I love to quilt! And sometimes Mr QuiltinAnnie helps with the design; figuring out the angles and measurements! This letterbox series will highlight a traditional quilt block or pattern beginning with the letter of the stamp found inside the cache. You will need to supply your own stamp pad.
Eight Pointed Star
Stars are probably the most common motif used on quilts. Homesteaders traveling West used the stars for guidance; and they looked upon stars as religious symbols of their faith in God. The simplest and most popular star pattern is the eight-pointed star. There are MANY versions of an eight pointed star pattern, but most star blocks are constructed in the traditional design of an eight-pointed star made of diamond pieces. Records show this pattern was being sewn in the late 1700's, though we have no records of pattern and name until the end of the 19th century. The most common of the eight-pointed star patterns is probably the Lone Star Quilt, which came from the symbol for the state of Texas just before the Alamo in 1845.
A star pattern is not an easy design to cut or sew. Precision is extremely important as any inaccuracy in cutting or piecing is multiplied as pieces are added. If poorly pieced, the quilt will not lie flat when finished. An intricate star pattern was one way for a woman to show her needlework skills.