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  41. I just found your blog and would love to win some scraps!

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  42. Cute stars! thank you for the tutorial, it's very clear and well done!

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  43. You combined three of my favorite things in this block - stars, checkerboards, and SCRAPS!! It is perfection! Now all I need is more scraps... and you might provide those, too. Thanks!!!

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  44. I am a new follower of yourblog and I am so glad that I found it!!

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  45. beautiful pattern, must get on to making one of those!

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  46. Your blog is great! I love the scrappy stars, especially in these colors. This would make a great picnic quilt. I would love to win some of your scraps!

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  47. I am a follower and enjoy all your inspiration and tutorials

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  48. What a sparkly block! I must give it a try. Thanks for such a detailed tutorial.

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  49. I haven't been keeping my scraps because I didn't know what to do with them. This is such a great idea!

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  50. I am a follower of your blog! I love it!!

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  51. Great blocks! Can't wait to try them out!

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  52. I'm a follower! Thanks for the chance to win!!

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  53. Love red, white and blue anything! so this is right up my alley. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing

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  54. What a great block...definitely pinning it!

    Thanks for the chance to win!

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  55. I have been looking for something for red/white/blue, love this! Thank you!!!

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  56. I'm also a follower, love your blog!

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  57. A perfect way to use up those tiny scraps ! Thank you!

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  58. Exactly the pattern I was needing! Thanks for your generosity!

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  59. I came from Pleasant Home. I love your scrappy block! Thanks for the great tutorial and giveaway!

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  60. What cute stars. The reds and blues make it very festive. And I have lots of blue and some red, but lots of other colors too. These tutorials from Jodi at Pleasant Home are making it very difficult for me to decide what to do for my scrappy quilt this year. I love each of the ideas she has shared with us. LOL
    And I would love to win some more scraps, too!

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  61. Love the stars! I'm collecting my fabric as we speak. Thanks for the wonderful tutorial.

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  62. I am a scrap quilter and just love your scrap jar stars!!

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  63. I LOVE your Scrap Jar Stars! Beautiful! I actually like both colorways as well. Thank you for sharing this tutorial! I can't wait to work on it! Well, I will have to wait until I accumulate more scraps! LOL Now I am off to look around the rest of your blog.

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  64. Hi Amber - what a pretty quilt and so happy. Thanks for the tutorial and the giveaway.

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  65. I follow you! Lovely you!

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  66. I really love those scrappy stars! I'll be pinning these to my pinterest board, too! Thanks for the tutorial!

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  67. Isn't it funny that we love for a chance to win scraps?! It sounds funny if we didn't know we were talking about fabric! I love this tutorial -so clear and easy to follow :)

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  68. I love this pattern! It's on my list of things to make!

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  69. as a fairly new quilter I haven't yet collected enough scraps for multiple "jars" so would love to add to my slowly growing stack.

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  70. Amber, I love this tutorial! And I have a box of scraps that would be perfect. Thanks for the chance to win even more scraps -- one girl's scraps truly are another girl's treasure!

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  71. I love scraps! I'm doing a scrappy picnic quilt right now. More scraps would be great to add to it!

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  72. This is such a great tutorial - thank you for sharing your talents with us! I've pinned it so I don't lose it in the internet shuffle. ;)

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  73. what an awesome star tutorial! thanks for posting it and for a chance to win!

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  74. Love what I have seen on your blog! I became a follower! I can't wait to learn more!

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  75. Thanks for the tutorial. I'd like to make it into a QOV quilt.

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  76. I'm now a follower....thanks to Jodi!

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  77. I'm freezing right now, BUT this sweet tutorial has warmed me right up! Thank You!

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  78. I am so going to try this tutorial!

    Vicki

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  79. I am a follower of your blog. I love scraps. Thank You Amber!

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  80. Can't wait to try the pattern..love it..Thanks for the chance to win

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  81. These are awesome. I hope to try them soon!

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  82. Oh, yes I'm a follower..have been for awhile..love your blog

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  83. I am also a follower of your blog.

    Vicki

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  84. Oh wow. That is so fantastic. I love this project. I had to pin it.

