tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247200742024-03-07T17:56:37.752-05:00Free Patterns from Sophie JunctionQuilt Block Patterns, Project Tutorials and Quilting Tipssophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-6225186312673112862013-02-28T13:16:00.001-05:002013-02-28T13:16:05.784-05:00This Blog Has Been MOVEDIt's been more than a year since I combined this blog with my personal blog, <a href="http://sophiejunction.blogspot.com/">Sophie Junction.</a> All the posts, free patterns and tutorials have been imported there ... and lots of new ones have been added.<br />
<br />
Check out my <a href="http://sophiejunction.blogspot.com/p/freebies.html">Freebies</a> page for the list of tutorials, projects and quilt block patterns.sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-77116895208082625772011-07-01T12:07:00.000-04:002011-07-01T12:07:05.500-04:00Liberated Checkerboard Block<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890996106/" title="Sophie's liberated checkerboard block #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Sophie's liberated checkerboard block #2" height="200" hspace="10" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5038/5890996106_1523211d7f_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="200" /></a>This liberated variation of the classic 16-patch block is easy to cut and sew . . . as long as you take care to keep things organized. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The blocks are made two-at-a time, beginning with 2 large squares. The finished size of your liberated checkerboard block will be 2-to-2 1/2 inches smaller than the these squares. <br />
<br />
For the Block Lotto in July 2011 (and these examples), we used 10 inch squares to start: one white and one solid or tone-on-tone (TOT) print in a medium to dark value with high contrast.<br />
<br />
<b style="color: magenta;">CUT FABRICS</b><br />
<ol><li>Place fabrics on the cutting mat, one on top of the other with edges aligned. Both fabrics must be right sides up.<br />
</li>
<li><b>Vertical cuts</b>: m<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt;">ake 3 straight cuts from the top edge to the bottom edge. The sections do not have to be even and the cut lines may be as slanty as you decide to make them. There should be at least one inch between the cuts and at the outside edges. I pulled the sections apart so that you could see them--you don't need to do that and can leave them just as they are on your cutting mat.<br />
</span></li>
<li><b>Horizontal Cuts:</b> <span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt;">Make three straight cuts from left edge to right edge. If it makes it easier for you, you can rotate the mat (or walk around the table), but avoid moving the cut fabric pieces. The same 1-inch rule of thumb applies.</span> <span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt;"> </span> </li>
</ol></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5863450523/" title="Vertical Cuts by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Vertical Cuts" height="190" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2730/5863450523_2c6cdd4a00_m.jpg" width="190" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5863451099/" title="Horizontal Cuts by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Horizontal Cuts" height="190" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/5863451099_92f5f250bd_m.jpg" width="190" /> </a></div><br />
<b style="color: magenta;">PREPARE TO SEW</b> <br />
<ol><li>Create the checkboard by swaping top and bottom fabrics of every other piece.<br />
</li>
<li>Carefully move to your sewing area–b<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt;">ecause these irregular shaped pieces will only go together ONE WAY, carefully move them close to your machine. I used a 12-inch square ruler as a platter to carefully transfer my pieces from cutting table to sewing table.</span></li>
</ol><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5864003978/" title="Make the Checkerboard by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Make the Checkerboard" height="180" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/5864003978_ddd620ee0b_m.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5863451693/" title="Move to your sewing machine by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Move to your sewing machine" height="180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5273/5863451693_b1d71400cc_m.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b style="color: magenta;">SEWING THE BLOCK</b><br />
<b style="color: magenta;"> </b> <br />
You now have the pieces for two Liberated Checkerboard blocks. Sew them together as a 16-patch. Here’s the approach I used to keep everything organized and correctly oriented–I’m a little dyslexic and so I need to be VERY careful or something will get turned around.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="5"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5863452025/" title="Cut pieces in Place by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Cut pieces in Place" height="153" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2710/5863452025_94c35f3668_m.jpg" width="200" /></a></td><td>1. Get Organized<br />
<br />
Carefully lay out the stacked pieces (for two blocks) next to your sewing machine to prepare for assembly.</td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5864004724/" title="From Left-to-right, Top to Bottom by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="From Left-to-right, Top to Bottom" height="200" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/5864004724_1b1b045d88_m.jpg" width="200" /></a></td><td>2. Begin Working Top-to-Bottom, Left-to-Right<br />
<br />
Flip each of the top fabrics in the second column, onto the first column, like turning a page in a book. </td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5863452373/" title="Chain Sewing by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Chain Sewing" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5863452373_f02ce25b94_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></td><td>3. Chain Sew the Pairs<br />
<br />
Sew the pairs together, from Top-to- Bottom. <br />
<br />
After you've sewn the pieces from the "top" block, repeat the process for the second block.<br />
<br />
Leave the four pairs of each block connected (by thread)—only snip the thread between blocks.</td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5863452885/" title="Pressing - wrong-side view by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pressing - wrong-side view" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/5863452885_b23c93cd77_m.jpg" width="140" /></a></td><td>4. Press after every set of seams<br />
<br />
I found it easiest to press after the pieces in each column are sewn. Always press toward the non-white fabric–it will make matching the seams easier later.<br />
<br />
This photo shows the BACK after the first set of seams have been sewn and pressed.</td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5863452549/" title="Press After each column is added by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Press After each column is added" height="200" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/5863452549_60777660e3_m.jpg" width="200" /></a></td><td>5. Layout the Block with Sewn Pieces <br />
<br />
Put the sewn, and pressed section back in place in your block layout.</td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5863452707/" title="Press and Repeat by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Press and Repeat" height="200" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5198/5863452707_01d30020a4_m.jpg" width="200" /></a></td><td>6. Continue to Work Left-to-Right, Top-to-Bottom<br />
<br />
"Turn the pages" of the pieces in the third column and place them on top of the corresponding piece to the left. Chain sew these four seams as before. <br />
<br />
Add the third column to the second block of your pair.</td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5863453053/" title="Four Rows Sewn by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Four Rows Sewn" height="200" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/5863453053_143c07b619_m.jpg" width="200" /></a></td><td>7. Press and Repeat<br />
<br />
Press the second set of seams and Repeat with the last column of squares.<br />
<br />
Your block will now consist of 4 sections (rows) that are held together at the intersections by the thread left in place from chain piecing.</td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5864005816/" title="Sew the rows together by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sew the rows together" height="200" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/5864005816_4d3c1dbcd7_m.jpg" width="200" /></a></td><td>8. Sew the “rows” together<br />
<br />
Fold the top row down. If the seam intersections are connected by the thread from your chain piecing, you may find, as I did, that you do not need pins to accurately sew the seam, matching the intersections. <br />
<br />
Stitch and repeat for each row of both blocks until your checkerboard block PAIR is done. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
You may decide to square-up all your blocks and trim to the same size. For the block lotto, we're sending the blocks UNTRIMMED and allowing the winner to decide how he or she will use them.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5863453671/" title="Sophie's Block Pair #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Block Pair #2" height="216" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5267/5863453671_cb9cfe315f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Here's a look at how 35 liberated checkerboard blocks randomly arranged might look--with block photos from <a href="http://uneaiguilledansunebottedefoin.blogspot.com/">Béa</a>, <a href="http://cathy-mysewingroom.blogspot.com/">Cathy</a>, <a href="http://jovaliquilts.blogspot.com/">Cheri</a>, <a href="http://brooklynquilter.blogspot.com/">Ginny</a>, <a href="http://rec-perf.blogspot.com/">Jennifer</a>, <a href="http://joetulipsquilts.blogspot.com/">Julie</a>, <a href="http://katesquilting.blogspot.com/">Kate</a>, Kathie, <a href="http://lindabigd.blogspot.com/">Linda</a>, <a href="http://flynnnfabric.blogspot.com/">Linnea</a>, <a href="http://maryjanesmeanderings.blogspot.com/">Mary Jane</a>, <a href="http://mobmom.blogspot.com/">Michelle</a> and <a href="http://aquiltyconscience.blogspot.com/">Toni</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5891001776/" title="Cathy C's liberated checkerboard block #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Cathy C's liberated checkerboard block #3" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5079/5891001776_9801332253_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5891001652/" title="Cathy C's liberated checkerboard block #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Cathy C's liberated checkerboard block #2" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5119/5891001652_4aa3e90733_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890434563/" title="Cathy C's liberated checkerboard block #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Cathy C's liberated checkerboard block #1" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5890434563_5b494a8e02_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5891001436/" title="Jennifer S's liberated checkerboard block #5 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Jennifer S's liberated checkerboard block #5" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5302/5891001436_d91e421aa2_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5891001362/" title="Jennifer S's liberated checkerboard block #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Jennifer S's liberated checkerboard block #4" height="75" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6037/5891001362_ed10437aee_s.jpg" width="75" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5891001280/" title="Jennifer S's liberated checkerboard block #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Jennifer S's liberated checkerboard block #3" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5078/5891001280_11e3ac34ca_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890434187/" title="Jennifer S's liberated checkerboard block #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Jennifer S's liberated checkerboard block #2" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5076/5890434187_b6594ec58c_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5891001010/" title="Jennifer S's liberated checkerboard block #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Jennifer S's liberated checkerboard block #1" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5891001010_7441c8b5f2_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890433939/" title="Kathie's liberated checkerboard block #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kathie's liberated checkerboard block #3" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5890433939_714ce2dd11_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890433625/" title="Kathie's liberated checkerboard block #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kathie's liberated checkerboard block #2" height="75" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/5890433625_94df6a54c1_s.jpg" width="75" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5891000090/" title="Kathie's liberated checkerboard block #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kathie's liberated checkerboard block #1" height="75" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6019/5891000090_0e5f4b099b_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890999472/" title="MaryJane's liberated checkerboard block #5 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="MaryJane's liberated checkerboard block #5" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5160/5890999472_6ee52a88e8_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890999416/" title="MaryJane's liberated checkerboard block #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="MaryJane's liberated checkerboard block #4" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5111/5890999416_5c80a15baa_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890999376/" title="MaryJane's liberated checkerboard block #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="MaryJane's liberated checkerboard block #3" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5307/5890999376_cb634405ca_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890432445/" title="MaryJane's liberated checkerboard block #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="MaryJane's liberated checkerboard block #2" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5313/5890432445_6e4d7484a1_s.jpg" width="75" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890999336/" title="MaryJane's liberated checkerboard block #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="MaryJane's liberated checkerboard block #1" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5890999336_ce4f7c9644_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890432357/" title="Toni's liberated checkerboard block #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Toni's liberated checkerboard block #4" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5271/5890432357_c294f62738_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890432129/" title="Toni's liberated checkerboard block #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Toni's liberated checkerboard block #1" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5279/5890432129_93d9eb9548_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890998950/" title="Toni's liberated checkerboard block #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Toni's liberated checkerboard block #2" height="75" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/5890998950_78c3c79946_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890431745/" title="Toni's liberated checkerboard block #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Toni's liberated checkerboard block #2" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5890431745_71b8fbed29_s.jpg" width="75" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890431567/" title="Michelle's liberated checkerboard block #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Michelle's liberated checkerboard block #1" height="75" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6028/5890431567_da0cb71f27_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890431413/" title="Michelle's liberated checkerboard block #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Michelle's liberated checkerboard block #2" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5080/5890431413_c1d36b6632_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890998402/" title="Michelle's liberated checkerboard block #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Michelle's liberated checkerboard block #3" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5305/5890998402_81e5aae27a_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890998276/" title="Michelle's liberated checkerboard block #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Michelle's liberated checkerboard block #4" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5027/5890998276_ef520360da_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890431039/" title="Michelle's liberated checkerboard block #5 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Michelle's liberated checkerboard block #5" height="75" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/5890431039_f6973fb91f_s.jpg" width="75" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890430797/" title="Ginny's liberated checkerboard block #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Ginny's liberated checkerboard block #1" height="75" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/5890430797_9d3962524f_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890997904/" title="Bea's liberated checkerboard block #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Bea's liberated checkerboard block #1" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5890997904_873ee5566a_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890430775/" title="Cheri's liberated checkerboard block #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Cheri's liberated checkerboard block #1" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5276/5890430775_7f4de916bf_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890997764/" title="Bea's liberated checkerboard block #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Bea's liberated checkerboard block #1" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5890997764_e7eac989ee_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890430491/" title="Bea's liberated checkerboard block #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Bea's liberated checkerboard block #3" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5314/5890430491_74f2a9cffd_s.jpg" width="75" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890430345/" title="JulieP's liberated checkerboard block #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="JulieP's liberated checkerboard block #1" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5231/5890430345_f35b1338bd_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890429059/" title="Sophie's liberated checkerboard block #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's liberated checkerboard block #1" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5264/5890429059_9326672256_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890997166/" title="JulieP's liberated checkerboard block #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="JulieP's liberated checkerboard block #2" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5890997166_3575f4cccb_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890429915/" title="JulieP's liberated checkerboard block #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="JulieP's liberated checkerboard block #3" height="75" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/5890429915_98feaf26b0_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5890996854/" title="Linda N's liberated checkerboard block #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Linda N's liberated checkerboard block #1" height="75" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5279/5890996854_abe7cb40ec_s.jpg" width="75" /></a></div><br />
