July Block of the Month

 Block should measure 9 1/2" to make a 9" finished size block.

It's been awhile since we had a Block of the Month, so I thought July would be a good month to make patriotic blocks (red white blue) for a veteran quilt. The pattern is easy and you make two blocks which may give us enough to make two quilts.  The more the better, right?

The illustration is meant to show color placement - you can use solids or prints, and your white can be any shade of white, your choice.  What is important is the size of the finished block, so before you add those last two strips, measure your block and make the last two strips wider if necessary. It's okay if your block is a little bigger than 9 1/2"  -  we can trim it.

Directions:

Cut 2 squares 3 1/2"  - one white, one blue

Cut all strips 2-1/2"

Begin sewing at the square, adding strips around 2 sides of the square. Don't worry about the placement of your seams - it doesn't matter. 

Deadline?  There is no deadline!  Have fun!

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Easy 9-patch Quilt

I recently made 2 quilts inspired by this quilt made by my grandmother in the 1950's.





This has long been one of my favorite family quilts, maybe because I was with my grandmother when she bought these two fabrics at the Ben Franklin dime store in Frankfort, Kansas. I was just tall enough to see over the wooden counter as the fabric was pulled from the bolt and measured. This is the only quilt she made that wasn't sewn from her collection of fabric pieces, which included cut-a-ways from a local apron factory. She used a heavy flannel sheet instead of a cotton batting and the backing fabric is the same solid blue as the front. Originally, the blue fabric on the back was turned to the front for the binding, but a dog chewed one side of the quilt and I repaired it by cutting off the damaged row and rebinding the quilt. The quilt now measures 54" x 80". My mother gave the quilt to me in the late 1970's.

I can't help but favor this block where the bird is fussy cut; never something my grandmother would have done intentionally - she was all about doing things efficiently and quickly. 

 

This versatile simple pattern is great for scraps as well as 2-color quilts. I used plaids to make a veteran's quilt. I cut the quilt out to bring to August Friday & Saturday Sewing, made a test block, and then another, and somehow it was finished before our sewing days!

Then I made another 2-fabric quilt, and used blue for the binding.

So today I have cut out another quilt for a veteran and I will sew it on October 13 & 14, and not let myself finish it before then, but it's always a good idea to make one test block.

 

I updated my grandmother's quilt to make it fast and easy to cut and sew. (cut multiple layers at a time)

 

You will need 1-1/2 yards of two fabrics (allow extra for the binding)

 

Cut 18 squares of each fabric:  6-1/2" x 6-1/2" (1 won't be used)

Cut 13 strips of each fabric:  2" x width of fabric

 

Sew light and dark strips together to make strip-sets.

From the strip-sets cut:

58 rectangles 6-1/2" x 3-1/2"

Make 24 4-patches, 3-1/2" x 3-1/2"

 

Piece it in rows, then join rows together. See below.

 

Finished size is 42" x 60"

 

The End

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Happy Sewing

 

NOV BOM

Our November Block of the Month will be for another veteran quilt, still keeping with the Red/White/Blue fabric theme. We will be making a simple square in a box. The fun thing about this block will be the variety in the sizes of the square in the center - the more variety the better. 
 
Basic construction: Add strips to a square so your block measures 9" (I will trim them)

Some ideas - various size squares and combinations of fabrics. (Use prints and/or solids, your choice)

 

Sample block

I've cut some squares and will bring them to share. We will need 56 blocks for our quilt, so please, make 2 or 3 blocks and have fun thinking INSIDE the box. The more variety in the fabrics, the better. 

 

 

☕ Happy Sewing!

OCTOBER Block of the Month

We can thank Nancy for our block this month. Her veteran quilt block was made from a Missouri Star Quilt Co. pattern they called Crosswalk.

Nancy's block

 

Spring Vol. 3, Issue 2 - Crosswalk Quilt, page 73

*****************************************************

 

Our block will look like this:

 

Please note, I have changed the size to make a finished 12" block. Let's get ready to make this easy block in red/white/blue. The directions will be under each picture.

 

The cast of characters, keeping in mind to use patriot fabrics.

Use prints or solids, or a combination as in the sample block.

          2 - dark blue strips 21 x 2-1/2"

          2 - light blue strips 21 x 2-1/2"

          1 - red strip 21 x 2-1/2"

          4 - white 5" squares

 

To make strip sets:

          Sew the strips together, being mindful of 1/4" seams,  press seams,

          cut into 4-1/2" units. Fold each unit in half to mark the center of the red.

 

Cut each square on the diagonal - please disregard all the mess at the back of my table.

Mark the half-way point of the triangles - as shown in the close-up.

 

Sew triangles to strip-set, carefully matching up the center marks. Press to the white.
Repeat to make 4.

Trim to 6-1/2".  This is when a ruler with the 1/2" added comes in handy. Use the guides on your ruler to CENTER the ruler, then cut.

Arrange the 4 squares with white in the center and sew together.  Your finished block should measure 12-1/2". Isn't this a great block?  If offers so many possibilities with color placement. We may do it again, completely scrappy next time! 

