Quilts with Diamonds

The diamond was a special favorite in New England for use in making "best quilts." Almost always the quilting on diamond quilts was more elaborate and painstaking than that on square or triangle patches.

The reason was that cutting and piecing diamonds was undertaken only when there was no pressing need for bed quilts, because it took so long that by the time the quilt was complete, the quiltmaker had so much time and love invested in the quilt, it called for nothing less than the best quilting.

Because these quilts were so special, they were generally not used as bed quilts, so many of them are in very good condition for their age.

The most easily cut diamond patch is one that divides the patch into eight diamonds, and is commonly known as the Star of LeMoyne. Quiltmakers did not sit down with their compass, ruler and pencil to draft this star block, but instead created the pattern pieces by folding a square of cloth in a prescribed fashion and then cutting along the fold lines.

This created finished size template pieces that the quiltmaker could use to place on the fabric she used in her quilt. She simply placed the fabric template on the quilt fabric, added the seam allowance and then cut around the template to make her patch.

3) Featured Block of the Month - LeMoyne Star

Some variation of the diamond or square forms the base of all star patterns, which far outnumber all other designs.

The simplest form is an eight pointed star known as the Star of LeMoyne. The name alludes to the LeMoyne brothers who founded the city of New Orleans in 1817. In New England, the name was shortened to Lemon Star.

This pattern is a variation which in which every other point is split in half lengthwise, thereby adding the possibility of some dimension. Click on the image to download the pattern for the LeMoyne Star Quilt Block.

Download your 10 Free February Patterns

2) Tools, Tricks, and Quilt Tips -- Curved Needles for Tying Quilts

If you have a quilt that just needs a quick tying, this might be something that saves you even more time, makes it easier to put the threads into your quilt, plus gives you a better finished product.

These handy needles have been specially designed for those who want to tie quilts. They have a big eye to accommodate yarn as well as perle cotton.

They are very sturdy so you can go through even the thickest quilt -- fully three layers, including batting (not just flannel inside).

And this package has 2 different sizes -- 2" and 2 ½." I'm certain that measurement is the actual length of the needle without the curve, as the shorter one spans slightly over 1" and the longer one spans about 1 ½" from point to eye.

Even with their thickness and width of the curve, it is still possible to get a stitch that is as small as 1/8," which is plenty small for a tied stitch. These are priced at $2.99 for 4 needles -- a relatively small investment for some speed in your work.

Have a fabulous Month!

Happy Quilting!

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Penny Halgren
www.How-to-Quilt.com
Inspiration and Education for Beginning Quilters