Thanks to everyone for the great block photos that made this virtual quilt possible. If you make a quilt or other project from this liberated checkerboard block, I'd love to see it.sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-20171103944662416712011-05-31T21:43:00.001-04:002011-06-01T17:18:16.020-04:00Three-patch Rectangles<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5787478439/" title="Sophie's 3-patch #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Sophie's 3-patch #4" height="240" hspace="10" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2065/5787478439_571b8a5e71_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="160" /></a>This simple 6 inch by 9 inch (finished size) block was influenced by the proportions of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_rectangle">golden rectangle</a>.<br />
<br />
It showcases the fabrics used and/or the quilting design. It's quick and easy construction makes it a good choice for a last minute gift or a quilt-in-a-day project.<br />
<br />
For the June 2011 Block Lotto, we are making blocks in an analogous colorway of green-blue-violet, including one green, one blue and one violet fabric in each block.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5756420010/" title="Cutting by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Cutting" height="240" hspace="10" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5756420010_8fd3d46363_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="178" /></a><br />
<div style="color: #351c75;"><b>CUTTING</b></div><br />
For each block,<br />
<br />
Cut 1 rectangle - 4.5 x 6.5 inches<br />
Cut 2 rectangles - 3.5 x 5.5 inches<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #351c75;"><b>SEWING THE BLOCK</b></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5756420010/" title="Cutting by jeansophie, on Flickr"></a><br />
<ol><li>Sew the two smaller rectangles together, along their long sides, Press toward the darker fabric.</li>
<li>Add the large rectangle to the top. Press the seam toward the large rectangle. The block should measure 6 1/2 by 9 1/2 inches.</li>
</ol><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5756420424/" title="First Seam by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="First Seam" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5756420424_4ac61720da_m.jpg" width="164" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5755877043/" title="Last Seam by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Last Seam" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2696/5755877043_579ecdb7b6_m.jpg" width="175" /></a><br />
<br />
Here is a sampling of blocks made by some quilters in the Block Lotto community.<br />
<br />
For a clean, minimalist look, surround each of the blocks with wide borders in a solid neutral–simulated by white space here–and arrange them all with the same orientation: <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786825186/" title="Sophie's 3-patch #16 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's 3-patch #16" height="100" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2299/5786825186_0695db7883_t.jpg" width="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786288289/" title="Cathi's 3-patch #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Cathi's 3-patch #4" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5228/5786288289_93d8923345_t.jpg" width="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786844946/" title="Kristin's 3-patch #9 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kristin's 3-patch #9" height="100" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/5786844946_c17aa9dbe4_t.jpg" width="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786298179/" title="Julie's 3-patch #8 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Julie's 3-patch #8" height="100" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3352/5786298179_f6c712b826_t.jpg" width="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786298287/" title="Julie's 3-patch #7 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Julie's 3-patch #7" height="100" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/5786298287_b167b60ebd_t.jpg" width="67" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786854220/" title="Ginny's 3-patch #5 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Ginny's 3-patch #5" height="100" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2360/5786854220_c584a8a146_t.jpg" width="70" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786288767/" title="Cathi's 3-patch #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Cathi's 3-patch #3" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5786288767_0ae5ff1e69_t.jpg" width="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786853630/" title="Julie's 3-patch #5 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Julie's 3-patch #5" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5786853630_60842dde89_t.jpg" width="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786298859/" title="Ginny's 3-patch #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Ginny's 3-patch #1" height="100" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/5786298859_bb85378db9_t.jpg" width="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786299171/" title="Ginny's 3-patch #7 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Ginny's 3-patch #7" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5302/5786299171_3c3412b4dc_t.jpg" width="67" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786854068/" title="Ginny's 3-patch #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Ginny's 3-patch #2" height="100" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3415/5786854068_0c79f3caf4_t.jpg" width="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786853560/" title="Julie's 3-patch #6 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Julie's 3-patch #6" height="100" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2277/5786853560_fdc15f0d70_t.jpg" width="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786289299/" title="Cathi's 3-patch #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Cathi's 3-patch #2" height="100" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3264/5786289299_95b8a15d46_t.jpg" width="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786853708/" title="Julie's 3-patch #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Julie's 3-patch #4" height="100" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3346/5786853708_77d7daeb6d_t.jpg" width="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786854282/" title="Ginny's 3-patch #6 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Ginny's 3-patch #6" height="100" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2128/5786854282_4272c83bef_t.jpg" width="67" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786299227/" title="Ginny's 3-patch #8 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Ginny's 3-patch #8" height="100" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/5786299227_c0ebbe52db_t.jpg" width="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786844812/" title="Cathi's 3-patch #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Cathi's 3-patch #1" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5786844812_cd59b09cd3_t.jpg" width="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786298647/" title="Julie's 3-patch #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Julie's 3-patch #3" height="100" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2051/5786298647_8fe5290f7a_t.jpg" width="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786854126/" title="Ginny's 3-patch #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Ginny's 3-patch #3" height="100" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2388/5786854126_8c3f8fa49e_t.jpg" width="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786857096/" title="Kristin's 3-patch #7 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kristin's 3-patch #7" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5786857096_fd114c961f_t.jpg" width="67" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786301491/" title="Kristin's 3-patch #8 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kristin's 3-patch #8" height="100" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2100/5786301491_d8c244e04c_t.jpg" width="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786298705/" title="Julie's 3-patch #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Julie's 3-patch #2" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5225/5786298705_ba683a1471_t.jpg" width="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786854166/" title="Ginny's 3-patch #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Ginny's 3-patch #4" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5786854166_001d4936e3_t.jpg" width="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786853950/" title="Julie's 3-patch #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Julie's 3-patch #1" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5786853950_45ce2800c4_t.jpg" width="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5786299315/" title="Ginny's 3-patch #9 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Ginny's 3-patch #9" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5786299315_3cee3977d4_t.jpg" width="71" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5756420258/" title="4 completed blocks by jeansophie, on Flickr"><br />
</a><br />
<br />
For more virtual blocks and layout ideas, check out the <a href="http://blocklotto.blogspot.com/2011/06/easiest-lotto-block-ever.html">June Guidlines </a>for the Block Lottosophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-85392527493820672962011-04-01T02:35:00.003-04:002011-04-01T03:14:46.392-04:00Modern Clover Quilt Block<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578429567/" title="Sophie's Modern CLover #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Sophie's Modern CLover #1" height="240" hspace="10" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5254/5578429567_b2a7941ecd_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="240" /></a>When <a href="http://katesquilting.blogspot.com/">Kate</a> sent a drawing of this block to me, I didn't realize it was a Kate original and went looking for the name of the block. The closest block pattern I found (in Brackman's Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns was The Clover Blossom . . . and so I dubbed Kate's simplified version the Modern Clover. Because of my research, I immediately recognized <a #1="" clover="" height="240" href="http://draft.blogger.com/%20alt=" http:="" modern="" photos="" s="" sophie="" sophiejunction="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5254/5578429567_b2a7941ecd_m.jpg" width="240" www.flickr.com="">The Clover Blossom quilt</a> at the Infinite Variety exhibition. <br />
<br />
Kate's block is easily assembled from 4 units--three Half-Square Triangles and a Stem.<br />
<ul><li>The leaf units are made from green and cream fabrics. You'll need two leaf units.</li>
<li> The bloom unit is made from two shades of the same (non-green) color. You'll need only one of these.</li>
</ul><br />
For the April 2011 Block Lotto, we will be making a 6 inch Modern Clover block from 3 inch units, using green for the leaves and stem, cream background and two shades of any non-green color for the blossom.These are finished sizes, the units, before they are sewn together should measure 3 1/2 inches and the block will be 6 1/2 inches before it is sewn into a quilt top.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #e06666;"><b>HALF SQUARE TRIANGLE UNITS</b></div><br />
Known as half-square-triangles (HST, for short) or triangle squares, there are a lot of ways to make this useful building block unit. Once you find the method that works best for you and become confident making them, you'll be amazed at the quilt block patterns that you can (easily!) make.<br />
<br />
The method you use may be influence by the number of HST units you need to make from the same pair of fabrics. If you decide to make a bunch of clover blocks with the same background and leaf fabrics, you might want to make all those units in one fell swoop using Thangles or Triangle Paper or a similar commerical product.<br />
<br />
<b>Making many HSTs </b><br />
<br />
Using Thangles, you begin with strips of fabric that are 1/2 inch wider than the finished size of your HST unit. For example, for our 3 inch units, you would begin with 3 1/2 inch strips of your two fabrics. Read about <a href="http://www.thangles.com/howtheywork.html">How Thangles Work</a> on their web site. <a href="http://www.trianglesonaroll.com/halfsquare.aspx">Triangles on a Roll</a> is a similar product.<br />
<br />
With other sew-on-the-line products, you begin with two rectangles, place the printed paper (or lightweight non-woven interfacing-like product) on top, pin in place and sew on the dotted or dashed lines and, after all the seams are sewn, cut on the solid lines to create a bunch of HST units. You can download and print free gridded paper from <a href="http://www.blockcentral.com/a-halfsquaretrianglepaper.shtml">Block Central</a>. Using their <a href="http://www.blockcentral.com/hst/hst-3inch.pdf">3-inch HST paper </a>(finished size), you would begin with two 8-1/2 inch squares of fabric to make 8 HST units--enough leaf units for four blocks. As with anything you download, always be sure to measure the 1" arrow to make sure your computer did not "scale to fit" or otherwise chances the dimensions. Commercial products are printed on larger than printer-paper sized sheets--you use larger rectangles of fabric and produce more HSTs at a time.<br />
<br />
<b>Making 1 or 2 HSTs</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5544726116/" title="One way to make Half-Square-Triangles by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="One way to make Half-Square-Triangles" height="240" hspace="10" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5140/5544726116_926b8e9be6_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="194" /></a>For the most common method for making a pair of HST units, you begin with two fabric squares that are 7/8" larger than the desired finished size. Many quilters will cut the squares 1" larger because it's easier to measure and you can trim afterward. This method is described nicely on the About Quilting site here:<br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1289005951"><br />
</a><br />
<a href="http://quilting.about.com/od/quickpiecingtechniques/ss/halfsquaretria_2.htm">Quick and Easy Half-Square Triangle Units</a><br />
<br />
If you have a fabric cutter, you can easily cut one or two triangles from some smallish scraps to make HST units. (FYI, this is not a product placement, I actually bought and use that Go! baby, but can't compare it to anything else ... )<br />
<div style="color: #e06666;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #e06666;"><b>STEM UNIT</b></div><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5544149037/" title="Fabrics for Step unit by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Fabrics for Step unit" height="139" hspace="10" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5057/5544149037_df24d49142_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="240" /></a><br />
For a 3 inch (finished size) stem unit,<br />
<br />
<b>Cut</b>: <br />
One 3 1/2 inch square of stem fabric (green)<br />
