Bible
Blocks: Army
Star
The sordid story of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11 reminds us that
even those with a deep and abiding faith are not above falling into sin and
suffering the consequences. From the outset, it's clear David is heading for
trouble: at the time when Kings go out to war, David stays at home, where
he's an easy prey to temptation. His attitude contrasts sharply with Uriah's.
The King tries to manipulate Uriah to cover the illicit relationship and Bathsheba's
resulting pregnancy: Uriah is so aware of his responsibility to the others
in the King's army, he refuses to "eat and drink and lie with my wife."
In response, David compounds sin by having Uriah killed.
What does this have to do with us today? We aren't called to
go to war against neighbouring countries, but we are called to "put
on the full armour of God" and actively oppose evil (Ephesians 6:11).
If we stay lounging at home when we're being called to fight in the Lord's
army, we are likely to fall into sin.
David is truly repentant after Nathan forces him to admit his
sin, but he still suffers repercussions. The lesson is very clear: sin always
has consequences -- for ourselves and for those we love. When those consequences
occur, do we get angry at God for the pain we've brought ourselves? We can
learn from David's reaction as he "went into the house of the Lord
and worshiped." God still loved David, and richly blessed him: God
still loves us as we are secure in the knowledge of His salvation.
We, too, are called to accept the consequences of our sins, and continue
to pray : "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing
spirit" (Psalm 51:12)
Step #1 Plan:
Like the banner which preceded an army into battle, this block has a
symbol at the centre to "rally the troops." The star reminds us
of the Star of Bethlehem proclaiming the birth of Christ the Saviour; and
calls us to be an active soldier in His army of salvation. If, like David,
you're choosing to sit on the sidelines while the battle rages elsewhere,
now is the time to remember the lessons in the story of David and Bathsheba.
As you choose the fabrics, make sure the star is very clear, reminding yourself
to look to our Saviour Jesus Christ and seek a clear understanding of your
duty in His army.
The cutting directions in the chart below refer to the fabrics by the letters
in the blank drawing. Because of the awkward dimensions of smaller patches,
we opted for a PDF for foundation
piecing the 6" Army Star block .
HINT: Remember to check the print settings in Adobe Acrobat to be
sure you have NOT selected "shrink to fit".
Step #2 Cut:
| FABRIC |
# to Cut
|
12" |
6"
|
| Background |
A
|
4
|
3 1/2" squares |
*Paperpiece
|
|
H
|
1
|
4 1/4" square |
| Focus |
D
|
2
|
3 7/8" squares |
|
J
|
1
|
3 1/2" square |
2" square
|
| Contrast 1 |
F
|
2
|
1 1/4" x 6" strips |
*Paperpiece
|
| Medium/Dark |
C
|
1
|
2 " x 8 1/4" strip
|
| Medium |
B
|
1
|
3 1/2"x 16 1/2" strip |
| Background or medium |
E
|
2
|
3 7/8" squares |
| Contrast 2 |
G
|
4
|
2 3/8" squares |
*Download the PDF for paperpiecing the
6" version. Complete the sections as indicated, then skip ahead to Step
8: Assembling your block.
Step #3 Make strip sets
- Cut the B strip at 2" intervals to make 4 rectangles.Set these rectangles
aside for now.
- Sew the remaining B strip to the C strip along one long edge. Press seam
toward the B strip
- Cross cut at 2 inch intervals. You will have 4 units.
Step #4 Flying geese units
 |
- Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of each G square.
- Place a G square on one corner of an H square. Place another G square
on the opposite diagonal corner. (Squares will overlap).
- Being careful to keep the squares in place, sew 1/4" away from
the drawn line on both G squares.
- Turn and sew 1/4" away from the other side of the line. See diagram
to the left.
- Cut on the drawn line and press seam toward the resulting triangle
triangles. (See diagram to the right.)
- Add an E square to the remaining corner of each unit. Sew 1/4' away
from the diagonal line, turn and sew 1/4" away on the other side.
- Cut along the drawn line. Trim dogears and press toward the triangles.
You will have four flying geese units.
|
|
Step #5 Make split triangles
- Cut the E squares in half on one diagonal to make 4 triangles. Sew the long
edge of an E triangle to one long edge of an F strip (a shot of spray starch
will control the stretch on the bias edge). Make sure the F strip extends
evenly on either end.
- Press seam toward the F strip. Repeat with remaining F strip. Sew the
remaining two triangles to the opposite sides, aligning the points.
- Centering the 45° line of the ruler along the centre of the F strip,
trim to 3 7/8" square - the F strip should come to a sharp point at
either end.
Step #6 Make half-square
triangles
- Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the D squares.
- Layer a D square with a unit from Step 5, so that the drawn line is at right
angles to the F strip.
- Sew 1/4" away from either side of the drawn line. You'll be sewing
across the F strip(not down the middle of it!) - use a needle
or stiletto to keep the seam flat. Cut on the drawn line.
- Press seam toward the D triangle.
- Repeat with remaining D square and Step 5 unit. You will have 4 half-square
triangle units.
Step #7 Assemble corner sections
- Sew a B rectangle to one side of each unit from Step 6. Press seam
toward the B rectangle
- Butting seams, sew a strip set from step 3 to the adjacent side of
these units: pay close attention to the diagram - you will be sewing these
pieces to the sides of the D triangles. Press seam toward the strip set.
If
you are paperpiecing the 6" block, sew B sections to A sections to make
4 corner units.
Step #8 Assemble block
- Sew units from Step 7 to either side of two units from Step 4, matching
seams, and taking care to sew through the points of the triangles. Press seams
toward the centre section
- Sew remaining units from Step 4 to either side of the J square, taking care
to sew through the X where the two triangles cross.
- Press seam toward J square.
- Sew three rows together, again taking care to match seams and to sew through
the X where the triangles cross.
- Press seams toward the centre row.
- Your finished blocks should measure 12 1/2"
Next Block
Copyright ©1999, 2009 by Kimberley I. Graham
For individual personal use only: any other use requires express written
consent from the author.
If you have comments or questions about these instructions, drop me a line:
Kim Graham