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  85. Looking for a perfect project for my church ladies to make for a quilt raffle/fundraiser, I think this is it!
    Would love to win your scraps to get us started thanks for the great tutorial!

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  86. You just can't go wrong with scraps. Always on a lookout for 12.5" blocks and this would be perfect for a throw quilt. My SIL has been hinting for a quilt and I think this would be perfect for her. Thanks for sharing.
    Heide / Escondido

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  87. I just added your blog to my google reader and look forward to future posts!

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  88. I LOVE scrappy quilts. and I would LOVE some new scraps!!! great pattern, thanks for sharing.

    Lorene

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  89. That is such a DARLING pattern!!! I just LOVE it. I will have to make it some day when I have enough scraps I love!!!

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  90. And I am now a follower of you site.

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  91. The scrappy stars are just darling. I really love scrappy quilts of any kind. You did a fabulous job on your tutorial. Thank you.

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  92. It is always fun to see what you come up with next Amber.
    I think it is always fun to win someone else scraps. Then your scrap bag can even have more chioces to choose from.Thanks for the pattern I can't wait to try it. I am also one of your follwers.FINALLY

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  93. Great tutorial, certainly proves the point that you can never have too many scraps!

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  94. Love this block!!! I love stars and scraps so this is perfect for me. :) Thanks for sharing.

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  95. Love stars!! The whole pattern in wonderful. I also would love to win some scraps :o)

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  96. I love scrappy blocks and have been collecting postage stamps that will work GREAT for the center squares. Thanks for the scrappy inspiration!

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  97. and now I am officially a follower! Thanks again, Crystal in IL

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  98. Thanks for the tutorial! I love your scrappy stars!

    You asked for a fun comment, so here's my two year old's favorite joke:

    What's a skunk's favorite sandwich?

    Peanut Butter and Smelly!

    Have a great day!

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  99. What a wonderful tutorial, Amber. I love scrap quilts and can hardly wait to try this one. Thanks for the chance to win your fabulous scraps.

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  100. I love this tutorial! So excited to be a follower. Thanks for the chance to win some yummy scraps :)

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  101. Great tutorial! Thank you for sharing.

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  102. I am now a follower of your blog!

    Karen

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  103. I LOVE your tutorial for scrap jar stars! Hope I can find some spare time to try it.

    Thanks for the tutorial and the giveaway!

    Karen

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  104. great tutorial! I love the color combo you have used, so fresh :-)

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  105. lovely tutorial - and an awesome way to use my 2" scrap bin blocks!... and more scraps are always a good thing!

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  106. new follower - even before I read about the giveway - you do lovely work!

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  107. This scrappy star is so cute! I think I just might have to put one together today. :)

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  108. I'm a new follower and I love your stuff!

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  109. What a great tutorial! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  110. I love scrappy quilts so much I named my new calico kitten "Scrappy." It fits her personality too!

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  111. The tutorial is very clear!!!!And I LOVE scraps, please count me in!!!!

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  112. Hi! Just started following you! Love your Scrappy Jar star!

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  113. Can't wait to make some of these beautiful scrappy stars - I love brights paired with white! Thanks so much for your tutorial.

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  114. I am a big fan of scrappy and stars, your tutorial is a perfect fit..thank you!

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  115. I just signed up to be a follower, I enjoy your blog Amber.

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  116. I love this block--- and I love scrappy quilts! I think I'm going to have to give this one a try-- it's so pretty! Thank you for giving us a chance to win some wonderful fabric--- perfect for a start on this quilt! :-)

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  117. I am a follower! Thank you for the second chance to win! I'm going to spread the word about your giveaway and tutorial! :-)

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  118. What a lovely pattern! Just spent some time cutting up 2" squares. Thank you!

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  119. I am a follower of your fun blog. Now if I can just find time to make a block or 20.

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  120. I would love to have some of your scraps. Thay are so pretty and bright. Thanks

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  121. Scraps? Oh please!!! Love the colors!

    Thank you for the opportunity to win!

    ~Pam

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  122. Nice way to use the scraps that we all accumulate!

