
May 2018 Block of the Month: Spinning Star
She’s Our Star 2018 Block of the Month
May: Spinning Star
This month we’re stitching the traditional Spinning Star quilt block design—the fifth of six star-based blocks in NZP’s 2018 Block of the Month series. Team Nancy Zieman is pleased to honor Nancy with this beautiful new block of the month series featuring Nancy’s New Farmhouse Floral fabric line for Penny Rose from Riley Blake!
Spinning Star combines simple fabric squares and 1/4-square triangle units to create the illusion of a spinning star at the center of the block. The design is all about fabric placement. This block also gives you some extras to save for another project.
Each month, we will feature one block design made in two color-ways. Both blocks are created using Farmhouse Floral fat quarters* (18″ x 22″ fabric rectangles) and background fabrics. Follow along as we demonstrate how to easily create Block A.
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Block A
Block B
Keep your fabric choices sorted using this handy Fabric Planner diagram. Download the planner HERE. Print two and make notes or pin swatches to remind you of the fabric placements.
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Choose the Fabrics
For the Spinning Star blocks, select the following fabrics from your Farmhouse Floral fat-quarter bundle and use a No-Hassle Triangle Gauge.
Cut Fabric for Blocks
Block A:
- Cut four 4-1/2″ squares from Cream Main.
- Cut four 4-7/8″ squares from Yellow Petals.
- Cut two 5-1/4″ squares from Blue Petals.
- Cut two 5-1/4″ squares from White Shiplap.
- Cut one 4-1/2″ square from Red Petals.
- Cut four 4-1/2″ squares from Pink Stripe.
- Cut four 4-7/8″ squares from White Shiplap.
- Cut two 5-1/4″ squares from Blue Floral.
- Cut two 5-1/4″ squares from Red Shiplap.
- Cut one 4-1/2″ square from Blue Main.
Construct The Units
Create a 9-patch block including four modified 1/4- squares triangle blocks, four solid square corners and a solid square center.
All seam allowances are scant 1/4″ unless otherwise stated.
The step-by-step photos illustrate construction of BLOCK A. Block B construction is identical.
1. Create four modified 1/4-square blocks.
- Make two 5-1/4″ block sets from Blue Petals and White Shiplap
- Mark as a 1/2-square using a No-Hassle Triangles Gauge and a friction pen.
- Create four 1/2-square triangle blocks from Blue Petals and White Shiplap sets. Stitch and cut apart.
- Align each 1/2-square triangle with a Yellow Petals square, right sides together.
- Mark as a 1/4-square using a No-Hassle Triangles Gauge and a friction pen.

The number of block sets creates eight blocks—four each with a mirror image. Choose four identical blocks for the Spinning Star block and set aside for another project.
- We’re setting these four blocks sets aside for another project. Spinning the blocks creates new designs!
2. Lay out Spinning Star block following diagram. Rotate squares as necessary.
3. Stitch the Spinning Star block together joining squares to form a block.
- Place squares from first row onto second row, right sides together.
- Chain stitch from one block set to the next. Clip threads between blocks.
- Place squares from row three onto stitched section; chain stitch. Clip threads between blocks.
- Press seams open, or press seams to alternate sides.
- Stitch rows together to create a complete block.
- Repeat steps above to create May Block B.
Block B

The No-Hassle Triangles Quilt Blocks book shows exactly how to create this block and 11 others. For best results, use the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge.
Watch No-Hassle Triangles Quilt Blocks (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy online.
For a chance to be the random winner of a Farmhouse Floral Fat Quarter Pack fabric pack, please leave a comment below.
The random winner of a Farmhouse Floral Fat Quarter Pack, from the April 21 post is Terry. Her comment was:
This fabric collection is beautiful. It reminds me of my Easter dresses when I was a child. I remember looking at my dress for hours and touching the flowers—as if I could really pick them from the fabric. LOL
Happy Quilting,
Team Nancy Zieman
Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.
Gail
These fabrics are absolutely adorable!
