12 Weeks of Christmas Ornaments Challenge 2019 Week 1: The Basic Star Pattern

Ready to start the ornament challenge? Me too!

So... the other day when I sent out the Frequently Asked Questions email, I asked if you would reply and let me know if you were doing this challenge....

...and we got hundreds (even more than last year!) of replies saying "YES! I'm doing the challenge!" In fact, the yes's are still coming in. It's incredible. I am so excited. I can't WAIT to see all of your ornaments.

We're starting with an easy one: The Basic Star Pattern!

I’m starting with the Basic Star, because it was my VERY first tutorial, and it's easy. And also, it's awesome. ;)

This is the one that's based on the old-fashioned ‘Quilted Star’ technique that has been around forever and ever. Over the years, I changed it up a tad and put my own little spin on the techniques I use to make it.

And guess what? If you're new to this, you can learn how I make them, for free (yes, FREE). I have a 3-part video workshop, teaching this pattern step-by-step. I'll lead you through it all.... what you need, what to do, and how to finish it. Click RIGHT HERE for the videos.

I did two again this year. (The Basic Star can be made in SO many ways).

The two ornaments below almost look like 2 different patterns, but there is actually only ONE difference: I did one with three layers, and the other with four. You can also vary this pattern up by simply widening layers, or bringing them closer together.

TIP: Make a layer wider if you've got a fabric with a larger print on it.. so more of that print will show. (I did that in the first picture below, to show more of the larger floral print.)

That's what I LOVE about this pattern – just change the order of fabrics, or the width between layers, or one of a zillion other details... and you will be able to create totally different looks.

Your turn!

Your challenge is.... to make your own Basic Star Ornament using your 3 chosen fabrics.... you can arrange your fabrics like I have above, or better yet, mix it up!

Remember, if you don't know how to make the Basic Star, you can learn it for free right HERE.

Then, show me what you've got by posting it on Instagram using the hashtag #OrnamentGirlsChallenge so we can all see it!

(And, if you're an Ornament Girls Club Member, please post it in our private FB group!)

I'll see ya in a week, with Challenge Pattern #2.

Happy Ornament-ing!

Staci Ann

p.s. Here are our OG Designers' Week #1 ornaments!

Monica's Basic Stars:

Monica-Challenge-2019-BasicStar-Duo-850

Darlene's Basic Star:

darlene-basic-star

8 Comments

  1. Pamela D. Smith on September 30, 2019 at 8:15 am

    StaciAnn & Maria: I have been wondering about this, for months: when cutting the fabric, must you removed that strip along the raw edge of the fabric? The strip that is usually white, showing the colors within the fabric. I think I do not need to remove for the Basic Star, but generally?

    • Staci Ann Lowry on September 30, 2019 at 10:01 am

      Pamela, I think you are talking about the selvedge? I do generally cut that off (out of habit), but you actually don’t have to. If your fabric rectangle has that along the edge, you can simply fold that part over so it’s hidden when you place the piece onto your ball. Does that make sense? That might save you a tiny bit of fabric in the end, or even enable you to get an extra rectangle out of each strip.

      • Anonymous on October 5, 2019 at 7:20 am

        Yes, that makes perfect sense. I suppose, too, it would depend on the pattern. Thank you for your response.

  2. Susan Corwin on September 30, 2019 at 9:59 am

    I am not on Instagram.

    • Staci Ann Lowry on September 30, 2019 at 10:02 am

      Susan, that’s okay.. please do show us in the OG Fb group though if you can. :)

  3. Sue Quattrocchi on October 1, 2019 at 4:59 pm

    I happened across a 6″ stryfoam ball while cleaning up my craftroom. I was thinking about doing it up as a large ornament. Do you know what size i would need to cut my fabric in order to be able to accomplish this?

  4. Deb on November 3, 2021 at 5:26 pm

    How do I get instructions to previous ornament kits. I purchased April 2019, and December 2019.

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