Stars Over Fairview Avenue Quilt-a-long – Week Three

By Bari Ackerman

Welcome to the Stars Over Fairview Avenue Quilt-a-Long Week Three featuring Fairview Avenue fabrics by Bari J. for Art Gallery Fabrics. (See the bottom of this post for where to buy the fabrics. Several shops have kitted the quilt and have it ready to go!)

If you've just found this post: Start HERE for Week One.

This week is where everything starts to click. We’re sewing all of the center blocks together — first into rows, then joining the rows — and transforming individual blocks into a true quilt center.

I’ve also shared a reel this week showing exactly how I match points by glue basting. This small step can completely change your accuracy and confidence when piecing.

If matching points has ever felt stressful or unpredictable, make sure you watch the reel before you sew.

Download the pattern

If you haven't already, feel free to download the whole pattern HERE and print it out. I will, however, put each the images for each week's task in the post for that week. See the bottom of this page for what we are doing this week.

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Week Three Overview: Assembling the Quilt Center

This week’s work happens in two clear stages:
1. Sewing blocks together into rows
2. Sewing the rows together to complete the center

Breaking the process down this way keeps seams accurate, points intact, and the quilt center square.

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Step One: Sewing Blocks Into Rows

Before sewing, lay out all of your center blocks in the correct order.

Take a moment to:
• Confirm block order using the diagram below

📸 Tip: Take a quick photo of the layout — it’s incredibly helpful once pieces start moving to the sewing machine.

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How I Match Points (And Why It Works)

Accurate points begin before you ever start sewing.

Here’s my method:

Nest seams whenever possible so they lock together naturally
Glue baste directly at the point intersection and seam intersections and then across the whole seam so there's no shifting – remember use a small, thin glue line and a small amount of glue. Press with a dry iron to dry the glue before sewing

Watch the Point While Sewing (This Is the Game Changer)

As you sew the seam:

Keep your eyes on the point that matters most
Slow down as it approaches the needle
Adjust slightly so the needle lands just under the point — not through it

Truth bomb: You will notice as you match your points that often one seam allowance is a pinch longer than the one you're matching it up to. This happens. We aren't perfect. When I notice this with my pieces, I'll mark with a heat erasable pen – on the side that will be facing up when I sew – exactly where I need to place the needle when sewing. I sew slowly, and make sure I hit the point where I marked it. The technical term for this is "fudging it". 😉 Sometimes you just have to. Call the quilt police and have me arrested.

Once each row is sewn:

Press seams carefully
Alternate pressing directions from row to row to help seams nest later

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Step Two: Sewing the Rows Together

Lay your completed rows back out in order and double-check:
• Orientation
• Color flow
• That seams are pressed in alternating directions

Row-to-Row Sewing Tips
• Match seam intersections and points first
• Glue baste at every seam intersection and point
• Sew slowly and deliberately — this step rewards patience

Just like before, watch the point and seam intersections as they approach the needle. Those intersections are what keep stars sharp and blocks aligned.

After all rows are joined:
• Give the quilt center a gentle final press
• Avoid stretching or pulling as the center grows

Take a moment to admire it — this is a major milestone.

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Pat Yourself on The Back

Perfect points are lovely, but consistent technique is what truly matters. If your points are lining up well overall, you are doing this exactly right.

Every quilt you make from here on out benefits from the skills you’re practicing this week.

Supplies

Click here for my favorite quilting supplies on Amazon. (Amazon link is an affliate link.) You can also find many of these at your local quilt shop.

I'm a huge proponent of glue basting. If you haven't already, I highly recommend getting a bottle of Elmer's washable school and my favorite glue tips from Cristy Fincher.

I support independent local quilt shops, both brick and mortar and online. I encourage you to shop local first. Therefore, I have listed shops by state and country. Happy quilting!

SHOPS THAT CARRY FAIRVIEW AVENUE (* - has kits)

UNITED STATES

CALIFORNIA:

COTTONEER FABRICS

CONNECTICUT:

COTTON CANDY FABRICS

IDAHO:

*OLIVE & ELLE QUILT CO (has kits)

LOUISIANA:

*SUMMER'S HAVEN STORE (has kits)

MISSOURI

GOLDEN GIRLS FABRIC CO