Two 3 1/8 inch squares of background fabric (cream) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b></b><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5544726454/" title="Align fabric in a corner by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Align fabric in a corner" height="140" hspace="10" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5056/5544726454_fc7d856fc1_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="140" /></a><b>Assemble the stem</b><br />
<ol><li> Place a smaller background of background fabric on top of the larger square of stem fabric, right sides together, with one corner and adjoining edges perfectly aligned.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</li>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5544149669/" title="Stitch by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Stitch" height="140" hspace="10" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5058/5544149669_2c85bef779_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="140" /></a>
<li>Draw a stitching line from corner to corner on the smaller square. For a bonus triangle, draw a second line, parallel to the first, 1/2 inch away (toward the aligned corner).<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Stitch on the drawn line(s). <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Cut between the stitch lines . . . or 1/4 inch away from the single stitch line if you don't opt for the bonus triangle square.</li>
<li>Press.</li>
<li>Repeat steps 1-5 with the second smaller background square, placing it so that it is aligned with the opposite corner and other two sides of the background square.</li>
</ol><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5544727020/" title="Cut between the lines by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Cut between the lines" height="140" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5298/5544727020_1593eb7ea2_m.jpg" width="140" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5544727146/" title="Press by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Press" height="140" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5544727146_124e14face_m.jpg" width="140" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5544727460/" title="Repeat with second small square by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Repeat with second small square" height="140" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5291/5544727460_996d8f337c_m.jpg" width="140" /></a><br />
<div style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">PUTTING THE CLOVER BLOCK TOGETHER</span></b></div><br />
Lay out the four units for your Clover block. Looking at it in an on-point fashion, keep the LIGHT fabric (in the blossom HST) on the LEFT. If you used different leaf fabrics, then place the LIGHTER leaf on the LEFT. If the leaf fabrics are the same, but the backgrounds are different, place the one with the LIGHTER background on the LEFT.<br />
<br />
Sew the units together like a four patch, first in pairs and then press.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5544150553/" title="Block Layout by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Block Layout" height="210" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5133/5544150553_302611fa5f_m.jpg" width="210" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5544150733/" title="Sew as a 4-patch by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sew as a 4-patch" height="210" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5091/5544150733_6227c86a1d_m.jpg" width="210" /></a><br />
<br />
Sew two pairs together and you are done. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5544150865/" title="Modern Clover block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Modern Clover block" height="420" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5091/5544150865_fa68cf4632.jpg" width="420" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>SOME INSPIRATION FROM THE BLOCK LOTTO COMMUNITY</b></span><br />
<br />
These blocks were made by Karen, Liz, Maree, MB, Pat, Susan and Wendy.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5579009884/" title="Karen's Modern Clover #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Karen's Modern Clover #1" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5100/5579009884_bc7c85e045_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578425599/" title="Susan's Modern Clover #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Susan's Modern Clover #1" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5149/5578425599_c6c22bbf54_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578424393/" title="Karen's Modern Clover #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Karen's Modern Clover #4" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5578424393_14b5a4c229_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578425703/" title="Maree's Modern Clover #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Maree's Modern Clover #2" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5578425703_a6767d308e_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5579011432/" title="Pat's Modern Clover #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat's Modern Clover #2" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5579011432_cc80ea597e_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578425745/" title="Pat's Modern Clover #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat's Modern Clover #1" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5578425745_56bdf16ff9_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5579011316/" title="Maree's Modern Clover #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Maree's Modern Clover #1" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5056/5579011316_c9c2467912_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578423991/" title="Karen's Modern Clover #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Karen's Modern Clover #2" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5578423991_f0b6ba0d7e_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5579010008/" title="Karen's Modern Clover #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Karen's Modern Clover #3" height="98" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5579010008_7c85e213e0_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578424861/" title="Karen's Modern Clover #7 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Karen's Modern Clover #7" height="99" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5578424861_c8e4bfd469_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5579011432/" title="Pat's Modern Clover #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat's Modern Clover #2" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5579011432_cc80ea597e_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5579011472/" title="Pat's Modern Clover #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat's Modern Clover #3" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5579011472_853501d82d_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578425941/" title="Pat's Modern Clover #5 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat's Modern Clover #5" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5578425941_d99958680f_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578424585/" title="Karen's Modern Clover #5 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Karen's Modern Clover #5" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5059/5578424585_af6b2b9a79_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578424721/" title="Karen's Modern Clover #6 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Karen's Modern Clover #6" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5578424721_a6746d9751_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5579011552/" title="Pat's Modern Clover #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat's Modern Clover #4" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5095/5579011552_15e4be3885_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578432369/" title="MB's Modern Clover #8 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="MB's Modern Clover #8" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5578432369_e65bda8dbb_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5579010766/" title="Karen's Modern Clover #8 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Karen's Modern Clover #8" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5016/5579010766_c62418ed0c_t.jpg" width="99" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5579011506/" title="Pat's Modern Clover #9 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat's Modern Clover #9" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5579011506_9a228e1316_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578425995/" title="Pat's Modern Clover #6 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat's Modern Clover #6" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5578425995_4d5f4b77ea_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578431455/" title="MB's Modern Clover #7 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="MB's Modern Clover #7" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5578431455_edc9339818_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578425101/" title="Karen's Modern Clover #9 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Karen's Modern Clover #9" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5029/5578425101_145cb503e6_t.jpg" width="98" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5579011668/" title="Pat's Modern Clover #7 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat's Modern Clover #7" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5267/5579011668_3d5d068588_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5579013242/" title="MB's Modern Clover #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="MB's Modern Clover #3" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5579013242_2bafff275f_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578429567/" title="Sophie's Modern CLover #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Modern CLover #1" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5254/5578429567_b2a7941ecd_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5579014234/" title="MB's Modern Clover #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="MB's Modern Clover #4" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5579014234_0e7bf59be6_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578425451/" title="Karen's Modern Clover #10 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Karen's Modern Clover #10" height="99" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5251/5578425451_fe21944b94_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5579011716/" title="Pat's Modern Clover #8 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat's Modern Clover #8" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5100/5579011716_bf46221cbe_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578432773/" title="MB's Modern Clover #9 by jeansophie, on Flickr"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5579011940/" title="Liz's Modern Clover #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Liz's Modern Clover #1" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5579011940_b47622cb58_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578426791/" title="MB's Modern Clover #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="MB's Modern Clover #2" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5578426791_0bcaa781d1_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578430469/" title="MB's Modern Clover #6 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="MB's Modern Clover #6" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5578430469_ace16f7af2_t.jpg" width="100" /> </a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578432773/" title="MB's Modern Clover #9 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="MB's Modern Clover #9" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5186/5578432773_87fb65a2e4_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5578433755/" title="MB's Modern Clover #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="MB's Modern Clover #1" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5186/5578433755_defb6ac8f4_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5579019718/" title="Wendy's Modern Clover #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Wendy's Modern Clover #1" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5579019718_5a557c9d61_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5579015072/" title="MB's Modern Clover #5 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="MB's Modern Clover #5" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5579015072_ba5b237448_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5579019960/" title="Kathy's Modern Clover #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kathy's Modern Clover #1" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5138/5579019960_951e956246_t.jpg" width="100" /></a>sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-5968851234665700652011-02-01T00:52:00.001-05:002011-02-01T00:53:59.906-05:00String Heart Block with a Bonus<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5379274642/" title="Sophie's Heart #8 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Sophie's Heart #8" height="240" hspace="10/" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5285/5379274642_95e56843b8_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="180" /></a>This 6 inch by 8 inch (finished size) heart block is made in two steps: First you make the string pieced rectangles and then you use it to piece the heart block.<br />
<br />
Many quilters have posted good directions online for how-to make string blocks. Kate published the basics on the Block Lotto blog when we made string pairs, here:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://blocklotto.blogspot.com/2007/12/january-block-lotto-string-square-pairs.html">January Block Lotto String Square Pairs</a><br />
<br />
Bonnie Hunter has a String piecing primer on her Quiltville site here: <br />
<a href="http://quiltville.com/stringquiltingprimer.shtml"><br />
String Quilting Primer</a><br />
<br />
You’ll need two 3-1/2 by 8-1/2 inch rectangles of string fabric for each heart block —the strings should be at an angle and you’ll need a pair: one right leaning and one left leaning, arranged so that they form a V shape. You could piece each rectangle individually on a 4 x 9 inch foundation, or you might string piece something larger (maybe an 8 x 9 rectangle or 9 inch square, and then cut it to size.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: red;"><b>FABRIC REQUIREMENTS</b></div><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5378668197/" title="Fabric Cutting by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Fabric Cutting" height="205" hspace="10/" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5087/5378668197_7b0abdb86a_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="240" /></a>For each block, you’ll need: <br />
• Two string rectangles 3.5 x 8.5 (1 Left-leaning and 1 Right-leaning<br />
• Four 2-inch squares of background<br />
• One or Two background rectangles 4 x 8 inches <br />
<br />
NOTE: Cut ONE back ground rectangle if your fabric is solid or dyed and looks the same on both sides (no right side). Cut TWO if your fabric is printed and/or has a right side and a wrong side.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5378668627/" title="Slice rectangle diagonally by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Slice rectangle diagonally" height="193" hspace="10/" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5242/5378668627_8210399c4c_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="240" /></a>Slice the rectangle diagonally from corner to corner. If you are cutting TWO (print) Rectangles, you MUST stack and align them with WRONG SIDES TOGETHER before cutting the diagonal. You will end up with two mirror image triangle pairs (and can use the second pair for another block. <br />
<br />
If your fabric is solid or dyed and is the same on both sides, you will cut ONE rectangle and flip over one of the rectangles to make a pair of mirror image shapes.<br />
<div style="color: red;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: red;"><b>SEWING THE BLOCK</b></div><br />
1. Align a square, face down, with the top left corner of each of the string rectangles. <br />
2. Sew across the square, diagonally from corner-to-corner. You can draw the line before you sew if that makes it easier—remember you are going to sew ON the line.<br />
3. Trim the excess fabric (in the corner) away, 1/4 inch from your seam.<br />
4. Press.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5379269270/" title="DSCN5973 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN5973" height="130" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5085/5379269270_87435bdf9d_m.jpg" width="130" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5378669437/" title="DSCN5974 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN5974" height="130" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5001/5378669437_bd3960ee1c_m.jpg" width="130" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5378669607/" title="DSCN5975 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN5975" height="130" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5008/5378669607_330cbf96e5_m.jpg" width="130" /></a> <br />
<br />
5. Repeat with the other two squares in the top right corners of the string rectangles.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5379269902/" title="DSCN5976 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN5976" height="130" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5042/5379269902_65d0ed3e4c_m.jpg" width="130" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5379270080/" title="DSCN5977 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN5977" height="130" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5084/5379270080_d5ebf45e11_m.jpg" width="130" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5378670247/" title="DSCN5978 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN5978" height="130" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5002/5378670247_c64b790c9b_m.jpg" width="130" /></a><br />
<br />
6. Lay out your block, placing the triangles on top for reference. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5378670387/" title="DSCN5979 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCN5979" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5249/5378670387_19e232b99c_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5379270792/" title="DSCN5980 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="DSCN5980" height="240" hspace="10/" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5050/5379270792_350e0ff893_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="150" /></a> 7. Flip one over and align the long edge of the triangle so that: <br />
• it is even with the intersection of the seam at the outside edge of the rectangle<br />
• it crosses the bottom edge of the string rectangle 1/4 inch away from the point (so your seam will go through the point.<br />
8. Sewn the triangle in place, <br />
9. Fold back the triangle after it’s sewn and MAKE SURE that the triangle covers the rectangle underneath. DO NOT trim or press anything until you have checked.<br />
<br />
The placement of the triangles does NOT have to be exact. Remember this is supposed to be fun. If you are having problems, try sliding the triangle up or down on the rectangle … or cut a larger rectangle to start. <br />
<br />
10. Repeat on the other side.<br />
11. Fold back the triangle and trim the excess string fabric away … but DON”T toss it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5378670873/" title="Check before trimming by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Check before trimming" height="190" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5125/5378670873_3ed4e7425c_m.jpg" width="190" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5378671075/" title="Cut away extra string fabric by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Cut away extra string fabric" height="190" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5086/5378671075_afec873648_m.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
<br />
12. Press.<br />
13. Sew the two halves of your heart block together.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5379271394/" title="Pressed and ready to join by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pressed and ready to join" height="190" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5007/5379271394_bf46b9c173_m.jpg" width="190" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5378671441/" title="Finished block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Finished block" height="190" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5083/5378671441_49aff8123c_m.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
<br />
14. Press and square up and trim to 6-12/ inches wide and 8-1/2 inches tall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5379271748/" title="Squared up and Trimmed to size by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Squared up and Trimmed to size" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5162/5379271748_1de2453b97_m.jpg" width="198" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="color: red;"><b>BONUS BLOCK</b></div><br />
I couldn’t toss the large triangles of string fabric that I cut away in step 11 … and noticed when I flipped them over, I saw the beginnings of a smaller heart block. I used 1-3/4 inch squares and a 3.5 x 7 rectangle. The sewing order is a little different for this one: you’ll need to sew the triangles together first, then add the squares at the top. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5378671927/" title="Removed Triangles by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Removed Triangles" height="130" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5129/5378671927_939beabba4_m.jpg" width="130" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5378671815/" title="Flip them and imagine a smaller heart block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Flip them and imagine a smaller heart block" height="130" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5047/5378671815_d98ddb67e3_m.jpg" width="130" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5378672285/" title="Making a heart from bonus triangles by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Making a heart from bonus triangles" height="130" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5378672285_b41d3a4f29_m.jpg" width="130" /></a><br />
<br />
As you can see, the bonus block is a bit smaller with slightly different, but similar proportions to the “parent block”. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5378672663/" title="Finished block with bonus block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Finished block with bonus block" height="299" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5164/5378672663_e193243cff.jpg" width="400" /></a>sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-64823774384776319862011-01-01T21:09:00.002-05:002011-01-01T21:12:45.440-05:00Only the name has changed ...This blog has served a couple purposes over time, the last of which is a place to blog quilt block and project patterns in a place that makes them easy to find . . . instead of mixing it up with everything else I blog about on my personal blog, <a href="http://sophiejunction.blogspot.com/">sophie junction</a>.<br />
<br />
As the functionality of blogger expands, I am considering the possibility combining the two. In the meantime, linking them through their names seems a logical first step.<br />
<br />
FYI, I also want to create printable/downloadable versions of the existing and future patterns, because I like to download and save things . . . and I know I'm not alone.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned ;-)sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-69175430561584322122010-12-31T17:44:00.003-05:002010-12-31T19:51:01.619-05:00Stacking (Quilt) Blocks<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5291126742/" title="Sophie's Stacks Block #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Sophie's Stacks Block #3" height="240" hspace="10/" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5248/5291126742_707fc63426_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="240" /></a>This 10 inch block (finished size) is my variation on the traditional Chinese coins quilt pattern. Each block is unique as you decide how evenly (or not) you will stack the fabric coins.<br />
<br />
I'm calling it "Stacks." <br />
<br />
It's a great scrap-buster and is easily made from 2-1/2 inch wide noodles or jelly rolls.<br />
<br />
For the January Block Lotto, we are making this block in scrappy bright fabrics–solids, tone-on-tones, hand-dyes, batiks, plaids, florals, novelties, geometric or any kind of prints with a white background.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5291125290/" title="DSCN5794 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="DSCN5794" height="232" hspace="10/" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5247/5291125290_a196754f02_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="240" /></a><b>CUT THE FABRICS</b><br />
<br />
All the pieces you need for this block ar 2-1/2 inches wide.<br />
<br />
For one block you'll need:<br />
<br />
10 white (background) rectangles cut 2-1/2 by 3 inches<br />
5 different bright (focus fabrics) rectangles cut 2-1/2 by 8 inches<br />
<br />
<b>ASSEMBLE THE BLOCK</b> <br />
<ol><li>Sew a white background rectangle to each end of each of the strips of focus fabric. Press all seams toward the focus fabric.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5291125456/" title="Sew Background rectangles to each side of each strip by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sew Background rectangles to each side of each strip" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5249/5291125456_d71a23ff44_m.jpg" width="236" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Arrange your stack--do NOT line up any of the seams ... and you won't have to worry about matching them when you sew the rows together.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5291125672/" title="Arrange your "Stack" by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Arrange your "Stack"" height="209" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5082/5291125672_755c6fb9b0_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Sew your stack together as you have arranged it. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5290523337/" title="Sew the strips together as arranged by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sew the strips together as arranged" height="183" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5161/5290523337_d27ea12d1f_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Trim your block to 10-1/2 inches square, making sure there is at least 1/2 inch of white background on each side of the bright strips.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5291126066/" title="Trim block to 10-1/2 inches square by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trim block to 10-1/2 inches square" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5003/5291126066_cf036316b1_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></li>
</ol><b>Example Blocks </b><br />
<br />
Here's a bunch of stacks made by some of the Block Lotto sneak peekers--more than you would need to make even a California Kingsize bed quilt. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaEIkhGJJMSBaIlXlKrYio8s8NoYwQy8K1rOhBb2tQh-DANYs2qxiiCE77mulEoVmVfBYNTrXsDvZxTHRQ_Cm67JHxIw__Zfx5nDpzQHvMwkxbONBQ9jqhlLQYcwvSfDAsoHC/s1600/Flickr_Screen_shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaEIkhGJJMSBaIlXlKrYio8s8NoYwQy8K1rOhBb2tQh-DANYs2qxiiCE77mulEoVmVfBYNTrXsDvZxTHRQ_Cm67JHxIw__Zfx5nDpzQHvMwkxbONBQ9jqhlLQYcwvSfDAsoHC/s640/Flickr_Screen_shot.jpg" width="390" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>For a closer look at the individual blocks, check out my flickr set <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/sets/72157625545473309/">Bright Stacks</a>. <br />
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Thanks to <a href="http://www.slikstitches.blogspot.com/">Benta</a>, Caroline, <a href="http://cathy-mysewingroom.blogspot.com/">Cathy</a>, <a href="http://debbiesfiberwork.blogspot.com/">Debbie</a>, <a href="http://floribunda.blogspot.com/">Julie</a>, <a href="http://katesquilting.blogspot.com/">Kate</a>, Laurina, <a href="http://mareermareer.blogspot.com/">Maree</a>, <a href="http://maryjanesmeanderings.blogspot.com/">Mary Jane</a>, <a href="http://mobmom.blogspot.com/">Michelle</a>, Rho and <a href="http://saras-scraps.blogspot.com/">Sara</a> for the photos of their blocks.sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-72627899584477580472010-12-11T16:00:00.000-05:002010-12-11T16:00:12.211-05:00Adding Complexity to the Simple Tree BlockIf you surfed past the <a href="http://blocksnswaps.blogspot.com/2010/04/casual-tree-block.html">Free-style Tree blocks</a> because you thought they weren't interesting enough on their own . . . consider adding a few boughs, using the drawing with your rotary cutter technique to add some complexity and interest. I also liked the idea of making a mix of trees with varying complexity and height.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5251653711/" title="Sophie's Trees by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Trees" height="237" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5207/5251653711_26ce52b391.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
These are my tree block pairs for the December 2010 block lotto. They are 6.5 inches wide (to finish at 6) and 6.5, 9.5 or 12.5 inches tall (to finish at 6, 9, or 12)<br />
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The technique is a variation of my <a href="http://blocksnswaps.blogspot.com/2010/04/casual-tree-block.html">Free-style Tree blocks</a>. Here's how. For each pair of trees, I started with two pieces of fabric, 8 inches wide and as tall as my target size plus 2-3 inches. So, for the yellow/black tree pair (which will finish at 6 by 12), my rectangles were cut at 8 x 15 inches. For my 6 x 9 blocks, my beginning rectangles were 8 x 12 inches. And for the inches squares, I began with 8 inch squares.<br />
<ol><li>Begin by stacking your two fabrics evenly and making horizontal cuts. Use a ruler so the seams will be straight (and easy), but they don't have to be perfectly horizontal. I tended to make the top and bottom sections a little larger because I knew I would be trimming a little at the end when I cut my blocks to size. The number of cuts you make will determine how many side-ward pointing "boughs" your tree will have.<br />
</li>
<li>"Draw" the appropriate part of the tree in each section: <ul><li>2 vertical cuts in the bottom section form the trunk</li>
<li>a triangle in the top section to form the top of your tree--be sure to leave a lot of "sky" at the top if you want to avoid losing the point</li>
<li>wedge shapes--shorter on the top edge than the bottom and slanted on the sides--in the middle section(s)<br />
</li>
</ul><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5251650001/" title="Stack 2 Fabrics and Slice by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Stack 2 Fabrics and Slice" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5166/5251650001_1b57f45e49_m.jpg" width="151" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5251650161/" title="Draw your tree by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Draw your tree" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5042/5251650161_42c655b285_m.jpg" width="143" /></a><br />
</li>
<li>Swap the fabrics in the tree sections to create your trees.</li>
<li>Sew the block together by first sewing the pieces in each "row."</li>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5251650317/" title="Swap top and bottom fabrics by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Swap top and bottom fabrics" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5241/5251650317_006811c090_m.jpg" width="156" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5252256290/" title="Sew rows by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sew rows" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5090/5252256290_2bcfbca7f9_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>
<li>After each row is sewn, trim the top and bottom edges even. You can leave trimming the top and bottom of the block until later.</li>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5252256424/" title="Trim edges by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trim edges" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5252256424_2264ffe287_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>
<li>Sew the sections of tree together.</li>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5252256544/" title="Sew rows together by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sew rows together" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5167/5252256544_15b3b672db_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>
<li>Square up and trim to your target block size. (For my block, 6.5 x 12.5 inches.</li>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/5252256684/" title="Square up block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Square up block" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5006/5252256684_a38970fc97_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> </ol>Click <a href="http://blocklotto.blogspot.com/search/label/dec%202010%20photos">here</a> for a look at many more examples of the "Jewel-tone Forest" quilters have made for the block lotto--if you're interested in joining us, there's still time. The deadline is December 31.sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-91862984987691660532010-09-15T14:27:00.000-04:002010-09-15T14:27:39.883-04:00How to Draw a Liberated HouseWe're making liberated houses this month for the Block Lotto. I know that even if you like the look of liberated or wonky houses, you might not be in love with the technique. An alternative is to draw your house and use the drawing as a foundation for paper piecing. Here's how.<br />
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Sophie's DON'T FORGETS:<br />
<ul><li>When drawing a PFP pattern, remember that ALL lines must be STRAIGHT and that all lines must begin and end with a "T-intersection" with a previously drawn line.</li>
<li>Remember that a paper piecing template looks like the MIRROR IMAGE of the finished block. If, for example, you draw a house with a door on the left and window on the right, your house block will have a door on the right and a window on the left. </li>
</ul>Begin with a sheet of paper (or other foundation material) that is at least 1/2 inch larger than the finished size of the block you want to make.<br />
<ol><li>Draw a square that represents the FINISHED size of your block–for the September Block Lotto, that would be an 8 inch square. Remember when you are making the block, you will add 1/4 inch on each side of this square for the seam allowance, making a 8 1/2 " square. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIY1Owk98Hcibyh1Y8rQ6yM1q_2bxDP8d6F6MIYDMAff25kMmjwU8nurYRWdfJhMKkdFUVIskEpVF7nC5_71RCRMzjC2kVNNwvIKuuPVYsF8b5UK6uZGDu6RQRn7igLy-xUZf/s1600/step1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIY1Owk98Hcibyh1Y8rQ6yM1q_2bxDP8d6F6MIYDMAff25kMmjwU8nurYRWdfJhMKkdFUVIskEpVF7nC5_71RCRMzjC2kVNNwvIKuuPVYsF8b5UK6uZGDu6RQRn7igLy-xUZf/s320/step1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</li>