 

 

 





SEPT. Block of the Month

Spinning Pinwheel 

Spinning Pinwheel - 12” finished Block

Two colors – White and blue patriot prints

The block is made up of four quadrants, each consisting of two mirror image units with reversed colors. 

 

Using the templates at end of directions:

Cut 4 pieces of each color with the triangle template (C).

Cut 4 pieces of light fabric with template (B). 

Cut 4 pieces of blue fabric with template (A). 

You may wish to cut the fabrics a bit larger than the template and trim after the pieces are joined.  See measurements on templates -  add seams as indicated.

1. Sew the triangles to the opposite colored larger piece.  This creates mirror-image pieced triangles.  Press toward darker fabric.  If you have cut the fabrics a bit larger, trim the large two-colored triangles to size.  The two sides (including seam allowance) should measure 6-3/4” and the hypotenuse is 9-1/2”.

2. Rotate one of the triangles, matching the seams along the hypotenuse and sew four units.  Handle the hypotenuse carefully, as it will be all bias edges.  Press seams open.

 

Sew four units like this:

3.  Rotating the four units so opposite colors touch, sew two together, pressing seams so they nest. 

4.  Sew two sets created in step 3 together and press seam open to minimize bulk.
 

Your finished block should measure 12-1/2” to finish at 12”. 

Thank you, Annie for giving us the directions.

 

 

April Block

Thanks, Marcy, for suggesting our block this month. It is a design from LittleLouiseDesigns.com - a pattern they call Danish Delights.

 

 

Kits are provided to you for making this block. We will be making it scrappy, using Union Blues fabrics so the fabrics in your kit may not look exactly like the picture. You choose the color placement.

 

Follow directions below, remember DARK SQUARES go in the center of the block, LIGHT SQUARES on the outer corners.

 

The blocks will be used for a quilt for a veteran. Please return your blocks at the next meeting.

 

 



FINISHED block size is 9" (each block should measure 9-1/2")

To make the block you will need:

A - Cut 4 -  3-1/2 x 3-1/2"
B - Cut 4 -  2 x 3-1/2"
C - Cut 4 -  2 x 5"


Sew 4 units like this - it should measure 5 x 5"

Piece the units in alphabetical order - make 4 units
Sew units together so the
DARK SQUARES are in the center
LIGHT SQUARES are in the outer corners

 

Happy Sewing!

February Block of the Month

Our block this month is called SQUARE DANCE. The pattern is from "Block - Idea Book" (vol. 2 issue 6) a publication by Missouri Star Quilt Co. www.missouriquiltco.com 

Missouri Star Quilt Co. is known for easy to follow directions and their on-line tutorials.

SQUARE DANCE - 10 1/2" finished

 



I have cut fabric for 20 blocks - you can get a kit at the February meeting. Sew pieces together in alphabetical order with a 1/4" seam (or slightly less). Refer to above diagram as you sew. Remember Carol's great program on pressing as you sew and what a difference it makes. For this block press each seam AWAY from the center block.

Here are the cut sizes (from the book) in case you want to make your own quilt.

CENTER = 5"
A = 1-1/2" x 5"
B = 1-1/2" x 7"
C = 2-1/2" x 7"
D = 2-1/2" x 11"
This simple block would make a really great scrap quilt - and depending on the fabrics it could have a traditional or a very contemporary look.

I'm always on the look-out for blocks that do NOT have points around the outer edges, as they are best for blocks that have been made by a group and therefore may have some size variance. I welcome your block suggestions.

Hope you enjoy this block, knowing the quilt will be made for a veteran!

January Block

The basic 4-patch offers so many good designs. Betsy had a book at November Saturday Sewing and a 4-patch quilt caught our eye(s) and several people started cutting fabric strips and squares to make up kits for our next Block of the Month. We skipped December and are offering this block at our January meeting. All blocks will be returned to make a quilt for a veteran. 

TWO SIMPLE BLOCKS go together to make an interesting design. Unfortunately, I do not have a picture of the quilt in Betsy's book.

 

The finished block is 12"

Each kit contains:
2 6-1/2" squares 
Strips for sewing (2) 4-patch blocks - the 4-patch blocks will measure 6-1/12"

Please return your block at our February Meeting.

Happy sewing!

Return Blocks & Sewing Together

Our November BOM was a 4-Patch - Kits were passed out and the fabric may have varied from what you see here. 8 blocks are still out. Please return your block or give the kit back to me if you can't get to it. I know it's been a busy time of year! I hope to get this quilt (20 blocks) together A.S.A.P.

 

Hope to see lots of you at sewing Friday & Saturday

January 8 & 9 - 9 a.m. until whenever.

 

Happy Sewing in the New Year!

Nov BOM & SEW-ATHON

Karen started our year off with "Back to Basics" and we are going to re-visit making 4-patch blocks again this month. All those 4-patches we made during Karen's program turned into quite a few 4-patch quilts for veteran's. 

Our block this month is a traditional 4-patch block - pieced blocks set with solid blocks.

