This one isn’t actually a Splendid Sampler pattern, but I found it while I was working on the Sampler and decided (crazily, as it turns out) to make it at 6.5″ size and add it to my sampler. Whew. I can’t recommend making this block that size.

The paper-piecing pattern is from Yvonnes.dk and it makes a beautiful block, but it’s meant to be made larger. There’s quite a bulge in the center where about 357 seams come together.

I quilted the gold echo around the arms of the star first, traveling around the perimeter of the block to outline it as I went. Then I switched to the red thread to quilt the star itself. I chose to avoid the bumpy center area when quilting, and started spiraling out from a little way out from the center instead. I added small swirls into each arm of the star.

I love the dramatic appearance of this block, but I don’t think I’ll be making any more small versions of it!