<li>Draw the horizontal-ish line that will represent the top of the main body of the house and the bottom edge of the triangle which forms the roof.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8lw6huFAicAaaq2el7eevclK70LaZcecR2cERKAPsihrvrTUT1HqfHMLOxw4Z9n9vzcUwYZTPGEPsfVcE5GBfM1PEnFOrpfYWlWXYfN7VqPsauWimmtHxO4N7LnWxjQcTxwR/s1600/step2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8lw6huFAicAaaq2el7eevclK70LaZcecR2cERKAPsihrvrTUT1HqfHMLOxw4Z9n9vzcUwYZTPGEPsfVcE5GBfM1PEnFOrpfYWlWXYfN7VqPsauWimmtHxO4N7LnWxjQcTxwR/s320/step2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></li>
<li>On the bottom half of your drawing, add two vertical-ish lines that will define the left and right sides of your house.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyP_j-zKbcqheKS79EXWJ_oGmkOg-PBJwKIGvB0Ty5UFS73DwVXO6eajp35OnhlwabVhDkoLX12U40-3I4nynstuwHztMw-WS6OEF9AuXu9JFxIpMJcAK_8kuVD5M7OcqVVvzR/s1600/step3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyP_j-zKbcqheKS79EXWJ_oGmkOg-PBJwKIGvB0Ty5UFS73DwVXO6eajp35OnhlwabVhDkoLX12U40-3I4nynstuwHztMw-WS6OEF9AuXu9JFxIpMJcAK_8kuVD5M7OcqVVvzR/s320/step3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></li>
<li>Draw a line between the two lines in step three which will define the top edge of your door and window.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtK77A6jUmI8khxbuGN0Zu-qYwsxLTAMYHAV_aTM1VhIZzw8UjScjq2NGwS4U5zf0VR8em_U_EUjbb41olwUpaVmChiidNsFOdluq6BD4MyJf0nNO2iUt8soE_SpmUkyeu1Bl/s1600/step4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtK77A6jUmI8khxbuGN0Zu-qYwsxLTAMYHAV_aTM1VhIZzw8UjScjq2NGwS4U5zf0VR8em_U_EUjbb41olwUpaVmChiidNsFOdluq6BD4MyJf0nNO2iUt8soE_SpmUkyeu1Bl/s320/step4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></li>
<li>On one side of your house, create the door by drawing two lines that begin at the line in Step 4 and end at the bottom of the square.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRawm4ToPDVh-Ws2fTPgqoXwPNlcXdwyrPLs4abERLP64UPNG9g-dGU5_xBBGYN4oDJcCiYBt1eg0_ahn8_AJnWHemDdHx60kuqgQMU3W-7DRDzd2XYYxUw8RrfLTXBlE0BP1/s1600/step5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRawm4ToPDVh-Ws2fTPgqoXwPNlcXdwyrPLs4abERLP64UPNG9g-dGU5_xBBGYN4oDJcCiYBt1eg0_ahn8_AJnWHemDdHx60kuqgQMU3W-7DRDzd2XYYxUw8RrfLTXBlE0BP1/s320/step5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></li>
<li>On the other side of your house, create a window by drawing two more lines that begin at the line in Step 4 and end at the bottom of the square. Then add the horizontal line between them to define the bottom of your window.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYzD_bMeuGkck4hRwxx-pPkJ1dTtQjj8Sl8-SvuA3dJM3Pp5KXPgbrR9pIESzwNmuCZy6lCguOaPnRZscOz0KXqIRwsFvM92GYIEQlEkdGonyNgJFmJqvc6zptNamW5KWc1rr/s1600/step6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYzD_bMeuGkck4hRwxx-pPkJ1dTtQjj8Sl8-SvuA3dJM3Pp5KXPgbrR9pIESzwNmuCZy6lCguOaPnRZscOz0KXqIRwsFvM92GYIEQlEkdGonyNgJFmJqvc6zptNamW5KWc1rr/s320/step6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></li>
<li>Define the roof by drawing two, intersecting slanted lines.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6Cy_ot7qJahDqe2nxaZRH2tzzbgD2q4QH-dY68qaqZI4MCUKUsc-26UUU_cyYXGj1Nq5m1nX329xOSUbSkCvvt9KQizSXg3huU-q0t3nTV0fFOZ5Ld8Xlo0QoPvHXseYpxXZ/s1600/step7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6Cy_ot7qJahDqe2nxaZRH2tzzbgD2q4QH-dY68qaqZI4MCUKUsc-26UUU_cyYXGj1Nq5m1nX329xOSUbSkCvvt9KQizSXg3huU-q0t3nTV0fFOZ5Ld8Xlo0QoPvHXseYpxXZ/s320/step7.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisn39cGwJog84-7tmK1tCHB81zJG0BdpMDsc44J06JK5WQ2RfUngL0vgxbhmFHmurH68Tus79xEwBDdagReNXVpS-k8YAOLUk2fMVuduAEYd5ijAsIpAsE1jg-Itt6RB2BRV4O/s320/step8.JPG" width="320" /><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><b>NOTE: IF YOUR ROOF DOES NOT EXTEND TO THE SIDE EDGES OF YOUR SQUARE, YOU WILL HAVE TO CREATE TWO SECTIONS FOR YOUR PATTERN. CUT THE DRAWING APART ALONG LINE DRAWN IN STEP 2. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TO PIECE THE BLOCK.</b><br />
</div></div></li>
<li>Now, number your template with the paper piecing order:<br />
<br />
1 - window<br />
2 - space beneath window<br />
3 - house section beside window<br />
4 - house section on the other side of window<br />
5 - door<br />
6 - house section beside door<br />
7 - house section above door and window<br />
8 - sky on one side of house<br />
9 - sky on the other side of house<br />
10 - roof <br />
11 - sky on the side of roof which does NOT extend to the top of block (MISNUMBERED as 12 in the drawing below)<br />
12 - sky on the other side (MISNUMBERED 11 in the drawing below).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXcyZytaoAqZ0tX1DTzzNf7AsDbr2D9MFxJl_2u1S7-s1OfdmC-3M3-wIRJNgAzhMP2euIoBe0bE08ULLFwVPvpOZSjL_W0lVlsG5Z2r680JtvO7zFFEy4FhweC9teIAqVjVF/s1600/step9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXcyZytaoAqZ0tX1DTzzNf7AsDbr2D9MFxJl_2u1S7-s1OfdmC-3M3-wIRJNgAzhMP2euIoBe0bE08ULLFwVPvpOZSjL_W0lVlsG5Z2r680JtvO7zFFEy4FhweC9teIAqVjVF/s320/step9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></li>
</ol>Remember that the block you piece will actually EXTEND beyond the square 1/4 inch for the seam allowance. I usually cut out the paper pattern adding the 1/4 inch on each side of the square to make sure I DON'T FORGET.sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-8527152500459675122010-07-31T21:55:00.002-04:002010-12-31T14:43:30.200-05:00Let's Grow Roses<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4825011956/" title="Modified "blocky" rose by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Modified "blocky" rose" height="240" hspace="10/" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4825011956_371f46e338_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="240" /></a>You may know this as block as a <i>Liberated</i> Rose, a <i>Log Cabin </i>Rose or just a <i>Wonky</i> Rose . . . any and all those adjectives apply. Here are my notes for how I construct this free-pieced block.<br />
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When choosing fabrics for this block, more is more. For the August Block Lotto, the guidelines specify that you must use at least 3 different fabrics for the rose, but no one need stop at three. This is a great opportunity to use small or odd-shaped scraps. I started with a piles of scraps, sorted by color to make rose blocks for a border of a quilt in progress.<br />
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In this block, we are creating an abstraction of a living, growing flower. Although there are exceptions, most real roses grow in colors of closely related shades and my recommendation (a requirement for the Lotto) is that all the fabrics in the flower should be variations of the same color. <br />
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Another characteristic of this block is that we're creating the illusion of curved petals around a center, using only straight lines and straight seams. As you make the block, you'll need to play with angles and colors to create a block that says, "rose" when you look at it . . . and not "log cabin."<br />
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<div style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Making the Block</b></div><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4824402365/" title="Begin with a non-square by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Begin with a non-square" height="190" hspace="10/" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4824402365_fc63862417_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="190" /></a><br />
Begin at the center with a non-square. I like triangles and pentagons, though the angles and sides do NOT need to be the same. Four-sided squares and rectangles may exist in nature but rarely in the center of flowers.<br />
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If you begin with a 5-sided pentagon-like center, avoid any square cornered "house" shapes.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4824402481/" title="Adding "petals" to the center by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Adding "petals" to the center" height="190" hspace="10/" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4824402481_55cc7a5ee1_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="190" /></a><br />
Add strips in log cabin fashion, by starting on any side, then adding to the next adjacent side, working your way around (which direction doesn't matter–just keep moving around the block in the same direction).<br />
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A good reason for add the strips in a consistent way around the block is that it gives you an opportunity to create the illusion of curved petals by using the same fabric on 2-3 adjacent sides ONLY. Few roses look like bullseyes, so avoid using the same fabric all the way around the center. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4825013424/" title="Some example blocks in progress by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Some example blocks in progress" height="140" hspace="10/" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4825013424_ef711caac3_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="190" /></a>Whatever the shape of your center, after you have added all but the last log on the first round, you can always tell where the next log goes by looking for the side that has 2 seams intersecting it. In the two blocks in progress here, the one on the left was made correctly and you can see that the next log will be added to the lower left side. I lost my way on the block on the right, as evidences by the bottom edge which as three seams intersecting it. Ooops. If you goof, it's not fatal, just pick a direction and carefully add the next round of strips.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4824402651/" title="About Petal/Log strips by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="About Petal/Log strips" height="190" hspace="10/" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4824402651_34b0f42445_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="190" /></a>The strips (or logs or petals) that you add do not need to be carefully cut . . . and in fact will look more organic if they are not a consistent width.<br />
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Use up your odd-shaped scraps, off cuts. If you add straight (even width) strips, consider trim them at angles after they've been sewn to the block so that your rose block grows in an irregular, organic way. <br />
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Also feel free to trim the block-in-progress if the shape starts to look wrong to you. I thought the block below was looking too oblong, so I chopped it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4824402783/" title="Too Elongated by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Too Elongated" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4824402783_f968322227_m.jpg" width="192" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4824402939/" title="Trimming a block in progress by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trimming a block in progress" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4824402939_e1c89e9ef4_m.jpg" width="192" /></a><br />
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As my blocks grew, I found it useful to have a reference for the target size. These blocks are 9 1/2-inches (to finish at 9 inches). If you have a square ruler that's the size you need, great ... otherwise, a paper template will do. I repurposed the cover of a magazine, trimmed to size.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4825012084/" title="Create a Target by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Create a Target" height="190" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4825012084_3b5fe9266c_m.jpg" width="190" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4825012858/" title="Using the target template by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Using the target template" height="190" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4825012858_e4fc5d2104_m.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
<br />
When you decide your rose is finished, lay it on the template to decide on it's orientation and add green fabrics to make the block square. Trim to size and you're done!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4824403257/" title="Rose with "Leaves" added by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Rose with "Leaves" added" height="400" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4824403257_a10c058e65.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Always keep in mind that you can, at any point in the process, re-shape your rose. After I finished the block on the left, I thought it looked too <i>blocky</i> and so I added some more angles at the bottom and filled the space with green.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4825011678/" title="It's never to late to trim by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="It's never to late to trim" height="190" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4825011678_1c1905f2f8_m.jpg" width="190" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4825011956/" title="Modified "blocky" rose by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Modified "blocky" rose" height="190" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4825011956_371f46e338_m.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
<br />
Here's 20 of the rose blocks made by <a href="http://www.cottonpick.blogspot.com/">Andi</a>, Caroline, Ginny, <a href="http://katesquilting.blogspot.com/">Kate</a>, Kathie, Kim and <a href="http://patspattering.blogspot.com/">Pat</a>. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4847227672/" title="Kate's Rose #9 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Rose
#9" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/4847227672_7889cb6c75_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4846608463/" title="Kate's Rose #8 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Rose
#8" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4846608463_ec38ed8e85_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4847227954/" title="Kate's Rose #7 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Rose
#7" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/4847227954_c13bea6441_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4846608647/" title="Kate's Rose #6 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Rose
#6" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/4846608647_3faf4f3399_t.jpg" width="100" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4847228166/" title="Kate's Rose #5 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Rose
#5" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/4847228166_caf9c28a13_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4846608861/" title="Kate's Rose #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Rose
#4" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4846608861_d7b3e9dd7b_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4847228340/" title="Kate's Rose #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Rose
#3" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4847228340_d23e273dd9_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4846609085/" title="Kate's Rose #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Rose
#2" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4846609085_91926e13c1_t.jpg" width="100" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4846609219/" title="Kate's Rose #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Rose
#1" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/4846609219_9d7d3d7dd8_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4846609489/" title="Pat's Rose #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat's Rose #2" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/4846609489_15c6324c3e_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4846609567/" title="Pat's Rose #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat's Rose #1" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/4846609567_40d3a52702_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4846609623/" title="GInny's Rose #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="GInny's Rose
#1" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4846609623_2ce61fbbdb_t.jpg" width="100" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4847229074/" title="Andrea's Rose #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Andrea's
Rose #1" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/4847229074_226f266917_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4847230834/" title="Kathie's Rose #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kathie's
Rose #2" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/4847230834_f710fd69bf_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4847231324/" title="Kathie's Rose #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kathie's
Rose #1" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/4847231324_b09eacd9d5_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4847231428/" title="Kim's Rose #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kim's Rose #1" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/4847231428_55c042a38c_t.jpg" width="100" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4846615529/" title="Caroline's Rose #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Caroline's
Rose #2" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/4846615529_e9b008769c_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4846612281/" title="Kim's Rose #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kim's Rose #3" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4846612281_37b7b11cef_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4846612405/" title="Kim's Rose #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kim's Rose #2" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/4846612405_977de64fd3_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4846614311/" title="Caroline's Rose #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Caroline's