4-Patch - 12"

 

Kits have been made that include:

2 strips of fabric, a light and dark

2 6-1/2" squares. 

 

Sew the strips together, press towards the dark, and cut into 3 1/2" segments

Sew into 4-patch blocks

 

 

Sew the blocks together, positioning the DARK fabric to the center - See block above.

 

Please note: The kits contain various strips of fabric for the pieced 4-patch blocks, so yours may not look exactly like the sample block. Just remember to place the dark fabric towards the center. 

 

 

REMEMBER, we are having a SEW-ATHON dedicated to making quilts for veterans on Friday & Saturday, which are our regular second Friday/Saturday sewing days. Karen and Betsy have already prepared several quilts so sewing, ironing and assembly can begin right away. There will be lots of fabric and we will keep cutting and sewing and see just how many quilt tops we can make in 2 days.

 

Please  join us - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

October Block of the Month

Our block for October is Country Lanes, suggested by Annie who was inspired by this blog.  It's an interesting block and works well with our Union Blues fabric to make quilts for veterans.

 

We will be making 10" blocks from
kits available at the October meeting.
        

                                     A - cut 2-1/2" squares (or strip piece, keep reading)

                                     B - cut 2-1/2" x 4-1/2"

 

      Stitch 1/4" seams with blue/brown/beige/gray thread

Country Lanes - Block Base #1829

10" blocks are easy to make because they can be sewn using 2-1/2" strips.

(Remember this block for future quilts if you like using Jelly Rolls)

 

I have cut 24 kits for each of you to make a block.

 Each kit contains 1 square for the center and 3 strips.

 

Sew the dark brown and blue strips together and press to the brown.  

Cut into 2-1/2" segments.

Arrange into 4-patches and sew.

Press seams to either side or press open.

Make four 4-patches

Check the size of your 4-patches before you start putting everything together.

They should measure 4-1/2"  

Cut light fabric strip into 4-1/2" pieces 

Arrange pieces, adding the blue square in the center.

 Sew into rows and sew rows together.

Follow example placing the brown to the center

Block should measure 10-1/2"

They will be set on-point with setting blocks and a border.

Please return your block at the next meeting.

  

Finished quilts could look something like this.

 

Note: For those making a "ROW by ROW" quilt,

adjust the size to what works best for you.

Veteran's Quilt Project

Annie, our cyber CSQ member, donated this great quilt to our veterans in 2014 (one of many quilts she has sent from Vashon, WA). She also shared the pattern with us.

 

Annie saw an antique quilt made from this pattern and was inspired to draft it. She doesn't know the name of the pattern, so if someone does, please let us know, as we are calling it Annie's Star. We started the year off featuring this as our January Block of the Month, using leftover batiks from a raffle quilt we made for W.H.E.A.T.  - for the pattern and directions see the link here.

 

 

 

 

It's an easy pattern to cut and sew and offers all sorts of possible looks. Betsy made a veteran quilt in red and black, her trade-mark colors. You can see it by clicking on FLICKER at the lower right and scrolling through all the pictures.

 

The blocks each month are turned in, sewn together by a volunteer and the tops wait to take a turn on a volunteer's longarm. Vicki so generously quilted FORTY quilts last year, and this year we have another volunteer, Terry, who has jumped in to help, and I've lost track of how many she has done in a very short time. Thanks to both Vicki and Terry, for making our on-going project possible. The cost of batting and backing fabric is covered by donations to our club, as well as such things as the silent auction we had last month.

 

 

Guess which quilt had its turn on the longarm? If you guessed Annie's Star from our January blocks you would be correct. I saw Terry yesterday and she gave me this quilt, ready for a binding. The picture doesn't do it justice - see below for a close-up showing Terry's beautiful quilting!

 

 

 

All quilts are given to veterans receiving dialysis or out-patient chemo at  The V.A. McGuire Hospital in Richmond, VA. The need there is great and we welcome your quilts.

 

THANKS to EVERYONE for sewing and caring about our veterans!

 

I have some other very good news regarding our Veteran's Quilt Project, but I will save it for another post, in a few days.

 

Happy sewing on this much needed rainy day in Virginia.

 

 



September Block of the Month

We have taken a summer break from making blocks, so it's time for us to get back to making blocks for our veteran quilts. I thought it would be nice to start off with a red/white/blue quilt, sure to please any veteran!

The block we will be making is an old favorite, Shoo Fly, #1645 in Block Base.

Cutting direction for 9" blocks - See diagram for color placement.

A - White - cut 3-7/8" squares, slice it on the diagonal*
A - Red - cut 3-7/8" squares, slice it on the diagonal*
B - White  - cut 3-1/2 squares
B - Blue -  cut 3-1/2" square

*Use any method you like for making Half Square Triangles.

FABRICS:  My white is probably not the same as your white - that's okay. Set together, they will all look fine.  A nice mix of reds and blues will give us the scrappy look we are going for. (prints and solids). 

NOTE: If anyone has extra blue and red fabric we could use it for the setting blocks.

Here is just one possibility of what we can make with our blocks: