Stars of the City: January Blocks

Hello Friends and Happy New Year!

I have once again celebrated the changing of the years by going to bed early because I was sick. It's a good thing I preemptively took last week off, I've definitely needed the rest!

But little by little, I am recovering and I hope that I'll be feeling back to myself by the end of this coming week! For now, I certainly am feeling well enough to share the next instalment of the Stars of the City pattern, I hope you're ready for it!

Since December's instructions included star blocks, that means we are back to Drunkard's Path units for the month of January! These will use the exact same templates and instructions that were introduced in November, but with some changes to the fabric placement. If your templates are still usable, you won't need to print or make new ones!

So without further ado, let's check out the next set of Drunkard's Path units; unit B!

Pattern Notes:

Just as with every month previously, there are a few simple notes to keep in mind while piecing your units:

sew all seams using a ¼” seam allowance
press each seam before sewing the next and before trimming units

January Units

January brings the return of the Drunkard’s Path unit. This month uses the same templates and techniques that were introduced in November, but with the prints in reverse positions.

Drunkard’s Path unit B is the second of three Drunkard’s Path variations used throughout the Stars of the City pattern. It forms the curved edges of the block borders, adding to the unique finished shape of the blocks used in this pattern.

As a variation on the traditional curved pieced Drunkard’s Path unit, there are also instructions for a straight pieced Pseudo Drunkard unit. Both versions finish at the same size and can be used interchangeably.

To make either throw sized quilt, make 32 of Drunkard’s Path unit B.

To make an XL twin sized quilt, make 48 of Drunkard’s Path unit B.

To make a queen sized quilt, make 72 of Drunkard’s Path unit B.

Drunkard's Path Unit

Cutting Instructions

To make one unit, cut the following:

Fabric A: 1 Drunkard’s Path template B

Fabric B: 1 Drunkard’s Path template A

(templates A and B can be found on the last page of the downloadable PDF below the Pseudo Drunkard instructions, measure the test square before using to be sure they have printed at the correct size)

Piecing Instructions

Mark the centre of the curved edge on both Drunkard’s Path pieces. Place pieces right sides together with centre points aligned, pin at the centre point to secure. Ease the curved edge of piece B around the curve of piece A until the corners meet, pin the ends to secure. Sew around the curved edge.

Trim to 4½” to complete Drunkard’s Path unit A.

Pseudo Drunkard Unit

Cutting Instructions

To make one unit, cut the following:

Fabric A: 1 square at 2¾”

1 rectangle at 1"x 4½”

1 rectangle at 1" x 4"

Fabric B: 1 square at 4"

Piecing Instructions

Draw a diagonal line on the back of the fabric A square.

Place the fabric A square on one corner of the fabric B square with the drawn line oriented as shown. Sew directly along the drawn line, then trim excess fabric, leaving ¼” for seam allowance.

Sew the remaining rectangles of fabric A to the unit so they both run adjacent to the fabric A triangle as shown.

Trim to 4½” to complete Pseudo Drunkard unit A.

Full unit instructions, as well as printable templates, can be downloaded as a PDF here:

If you have a friend who may like to make this pattern for themselves, please send them here to download a copy of the pattern and join the fun!

Stars of the City Sample Quilt

The original sample version of the Stars of the City pattern uses white for fabric A and a deep indigo violet for fabric B, creating some really intense contrast that emphasizes the curved piecing!

Unfortunately, being sick has prevented me from working on these units for Stars of the Lily Pond, so I don't have a sample in that colourway yet. But once I'm feeling better, I plan to get right back to that version and I'm sure I'll have a few units to show off in an upcoming project update!

I really love how much movement the Drunkard's Path unit lends to this quilt pattern and hope that each of you have been enjoying piecing your units as much as I have, at least before I got sick that is!

As usual, I'm eager to see how each of you have put your own unique touch on this pattern and would love for you to share photos of your progress on social media using #starsofthecitybom! You can also share your photos, stories, and questions in the comments section below or chat with me directly via email, I'm always happy to help!

We have a whole month ahead of us to put these Drunkard units together, so please take your time and piece at your own pace! And if a month is not enough time for you to finish all the units needed for your preferred quilt size, the instructions will be waiting right here on the Fibre Arts blog whenever you are ready to continue!

I hope you'll join me again on 06 February 2024 to find out which star blocks we'll be making next!