Susan Spiers
What an amazing collection – so glad o see these colors together & I can see the spin on this block! Thank you, Susan
Linda
Florals are really popular now and I love the old fashioned look of these fabrics. They are perfect for may quilting projects as well as little girls’ dresses and fun summer accessories.
Susan Willison
Although I am a long time sewer, I am a beginner quilter so this is the first I have seen the handy, dandy triangle gauge. How clever!
Christine Korndoerfer
Absolutely beautiful!
The ‘Print Post as PDF’ link doesn’t work. Can you fix it please?
Thank you!
Christine
Terry
The florals and colors in this collection remind me of Easter holiday – my most favorite holiday.
Beverly
Beautiful fabrics!
Diane
I love the block and I did a double take on the pattern. The floral is exactly my style. I’m doing a sampler using Maywood Studio’s Catalina which is so similar to the flowered print. I will be doing this block. Love it!!!
Patience Popovich
I keep getting an error-page not loading. I have tried several times….. 🙁
Diane N
I am seeing the purchase of a No-Hassle Triangle Gauge in my future. I love the fabric used for this square!
Mary Hutteman
I too am getting an error message when I try to open the PDF.
Terri D'Ambrosio
I can’t wait to start working on this quilt, in honor of Nancy Zieman.
Ann West
Love the beautiful fabric collection! It makes me feel so happy!
Valerie Thompson
The May block reminds me of the spinning pinwheels I used to play with in the summer.I would blow on them or run with them to make them spin and watch all the colors blur together it was so fun.
Kathy Mullins-Engelhardt
This is lovely fabric and I love the clever construction of the squares. I would love to be entered for the fabric giveaway.
Dorothy Martin
What an upbeat and beautiful design and fabric selection! This is my kind of piecing, and this would truly help me in my next quilt. The joyful colors and the sublime movement of the pattern make this my top choice!
Florence Dupuis
I love these fabrics. I think I can just pick the flowers off of them.
Max
Lovely fabric. Makes one happy just to see the fabric. Sew many patterns could use this fabric.
BettyK
The fabric collection gives you a nice huggy feeling, wanting to touch and smell the flowers.
Brenda Ackerman
In my thirteen years of quilting, last year was the first time that I gave a BOM a try. I could not believe how much fun it was plus, the number of items I learned or were refreshed. I would love to win this bundle and make one of Nancy’s BOM with it.
MoeWest
I would love to make something for the summer patio with these pretty florals!
pamela green
Can’t download the pdf for this block. Seems there is a broken link or something. Please help!
Beryl
I love the colors and the prints! I would do love to have these.
Barbara Stark
Beautiful colors , would love to win it.
Bernadine
Beautiful fabrics and perfect name for them!
Pat
These fabrics are so beautiful. How can I resist making this quilt. Thanks for the chance to win.
Sherry Moran
I so wanted to do this, as I enjoyed last year’s BOM, but the fabric has not been available. I cancelled my first order, but, may try again, as it’s so beautiful.
Linnie Middleton
Unable to download May’s block. No problem with of the other blocks. HELP!!
DebbieW
Those fabrics would bring some light to my life, love Block B with the color placement.
Joanie
The floral patterns are gorgeous! They remind me of my older sister’s flower gardens! She had a green thumb and could compliment colors just like the beautiful fabrics in the Farmhouse Floral fabrics.
Ellen Weber
Love these fabrics! and the patterns too!
Berenice
My youngest loves stars! Am going to give this a whirl, would love to use those colors!!
Cindy King
I am not seeing how one can make 8 – 4 1/2″ blocks from the directions. The words say to cut 1 – 5 1/4″ square of two fabrics, but the pictures show 2. Which is correct? Am I not interpreting the directions correctly?
Cindy Clark
The floral fabrics are magnificent! By cutting them into small units, it makes them stand out that much more!
Twyla
Wish I was lucky enough to win this Farmhouse Fabric Fat Quarters. The colors and flowers are wonderful together!
Gloria
I would love to have this FQ bundle the colors are so beautiful, I will make this block. Beautiful fabrics.