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  123. I just love those stars, what a perfect way to make a Fourth of July table topper. I plan on doing this one!! Thanks for the Tutorial

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  124. lovely tutorial I am going to pin it right now :) Thanks for sharing

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  125. such a great way to use your scraps. Really great blocks.
    Jodi sent me.
    thanks for sharing the tutorial.

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  126. I really like the red white and blue!! I can't wait to collect enough scraps for a quilt top. (I just started quilting again after many years.) Thanks for the inspiration.

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  127. I am now a follower of A Little Bit Biased. (cute name)

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  128. I was surfing for a small project to do that would use up some of my smaller scraps and found this tutorial. Great tute and I am starting it today! Thank you do much for taking the time to post!

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  129. oh and btw, definitely adding you to my follow list. I love the bright colors and fun patterns. Great Job!!!

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  130. Hello Amber, I am new to quilting and have spent way to long today perusing your site... Love it!
    ~ Lynda

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  131. Hello again, Amber. I'm now signed up so I won't miss another informative and creative post!
    ~ Lynda

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  132. I love your tutorial and can't wait to make these blocks. What a wonderful way to use up those scraps.

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  133. thank you for sharing your star pattern with us and the great tutorial. would love to have those scraps, so please count me in!

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  134. Thanks for this great tutorial..can't wait to make some of these stars!

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  135. I'd love some scraps! Thanks for the cute tutorial!!!

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  136. I'm your newest follower and look forward to seeing more of your fun projects! :o)
    ~Terry~

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  137. Thanks for tutorial. I have quite a few scraps and was just going to throw out (I know a crime) but going to cut out now. :)

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  138. As promised...I am now a follower!

    PS: Do you use jars to store your scraps?

    Thanks,

    Froma...aka Frummie

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  139. So glad Jodi sent me over here. I am now following your blog.

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  140. Great tutorial, love your colours and chance to win some scraps. Fantastic.
    CathyC in Alberta (cathyc1950@gmail.com

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  141. Love this tutorial. I've been wanting to make a quilt with red, white, and blue--maybe this will be the inspiration I need. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

    Becka

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  142. Love the tutorial. I need to make a few baby quilts this year for some expecting friends and I think a four block with your scrap jar stars would make a cute one. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  143. I am a follower, 8)

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  144. I love scraps, especially other people's because I get some fabrics that I might never buy myself. Thanks.

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  145. I am a follower. I love your scrappy stars. They are really pretty.

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  146. Cute scrap block... thanks for sharing tutorial

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  147. I love stars and I am loaded with scraps now let me find my rotary cutter and I am on my way.
    That quilt looks bright and fun Thanks

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  148. It doesn't take much to be a contribution to this little scrappy quilt.!! Love it and thank you for the posting. k.bugbee@att.net

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  149. Love your block! Thanks for sharing the instructions. And I would love to win some of your scraps!

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  150. Thanks for the tutorial. Love your blocks but I can't decide if I like the random scrappy or the red,white,blue one best. :)

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  151. I am a follower of your site and your friend Jodi's.

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  152. I love your idea for scraps, I have been saving 1 1/2" pieces for a while now and how perfect a pattern is this to use them. Ohhhhh can't wait, but, hopefully I will get some extra fabric from you, wow what an honor that would be. Love your blog.

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  153. Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful scrap quilt!!! Glad to have discovered your blog. Have a great day!

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  154. Love the scrappy star- such a good way to use all those little pieces I love. Great ideas!

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  155. I am also a follower! It's my little bit of happiness and inspiration each morning.

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  156. I think it's great that you publish patterns as a business and offer free tutorials. Very generous.

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  157. Oh my gosh, SO cute!!! I love your red and blue colors choices. I will definitely be making this! Thank you!
    Heather

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  158. Okay, now I'm a follower!

    Heather :)

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  159. Very inspiring to use up my r/w/b scraps to further making soldier quilts, thank you for everything

    aka kingcooper0001@aol.com

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  160. Great idea for using scraps. I love stars anyway and this is a winner!

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  161. Love the stars! What is your definition of a scrap...smaller than a fat quarter.....small leftovers after cutting?

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I ♥ to hear from you so please feel free to leave a comment. I read each one and try to respond as often as I can. Thanks so much for stopping by! ~Amber