Rose #1" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/4846614311_4a0ed090fe_t.jpg" width="100" /></a></div>sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-8584490221720271092010-06-05T20:07:00.002-04:002013-02-28T13:12:44.703-05:00Vines & Handles: A Closer Look at Bias Strip AppliquéDid you follow the link from freepatterns.info here? Please jump to the new blog at <a href="http://sophiejunction.blogspot.com/2010/06/vines-handles-closer-look-at-bias-strip.html">SophieJunction</a> for this info and more free tutorials and quilt block patterns.<br />
<br />
I put these tips together for the Block Lotto, to help everyone produce nice flat curved handles for their Liberated Basket blocks. This technique works for any bias appliqué strips: stems, vines, branches etc.<br />
<br />
When it comes to quilting, we are usually taught to avoid working with bias edges, using STEAM when pressing and pulling/contorting our fabrics. But sometimes, all of these things can work for you to achieve the desired effect.<br />
<br />
Here's a closer look at the steps for making the basket handle. Click any of the photos for a larger image and add your own tips in the comments. <br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Be sure to cut your strips ON THE TRUE BIAS. Do NOT fudge on this step. Align the 45 degree line on your ruler with the selvedge or cut edge of your fabric to find the bias line across your fabric. </li>
<li>Sew the bias strip into a tube by sewing the two long edges together, WRONG SIDES together. Don't even finger press the fold and you won't have to worry about getting rid the crease you create. Thread color doesn't matter (notice my not so "neutral" light gray.) After you've sewn the seam, trim away the seam allowance as close as you can to the seam–after the bias is in place, there will be no stress on that seam.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4673154936/" title="Making the bias tube by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Making
the bias tube" height="143" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4673154936_6587880613_m.jpg" width="190" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4673155214/" title="Trim the seam allowance by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trim
the seam allowance" height="143" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4673155214_a2c8d24b2c_m.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Now, carefully prepare the sewn bias strip. Roll the seam and it's tiny seam allowance between your fingers so that the seam is in the middle of the strip. Take the strip to the iron and press it firmly so that it is VERY flat. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4672529233/" title="Roll the tube and press by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Roll
the tube and press" height="143" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4672529233_4cb0b6b5b7_m.jpg" width="190" /></a> <br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Next, using the STEAM in your iron, "swirl" the strip. This technique I learned when making hats. It's how you create the shape of the grosgrain ribbon that rests against the head inside the hat. Since your head isn't a cylinder, the ribbon needs to wider at the bottom than the top, by swirling the ribbon into a slight curve, you create a ribbon that measures longer on one side than the other and fits beautifully inside a hat and against the head. <br />
<br />
It works like this: using a STEAM iron in one hand to anchor one end of the strip to the ironing board and holding the other end of the strip in your other hand to manipulate the strip. As you press along the length of the bias strip, you'll be stretching one edge slightly to create a curved shape. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4673155860/" title="Swirl the bias strip by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Swirl
the bias strip" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4673155860_c4cf849b36.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Depending on the angle at which you pull the strip around, you coulcome very close to creating the shape you want for your handle at the ironing board. I was able to completely form my handle at the ironing board.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4672529959/" title="Swirled bias strip by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Swirled
bias strip" height="300" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1278/4672529959_c64664a9c1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Pin the handle in place, focusing on the OUTSIDE of the handle first. Use as many or few pins as you need. If you are stitching your handle down on the machine, be sure to remove the pins as you come upon them. </li>
<li>When machine stitching the handle, be sure to use a thread color that matches or invisible thread. Use an open sewing machine foot that will allow an open view of the needle/seam and the edge of the handle. If you can change the needle position on your machine, take advantage of that feature to sew as close to the edge of the handle as you can. On my little Bernina (153 QE), I used a #10 appliqué foot and moved my need to the far right. <br />
<br />
If you are using a straight stitch, as I did here, you want to be close to the edge while staying on the bias strip If you are using a blind stitch, blanket stitch or zigzag, you'll also want to be close to the edge, but stitching along the background (and zigging into the handle). <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4672530273/" title="Pinned in place. by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pinned in
place." height="143" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4672530273_f087498f81_m.jpg" width="190" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4672530573/" title="Stitching the Handle by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Stitching the Handle" height="143" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4672530573_713ce2216f_m.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>After you have stitched down the outside, you may notice that the background has pulled in a little. You also now have an opportunity to work on the inside curve with the STEAM iron. so, press the strip again, with STEAM, starting with the curviest part of the handle works the excess fabric into the straighter/more gently curved areas so it doesn't get tucks in it. Pulling the edge down/pressing towards the bottom of the block rather than perpendicular to the stitching on the outer edge shortens the fabric in the inside curve to help it lay smoothly as well.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4672530885/" title="Outside stitched down. by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Outside stitched down." height="143" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1303/4672530885_7fab734ed1_m.jpg" width="190" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4673157368/" title="Back to the Iron by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Back to the
Iron" height="143" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4673157368_eb6eaa0088_m.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
</li>
<li>When you have pressed and manipulated the handle so that it lies flat, you're ready to stitch down the inside curve. Once again, you want to sew as close to the edge as you can. Upon close examination, your stitching will highlight the beautiful, smooth curve (with all edges appearing to be turned under– something I learned to think about in a <a href="http://janesassaman.com/home.html" rel="nofollow">Jane Sassaman</a> workshop from some years ago. <br />
<br />
Once your handle is completed, attach it to the bottom of the basket block, trimming the excess length of handle even with the fabric edge. I generally sew first and trim later to ensure that the ends of the strips don't have any possibility of folding up and getting in the way in the seam and . . . not lying flat when I'm done.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4673157620/" title="Both sides stitched down by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Both
sides stitched down" height="143" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4673157620_9bbc143cbf_m.jpg" width="190" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4672531793/" title="Trim the handle by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trim the
handle" height="143" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4672531793_76c6beddb6_m.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
</li>
</ol>
Here's the rest of the block that goes with my example handle, after it was pressed and trimmed to size.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4673158364/" title="Press & Trim the Block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Press & Trim the Block" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4673158364_70fc680937.jpg" width="375" /></a>sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-35277560137672548412010-05-31T22:25:00.001-04:002010-05-31T22:28:16.406-04:00Liberated Basket Block<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4244856677/" title="Liberated Style Basket Block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Liberated Style Basket Block" height="240" hspace="10/" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2777/4244856677_31d8a1f62b_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="182" /></a>My approach for making this liberated basket block once again starts with a large rectangle of background fabric into which you "draw" the design of the block with your rotary cutter.<br />
<br />
The finished size of my example block is 6 1/2 inch wide by 8 1/2 inches tall (to finish at 6 x 8).<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">FABRICS</span></b><br />
<br />
I began with a background rectangle that was 8 inches x 10 inches, some scraps for the basket–try to use at least 5 different fabrics–and a small amount of a coordinating tone-on-tone fabric for the basket base and handle.<br />
<br />
For the June 2010 Block Lotto, we'll be using yellow or gold background fabrics; red tone-on-tone prints or solids for the handle and base; and the quilter's choice of scraps for the body of the basket. <br />
<br />
Remember, you can click any of the photos for a larger image. All the images (with directions in the descriptions) can be found in my Flickr photoset <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/sets/72157623014203625/">Liberated-Style Basket Step-by-Step</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: purple;"><b>MAKING THE BLOCK</b></div><ol><li>Position the background fabric on your cutting mat so that it's taller than it is wide. (aka "profile" orientation.<br />
</li>
<li>You'll be drawing your block with your rotary cutter and a straight edge–it might be a ruler, but you don't need to measure anything. Make 2 horizontal cuts. The top one defines the top of your basket and the space you'll have for the handle. The bottom one defines the height of the base of the basket. The scrappy, pieced basket will be as tall as the middle section. Pull apart the sections to make it easy to work on each one separately. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4245625120/" title="Start With your background square by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Start With your background square" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4245625120_71a0fff3c8_m.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4244850963/" title="Start Drawing with your Rotary Cutter by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Start Drawing with your Rotary Cutter" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4244850963_255f603d71_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Draw the basket shape by making two angled cuts in the center section to define the basket shape you'd like. They don't have to be symmetrical (mine aren't).<br />
</li>
<li>Remove the basket shape and reassemble your background pieces, but don't throw it away–we'll come back to that in a bit. Slide the three sections back together–this will give you an idea of how your block looks so far. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4245625414/" title=""Draw" the Basket Shape by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt=""Draw" the Basket Shape" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2767/4245625414_5f9e79bd0e_m.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4244851251/" title="Put the background back together by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Put the background back together" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4244851251_86c53ea83c_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Make two vertical cuts to <i>draw</i> the basket base shape. The top of the base should align with the bottom of the basket. Remove the basket base you've just cut. It becomes the pattern.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4244851395/" title=""Draw" the basket base by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt=""Draw" the basket base" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2502/4244851395_cbd78877dc.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
</li>
<li>Using the base you just <i>drew</i> with your rotary cutter and removed, cut a base from your handle/basket fabric. Be sure that both fabrics are right side up so that the new basket base will fit in the space you created in the background.<br />
</li>
<li>Assemble the bottom of the block by sewing the two background pieces to the basket base. Press the seams toward the base.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4245625858/" title="Cut the base by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Cut the base" height="135" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4245625858_834cddfac9_m.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4244852235/" title="Assemble the Bottom Third by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Assemble the Bottom Third" height="135" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4244852235_751bb8bcf3_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>For the basket, you'll need a collection of small scraps. Try to use at least 5 fabrics in your basket. Use the basket shape you created as the foundation for piecing the scraps into a basket. Make CERTAIN that you foundation is RIGHT SIDE UP and you are sewing your scraps to the RIGHT SIDE. In this example, I started with a triangle and added strips log cabin-fashion. You could also use this as a foundation for straight strings. If you have crumb blocks or string yardage, cut it using the basket shape as your pattern–remember to keep both the pattern and the pieced fabric right sides up when cutting. Be sure that you continue to sew 1/4 inch seams as you add scraps to the foundation. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4244852939/" title="A collection of scraps by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="A collection of scraps" height="135" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4244852939_714300ce45_m.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4245627432/" title="Foundation Piecing by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Foundation Piecing" height="135" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4245627432_a091f15061_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
You can create new lines as you add pieces and trim after the seam is sewn.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4245627668/" title="As you add strips by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="As you add strips" height="135" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4245627668_47056274bf_m.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4245627940/" title="Trim away excess by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trim away excess" height="135" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4245627940_62887fffdb_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4244853891/" title="Trimmed away by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trimmed away" height="135" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4244853891_b9d35fbc61_m.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4244854171/" title="Block covered with fabric scraps by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Block covered with fabric scraps" height="135" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4244854171_193752e903_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>After you have covered your basket foundation with scraps, turn it over and trim your piece from the back, using the foundation as a guide.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4245628690/" title="Back of covered foundation. by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Back of covered foundation." height="135" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2701/4245628690_88db5b6e40_m.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4244854553/" title="Trim by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trim" height="135" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4244854553_d7acfaa82d_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Your basket shape will fit perfectly back into the background for the middle third of the block. Press the seams toward the background. NOTE: Depending upon the angle of the sides of your basket, you may need to slide the background fabric so that the point hangs over the edge to make sure the top and bottom edges are aligned at the point where the 1/4 inch seam will be made. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4244854975/" title="Add the background sides by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Add the background sides" height="135" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/4244854975_ec237c2869_m.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4244855191/" title="Watch the alignment by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Watch the alignment" height="135" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4244855191_4d9f483dbe_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Attach the basket section to the base section by sewing the bottom two thirds of the block together, aligning the basket bottom with the base top.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4244855437/" title="Attach the Base to the Basket by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Attach the Base to the Basket" height="300" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2770/4244855437_280497f7ce.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>The basket handle is cut on the bias, 1.5 inches wide, from the same fabric as the base. (I probably should have pressed that fabric first, huh?)<br />