Donna J Pfost
I am in love with this fabric and these 2018 BOM’s . The fabric is so cute and dainty….so feminine!! This quilt I am making will look so cute in my grand daughter’s room. Thanks for making this available to us all!! 🙂
MaryEllen
Such beautiful fabrics; the flowers shout “Happiness” to all. I can imagine feeling quite jolly while sewing these blocks.
Mary Power-Burke
Beautiful fabrics, love the combination of colors. I’d love to win. Thanks.
Regina Harris
Beautiful floral fabrics are just perfect for these blocks.
J. Sciortino
Cannot get the May Block of the Month pdf to open. Says there is a problem on your end. Can you take a look? I tried opening from email, and directly from site ….. but neither will open pdf.
Please let me know when fixed. Thanks!
Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC
Hi J,
Thank you for letting us know about the PDF feature hiccup.
Our web team is looking into a solution.
Team NZP
Jean
I finished sewing my blocks and you need two (not one) of each of the 5 1/4” squares in the cutting directions for each block to get the eight finished units shown in the picture. Then you can pick the four you need for the block, and you will have the four left over.
Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC
Thanks so much, Jean.
We’ve updated the text to match the photos. You’re correct–cut two each 5-1/4″ squares.
Thanks again!
Team NZP
Cindy
I am also unable to download. I’ll check back later. Looking forward to sewing this fun block!
Cindy
Also unable to download. I’ll check back later. Looking forward to sewing this beautiful block!
Linda Cejnar
Hi, I am unable to save the PDF document to my computer. I hope you will fix it, as I am saving these blocks to try later. Thank you for the opportunity to win the FQ bundle of Nancy’s fabrics. It would be nice to win this fabric to sew these blocks, in memory of Nancy.
Kathleen
These fabrics are beautiful!
Janie
Bright, warm summer fabrics! I feel warmer already!
Janet Jordan
I am unable to open the pdf version, I’ve been trying all day! Please fix this, message indicates it’s on your end! Can’t wait to make these blocks!
Patsy Peaqrl
Bright beautiful fabrics, nice block too.
Kathy R Hartwell
These are such beautiful fabrics and would love to make this quilt from it. Thank you.
Bonnie
PDF link doesn’t work for this block.
Helen Glover
I am really loving making these blocks. The fabric is just so beautiful and such nice quality….just like Nancy! Have finished Jan-April and ready to go on May tomorrow! I would love some more of this fabric to make someone I love a quilt for a gift!
Beverly
I love this last collection from Nancy more than any other.
beth d.
I love the collection. I would make the blocks that you did in this blog.
Kim Grady
What aan absolutely beautiful collection of colors! They way that they go together, complimenting each other brings back such wonderful memories of a dress, in the same colors, that my Mother made me in elementary school. Times were hard, money was scarce and no new school clothes were to be. But somehow, Mother made this dress and suprised me the first day of the fourth grade. I don’t remember how much I learned that day, but I sure remember that dress! I felt like the most beautiful girl in the school and all my friends loved it as well! It is safely packed away now as a sweet treasured memory. When I saw this Farmhouse Floral bundle, I knew right away, I would love to be a part of the BOM.
Karen A
I love this spinning star block. So clever to make the quarter triangle blocks and have extras for another block.
Ls goldman
Beautiful fabrics and the block screams Summer!
Thank you so much for sharing .
Shirley Haynes Clark
I love love this fabric! Just lucious!
Debby Gravunder
I love this fabric. So delicate but bright. This will make a beautiful baby quilt.
L Watson
What fun bright colors!
Linda Barnes
Beautiful fabric, as always. I LOVE it- sew bright and cheerful. Love all the blocks in this quilt. Can’t wait for each months block. You all are great and carrying on.
judy
Would love to get yardage of these fabrics. I can see my little great granddaughters in dresses made from it. Will have to settle for smaller projects I guess – maybe their dolls can have new dresses.
Sandy
Absolutely beautiful fabrics! So glad Nancy’s legacy is continuing. Just started my first BOM this year with a friend. Would love this fabric.
Virginia Promer
I cannot seem to print the May 2018 block post as a PDF as has always worked in the past.
Patricia Rhodes
there seems to be a problem with the PDF twice has said something was stopping it from printing I’m in Washington state if that means any thing thank you for any help
Mary Pitre
Receiving error messages every time I try to open the pdf file for this quilt block. Error appears to be on your end. Help!
Gayle Shumaker
The fabric is beautiful. The star blocks in tribute to Nancy is awesome.
Sandy
there is an error in the cutting directions…I either need 2 more of the 5 1/4 ” pieces or 2 of the 4 7/8″ pieces….very disconcerting
pamela smith
Such beautiful fabrics! Thanks for the opportunity to win. Pam
Gail
Unable to download the pdf.
Christy
These fabrics are beautiful and I love this block!
Christy
Love the material and the patern
Becky Canuteson
What a cute block!! I can’t open the pdf pattern.
Bonnie
What beautiful fabric! The bright colored florals are perfect for summer sewing. Thanks for the great giveaway.
Michelle Hall
Beautiful & colorful fabric!
Lillian K
Love the colors and patterns. Beautiful…..
Jeri
These are such gorgeous fabrics! As I look at the collection, I think back to my childhood with a simpler life and very happy memories of time spent with my Grandmothers.
Bonny P
Please fix the pdf file. I get a message that the file is corrupt or damaged. Thank you.
Edna Marks
Please fix the pdf link it opens but nothing is in file!!! this has been going on for several days now what is the problem?
Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC
Hi Edna,
Thank you for letting us know about the PDF feature hiccup.
Our web team is looking into a solution.
Team NZP
Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC
Update: The “Print Post as PDF” function is now working.
Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC
The “Print Post as PDF” function is now working.
Helen Glover
Thank you for correcting the cutting directions for the May block.
I am loving working on these….the fabric makes it a joy to sew on! It is so nice and such good quality. I would love to win some more of it!
E. Watson
I love the fabric! The colors and prints remind me of summer time! 🙂
Jhonnie Lawrence
The fabrics are beautiful, vibrant, and so happy! Love the block!
Anne Z
I love the colors and the floral designs of this collection.
Knella
Love the fabrics and blocks. However, VERY frustrating because it seems every month the directions have mistakes! Then I’m left trying to figure out how to make these blocks! Doesn’t anyone check the directions? Not very professional. Nancy would be appalled.
Deena Tveit
I really like the beautiful florals! So bright and cheerful!
Bonnie Kirkpatrick
Love this fabric!
Campbell Sherry
Where is the “print post” link?
Mason Smith
The color combination is really good, If you are giving your existing furniture a makeover with fresh upholstery fabrics then furniture fabric from Fabric Warehouse is the best option for you.
Judith Campo
The Farmhouse prints look like what my Mom told me some of her dresses and other clothes were made from. She was an orphan and raised on a Danish farm in northern California starting in the mid 1930’s.
Jane Batchelder
I’ve never had a quilting class or belonged to a quilting group. Everything I know is from sites like this – and this particular project has been so helpful! The directions are clear and well-illustrated. Thanks so much! Also, it’s sweet to have a remembrance of a wonderful woman who brought pleasure to so many others by sharing her talents.
Barbara
PDF is still failing to download (on May 29, 2018).
Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC
Hi Barbara,
The PDF feature is up and running. Please clear your cache and refresh.
Vickie Bell
Just beautiful fabrics… am also a big fan of pieced star blocks!
Doris R
I just love the fabrics and this quilt honors Nancy so wonderfully. Thank you.
Jan
I’m a bit behind and running out of yellows! The end product will be a quilt for the guest room bed, which you can see when company enters through the front door. Beautiful colors!
Connie Richardson
I had a couple of issues with the May block. I see that someone has posted the one regarding the number of blocks to cut and it has been corrected. My next issue, the fat quarter of White Shiplap was not enough to complete the May block. (The Cream Shiplap has not been used in any of the blocks.) I ordered the kit and extra yardage in the w White Shiplap was included. I assumed it was to be used for setting the blocks together. Would I be safe to use some of the yardage to cut the extra 5 1/4 block for May and whatever is going to be used in the June block? I certainly do not want to run short when I set it together.
JoAn GODFREY
i am loving this BOM, though i am behind a month. MUST get caught up!!