</li>
<li>Fold the basket handle in half, WRONG sides on the inside, and stitch (a normal 1/4 inch seam). The thread color doesn't matter because this seam will be hidden. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4245626350/" title="Basket Handle by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Basket Handle" height="135" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2714/4245626350_cf3e8f1893_m.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4245631284/" title="Sewing the Handle by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sewing the Handle" height="135" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2638/4245631284_6fbbc3c6f0_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Trim the seam to approximately 1/16 inch (eyeball it). Roll the handle/tube you've created so that the seam is in the center. Press the handle piece flat. The seam (and seam allowance) will now be hidden.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4245626838/" title="Trim the Seam by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trim the Seam" height="135" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4245626838_41c4bbd5f7_m.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4245626974/" title="Press the handle by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Press the handle" height="135" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/4245626974_1db882e4dc_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>When deciding on the handle placement, keep in mind the finished size of the block--8 1/2 inches tall in this example. It may not seem like that bias strip will bend . . . but it will. The handles may be as tall or short as you decide, but they should have a nice curve. Use a ruler and keep in mind the finished size of your block when deciding how tall your handle will be. <br />
</li>
<li>Initially, just make sure that the outside edge of the basket handle is smooth and pin it in place until you sew it down. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4244855597/" title="Decide on Handle placement by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Decide on Handle placement" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4244855597_eb313bcc23_m.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4245631498/" title="Basket Handle Pinned in Place by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Basket Handle Pinned in Place" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4245631498_e2e84165f4_m.jpg" width="192" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Stitch down the outside of the handle, by hand or machine. It can be machine stitched using a straight stitch very close to the edge, blind stitch or blanket stitch. Use thread in a matching color or <i>invisible</i> mono-filament. <br />
</li>
<li>After the outside of the handle is attached, take it back to the iron and gently press and manipulate and the inside edge of the handle until it lies nice and flat. Then, stitch down the inside edge. Trim the bottom edge of the handle even with the background fabric.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4244855753/" title="Sew the outside first by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sew the outside first" height="135" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2804/4244855753_5443eaef37_m.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4244856017/" title="Press the Handle Flat by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Press the Handle Flat" height="135" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4244856017_af55834e83_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Position the top third over the bottom, centering the basket handle and sew that last seam!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4244856177/" title="Line things up by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Line things up" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4244856177_7f29440650_m.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4245630746/" title="Almost done by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Almost done" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2540/4245630746_2e5d7a8089_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Now trim the block to size. In this case it was 6-1/2 inches wide by 8-1/2 inches tall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4244856511/" title="Completed Block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Completed Block" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4244856511_cfae8d12b5.jpg" width="375" /></a></li>
</ol><br />
Here are four blocks, made with very different proportions and different techniques for the scrappy center unit. Mix it up or stick with the proportions that look best to you, then fill your baskets with scrappy goodness.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4248255679/" title="4 Completed Baskets by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="4 Completed Baskets" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2732/4248255679_fa2bfe975b.jpg" width="396" /></a><br />
<br />
For more great examples of these liberated basket blocks, check out the blocks being made for the <a href="http://blocklotto.blogspot.com/">Block Lotto</a>. You can also see some of the blocks made by the sneak peekers in my flickr photo stream, tagged <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/tags/liberatedbasketquiltblock/">liberated basket quilt block</a>.<br />
<br />
If YOU make a quilt or other project using this block, I'd love to have a photo for the new Gallery page.sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-39620339786350988492010-05-24T16:43:00.000-04:002010-05-24T16:43:06.428-04:00Have you made something from one of the patterns here?Seeing the great totes that friends were making inspired me to create a <a href="http://blocksnswaps.blogspot.com/p/gallery.html">Gallery</a> for this blog to showcase some of the wonderful projects it has inspired. <br />
<br />
If you've made a summer tote, sewing kit, or quilt or other project inspired by the quilt blocks or other information here, I'd love to include it. My contact information is on the (also new) <a href="http://blocksnswaps.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html">About Me</a> tab.sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-76676106702393388252010-04-30T23:49:00.137-04:002010-05-11T10:49:21.627-04:00Reeds Free-pieced Quilt Block<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4545922980/" title="Finished Block - cropped by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Finished Block - cropped" height="237" hspace="10" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4545922980_9e6770b3f6_m.jpg" vpsace="10/" width="240" /></a> The irregular, curved shapes in this block have an organic feeling and abstracted, natural look. I see reeds, but you might see green shoots or leaves of grass.<br />
<br />
It's a pretty simple block that offers the opportunity to work with curves, make bias edges work for you and freely cutting and piecing it all together.<br />
<br />
To make a 7-1/2 inches square (7 inch finished size) block:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4545911746/" title="Cutting Fabrics by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Cutting Fabrics" height="240" hspace="10/" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4545911746_69c24ed5b6_m.jpg" width="174" /></a><br />
<ol><li> Cut:<br />
One rectangle cut from background fabric that is at least 8 inches high and 9 inches wide. (My example is a 9 inch square).<br />
<br />
Three 1-1/2 inch wide strips cut on the bias of reed fabric. Two should be 9-10 inches long; the third 4-6 inches long.<br />
<br />
One 1-1/5 inch wide strip cut on the bias of background fabric, 4-6 inches long.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4545278245/" title="Sew the ends together by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Sew the ends together" height="83" hspace="10/" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4545278245_fbde5b47e0_t.jpg" width="100" /></a>Sew the two short bias strips together end-to-end and press toward the darker fabric.This join can be made at an angle–just be sure that your resulting joined bias is straight.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Lay the background rectangle on your rotary mat, right side up. Using your rotary cutter to draw, cut a gentle curve that extends from the top to bottom.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Insert a bias strip. First sew it to the side of the background with the outside of the curve. Gently press the bias reed in place–steam may help if it doesn’t want to bend to your will and lay nice and flat. <br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4545278443/" title="Draw the First Reed by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Draw the First Reed" height="195" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4545278443_bcbbee9e18_m.jpg" width="195" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4545278611/" title="Insert the bias strip by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Insert the bias strip" height="195" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4545278611_02839bc257_m.jpg" width="195" /></a></center><br />
</li>
<li>Bring the sewn side back to the mat. Trim the un-sewn side of the reed to create an irregular, more natural shape.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4545278801/" title="Trim the Insert (Reed) by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trim the Insert (Reed)" height="195" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4545278801_be9c432dba_m.jpg" width="195" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Slightly overlap the side with the reed attached on the background and, following the edge of the reed you just cut, trim the background to match.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4545912618/" title="Trim background to match by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trim background to match" height="195" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4545912618_a4f0ffca64_m.jpg" width="195" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4545279177/" title="Sew the matching curves together by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sew the matching curves together" height="195" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4545279177_af767df8ab_m.jpg" width="195" /></a></center><br />
</li>
<li>Sew the matching curves you have just created together and press.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4545913030/" title="First Reed completed. by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="First Reed completed." height="195" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4545913030_e788a99de1_m.jpg" width="195" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Repeat steps 3 through 7 twice more, to add two more reeds to your composition. When adding the two-color reed, keep in mind that you will be trimming the block to 7-1/2 inches square. Be sure that the “end” of the reed is within the finished block. <br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4545279517/" title="Repeat for another Reed by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Repeat for another Reed" height="195" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4545279517_d5d473e292_m.jpg" width="195" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4545280069/" title="Third insert by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Third insert" height="195" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4545280069_7c671c40f2_m.jpg" width="195" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4545913880/" title="Inserting 2-Color Strip by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Inserting 2-Color Strip" height="195" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4545913880_733fe89384_m.jpg" width="195" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4545280353/" title="Keep in Mind the final size of the block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Keep in Mind the final size of the block" height="195" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4545280353_d9ae41d31d_m.jpg" width="195" /></a><br />
</center><br />
</li>
<li>Trim the completed block to 7-1/2 inches square and admire your composition.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4545280529/" title="Finished Block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Finished Block" height="240" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/215/4545280529_40760398db_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></li>
</ol>For the <a href="http://blocklotto.blogspot.com/2010/05/lets-free-piece-some-reeds-in-may.html">May 2010 Block Lotto</a>, we are making this block with lime reeds on white, black or black and white print backgrounds. For more sewing tips, check out this blog post on the Block Lotto group blog:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://blocklotto.blogspot.com/2010/05/tips-and-troubleshooting-for-may-block.html">Tips and Troubleshooting for the May Block</a><br />
<br />
Here is a collection of some of the early lotto blocks, from Caroline, Kate, Kim and me.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4561183170/" title="Kim Hall's Reed Block Black Background by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kim Hall's Reed Block Black Background" height="95" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/4561183170_a161e45e54_t.jpg" width="95" /></a><u> </u><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4560554133/" title="Kate's Reeds Block - B&W Background by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Reeds Block - B&W Background" height="95" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4560554133_245247b34c_t.jpg" width="95" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4560553563/" title="Kate's Reeds Block - Black Background by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Reeds Block - Black Background" height="95" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/4560553563_f554ac7d05_t.jpg" width="95" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4561180456/" title="Sophie's Reeds Block - B&W Background by jeansophie, on
Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Reeds Block - B&W Background" height="95" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4561180456_6d7f2284e0_t.jpg" width="95" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4560552815/" title="Sophie's Reeds Block - Black Background by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Reeds Block - Black Background" height="95" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/4560552815_fe1e988c9e_t.jpg" width="95" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4561180114/" title="Sophie's Reeds Block - White Background by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Reeds Block - White Background" height="95" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2011/4561180114_be3827c0ce_t.jpg" width="95" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4561184538/" title="Caroline's reeds black background by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Caroline's reeds black background" height="95" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4561184538_ce21394ca6_t.jpg" width="95" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4561183312/" title="Kim Hall's Reed Block B&W Background by jeansophie, on
Flickr"><img alt="Kim Hall's Reed Block B&W Background" height="95" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4561183312_6b8c583553_t.jpg" width="95" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4560555457/" title="Kim Hall's Reed Block B&W Background by jeansophie, on
Flickr"><img alt="Kim Hall's Reed Block B&W Background" height="95" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3130/4560555457_e8300eb946_t.jpg" width="95" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4560552965/" title="Sophie's Reeds Block - B&W Background by jeansophie, on
Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Reeds Block - B&W Background" height="95" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3432/4560552965_7908898383_t.jpg" width="95" /> </a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4560552313/" title="Sophie's Reeds Block - Black Background by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Reeds Block - Black Background" height="95" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4560552313_bc06705c8a_t.jpg" width="95" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4560552965/" title="Sophie's Reeds Block - B&W Background by jeansophie, on
Flickr"> </a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4560551911/" title="Sophie's Reeds Block - B&W Background by jeansophie, on
Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Reeds Block - B&W Background" height="95" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3445/4560551911_98c03d616a_t.jpg" width="95" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4560553119/" title="Sophie's Reeds Block - Black Background by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Reeds Block - Black Background" height="95" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4560553119_b36f21e269_t.jpg" width="95" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4561179674/" title="Sophie's Reeds Block - B&W Background by jeansophie, on
Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Reeds Block - B&W Background" height="95" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2310/4561179674_f0787b3f81_t.jpg" width="95" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4560552033/" title="Sophie's Reeds Block - Black Background by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Reeds Block - Black Background" height="95" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/4560552033_72a00475c2_t.jpg" width="95" /></a></div><br />
You can see all of the blocks made for the block lotto in <a href="http://blocklotto.blogspot.com/search/label/May%2010%20photos">these blog posts</a>.sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-46381449593908718052010-04-21T00:30:00.136-04:002010-04-21T01:08:16.076-04:00Quartered Star Quilt Block Pattern<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4539884128/" title="Quartered Star Block (cropped) by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Quartered Star Block (cropped)" height="240" hspace-10="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4539884128_d5b6c29564_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="239" /></a>Here's another block I had planned for the block lotto that didn't make the list. I still love it, for the friendship star in the center and the ribbon effect when the blocks are put together in a straight set. I think it has all kinds of scrappy possibilities.<br />
<br />
According to Barbara Brackman's Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Blocks, this block was first publishedwith the name Quartered Star, in 1978 in Michael James' <i>The Quiltmakers Handbook</i>, but I've also seen it referred to as the Ribbon Star.<br />
<br />
Whatever you call it, I think it offers great possibilities for playing with color and value. For the block lotto, I had originally thought of a constant of dark blue for the star in the center, medium blue in the corners and quilter's choice of lights–I used pink in this sample–for the "ribbon." But don't let my ideas of color hold you back from making this block your own.<br />
<br />
The construction of this block is accomplished by using partial seams, a useful technique for any quilter's repertoire. <br />
<br />
To make the 6 inch (finished size) block as shown:<br />
<ol><li>Cut four 2.5 x 4.5 inch rectangles of light (ribbon) fabric, four (corner) 2.5 inch squares of medium blue and five 2.5 inch squares of dark blue (star) fabric.</li>
<li>Begin by aligning a dark blue square (star fabric) with the right end of a rectangle (ribbon fabric), right sides together.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2258183465/" title="Choose & Cut Fabrics by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Choose & Cut Fabrics" height="155" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2376/2258183465_9e60b9c7a9_m.jpg" width="155" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2258183537/" title="Snowball-style corners by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Snowball-style corners" height="155" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2342/2258183537_a6d313f64d_m.jpg" width="233" /></a></center><br />
</li>
<li>Draw a line from the upper left corner of the square to the lower right. Sew on the line.</li>
<li>Trim 1/4-inch on the outside of the seam<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2258183625/" title="Draw the Sewing Line by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Draw the Sewing Line" height="155" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2170/2258183625_7e7fccd081_m.jpg" width="155" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2258980780/" title="Trim by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trim" height="155" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2261/2258980780_54ba89e1c2_m.jpg" width="233" /></a></center><br />
</li>
<li>Press the seam (toward the blue/star fabric) rotate the rectangle 180 degrees and repeat, adding a medium blue (corner fabric) triangle. Be sure to always draw the line in the same direction (upper left to lower right, when the rectangle is horizontal like this.)</li>
<li>Once again, trim 1/4 inch on the outside of the seam, press open (toward the medium blue/corner fabric.)<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2258980840/" title="Press and Repeat by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Press and Repeat" height="130" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2374/2258980840_2f9bd848c0_m.jpg" width="195" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2258183837/" title="Trim Again by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trim Again" height="130" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2103/2258183837_3139a9cea1_m.jpg" width="195" /></a></center></li>
<li>Your rectangle should look like the unit below on the left after adding triangles to each end.</li>
<li>Make 4 identical rectangles. Then, you're ready to assemble the quartered star block.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2258980978/" title="Finished rectangle unit by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Finished rectangle unit" height="130" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2147/2258980978_6e9d4dbd4e_m.jpg" width="195" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2258981168/" title="Make 4 Rectangles by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Make 4 Rectangles" height="130" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2151/2258981168_8e5be58282_m.jpg" width="195" /></a></center></li>
<li>Lay out the rectangles around the last dark blue *star fabric) square as shown below on the left.</li>
<li>Sew the center square to the rectangle above it. Start the seam where the two ends are aligned and sew ONLY 1/2-to-2/3 across the small square. Press the partially sewn seam.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2258184205/" title="Lay it Out by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Lay it Out" height="195" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2270/2258184205_b671cb30d8_m.jpg" width="195" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2258184357/" title="Seam #1 - a Partial Seam by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Seam #1 - a Partial Seam" height="195" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2215/2258184357_7e50952f32_m.jpg" width="195" /></a></center></li>
<li>Add the rectangle on the left to the end of the two blocks partially sewn together. Press.</li>
<li>Add the rectangle on the lower left.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2258184481/" title="Seam #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Seam #2" height="195" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2216/2258184481_844072f6fa_m.jpg" width="195" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2258981514/" title="Seam #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Seam #3" height="195" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2413/2258981514_5ccf0fd429_m.jpg" width="195" /></a></center></li>
<li>Add the last rectangle, to the lower right. Then go back to the original (partially sewn) seam and complete it. See how easy partial seams can be? <br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2258981630/" title="Seam #4 and back to Seam 1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Seam #4 and back to Seam 1" height="399" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2166/2258981630_8858236e07.jpg" width="400" /></a></center><br />
Your block is done!<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2258184799/" title="Quartered Star Block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Quartered Star Block" height="400" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2008/2258184799_83dc0f06bc.jpg" width="400" /></a></center></li>
</ol>sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-83324946779536895082010-04-21T00:15:00.018-04:002010-04-21T00:42:59.448-04:00Free-style Tree Block<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2079659550/" title="Four Tree Blocks by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Four Tree Blocks" height="240" hspace="10/" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2045/2079659550_a35e6ff3ba_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="236" /></a>I confess this idea was a <a href="http://blocklotto.blogspot.com/">Block Lotto</a> idea reject–I liked it. but the feedback from a couple of people from whom I solicited an opinion was that they thought it was too simple.<br />
<br />
Personally, I still like it and it may appear in the block lotto rotation one day . . . but in the meantime, I couldn't think of any reason not to share the block tutorial. As you might guess from my sample blocks, my original thought was to create a <i>psychedelic forest</i> using pairs of black and bright fabrics. <br />
<br />
The measurements in these directions will produce a pair of 6 inch (finished size) block. The block really IS so simple that you could adapt them to produce any size and proportions you need–just start with something that is a couple inches larger than the finished size you want to produce, whether it's a smaller or larger square or a rectangle, tall and skinny or short and wide. You can also probably imagine how to add complexity to these trees. Think of this simple block as a jumping off point to create a liberated tree . . . or a whole forest of your own. <br />
<br />
To make a pair of 6 inch (finished size) blocks:<br />
<ol><li>Begin with two 8-inch squares of fabric<br />
</li>
<li>Stack the two squares on top of each other, right sides up. Make the first cut at least 1-1/2 inch from the bottom.This will define the bottom of your tree.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2078869787/" title="1. Start with two squares by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="1. Start with two squares" height="195" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2365/2078869787_329f44623f_m.jpg" width="195" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2078870075/" title="2. First Cut by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="2. First Cut" height="195" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2143/2078870075_8a5a773d56_m.jpg" width="195" /></a></center><br />
</li>
<li>In the bottom section, make two vertical cuts near the middle, at least 1-1/2 inches apart, to create the tree's trunk.<br />
</li>
<li>In the top section, make two angled cuts to form the tree shape. Cut the first one, then pull the <i>sky</i> piece you just created out of the way before making the next cut.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2078870371/" title="3. Make two vertical cuts by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="3. Make two vertical cuts" height="195" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2102/2078870371_bb31182ae2_m.jpg" width="195" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2078870619/" title="4. Make two angled cuts by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="4. Make two angled cuts" height="195" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2286/2078870619_99d61ccce7_m.jpg" width="195" /></a></center></li>
<li>Swap the top and bottom fabrics for the tree and trunk</li>
<li>Assemble the top and bottom units. Trim even and join top to bottom. <br />
</li>
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2078870871/" title="5. Swap Fabrics by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="5. Swap Fabrics" height="195" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2311/2078870871_844f053cb1_m.jpg" width="195" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2079659050/" title="6. Sew and Trim by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="6. Sew and Trim" height="195" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2288/2079659050_4e651663d0_m.jpg" width="195" /></a></center>
<li>After you have assembled the block, press and square up to 6.5 inches. Your two blocks will be identical with opposite fabric placement.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/2078871417/" title="Casual Trees by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Casual Trees" height="291" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2256/2078871417_30e91c13c9.jpg" width="400" /></a></center><br />
</li>
</ol>sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-44075333480093730122010-04-20T17:01:00.007-04:002010-05-24T15:21:00.035-04:00Summer Tote from Orphan Blocks<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4538121295/" title="Summer Tote by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Summer Tote" height="240" hspace="10/" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2757/4538121295_14ce8fd25d_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="168" /></a>William Morris said, "<span class="body">Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful</span>." I think this quilted tote bag qualifies as a nice-to-have on both counts.<br />
<br />
Do you have orphan blocks–blocks you made and loved but for which you have no project in mind? Then you might consider making a useful, beautiful tote bag of your own. <br />
<br />
This bag is approximately 12 inches high and 16 inches wide (at the top edge). The bottom is 8 inches square. It is constructed from 6 1/2-inch pieced quilt blocks and squares of fabric. (In the assembled bag, they will finish at 6 inches.) It is based on Gay's <a href="http://sentimentalstitches.net/free-stuff/schlep-bag/">So Sew Easy Schlep Bag</a> pattern, which you can download from the linked page on her Sentimental Stitches site. My Summer Tote differs in the following ways:<br />
<ul><li>It's based on smaller squares and uses pieced quilt blocks in place of squares.</li>
<li>It is layered with batting and quilted</li>
<li>It does not have a separate lining, the quilted sections are self lined by the backing fabric and the seams are covered with bias fabric. </li>
<li>The straps are shorter and are constructed of two fabrics. They are attached to more than the edge of the bag. </li>
</ul>Here are the notes and photos of my process.<br />
<br />
<b style="color: red;">CONSTRUCTING THE BAG</b> <br />
<ol><li>Start with 4 blocks you want to feature. Your blocks will appear as if they are set on-point in the finished bag. If you want to make 6-inch (finished size) stamp basket blocks like mine, you can find the pattern on the About Quilting site, <a href="http://quilting.about.com/od/quiltblocklotto/ss/june_lotto.htm">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4536504896/" title="Start with four quilt blocks by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Start with four quilt blocks" height="130" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4536504896_88b59c1e9f.jpg" width="400" /></a></center><br />
</li>
<li>Add 4 more same-sized blocks that will appear at the bottom of the bag. I made 16-patch blocks in coordinating colors. Directions <a href="http://quilting.about.com/od/quiltblocklotto/ss/sixteens.htm">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4535870145/" title="Add four more blocks by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Add four more blocks" height="214" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4535870145_8a93b2dde5.jpg" width="400" /></a></center><br />
</li>
<li>Since the blocks you add at the bottom will, for the most part, become the bottom of the bag, I chose to use plain fabric squares, cut at 6.5 inches of a darker coordinating fabric. <br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4535870517/" title="Plain Fabric Squares for the bottom by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Plain Fabric Squares for the bottom" height="310" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2736/4535870517_7d534bee78.jpg" width="400" /></a></center> <br />
</li>
<li>At the top, add the half-blocks which, along with your featured blocks, will appear at the top of the bag. You could cut two pieced blocks diagonally in half. I constructed "half" 16-patch blocks and used whole squares (knowing they would be later trimmed to triangles) to prevent stretching until I was ready to finish the top edge of the bag.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4536505754/" title="Half Blocks on Top by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Half Blocks on Top" height="400" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2756/4536505754_556a2bc513.jpg" width="398" /></a></center><br />
</li>
<li>Sew each column of blocks together, creating 4 vertical strips.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4536505968/" title="Strips Sewn by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Strips Sewn" height="296" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4536505968_91e895d89c.jpg" width="400" /></a></center><br />
</li>
<li>Layer the individual strips with batting and backing (cut larger all the way around) and quilt as desired. These small strips are easy to maneuver and a great opportunity to play with free motion quilting.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4535871477/" title="Strips Layered and Quilted by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Strips Layered and Quilted" height="318" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4535871477_06e66c60de.jpg" width="400" /></a></center><br />
There is an (unfortunately over-exposed) detail photo of the quilting <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4536507078/in/set-72157623892640534/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Trim the quilted pieces.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4536507474/" title="Trimmed Strips by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trimmed Strips" height="400" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4536507474_9384759e8f.jpg" width="268" /></a></center><br />
</li>
<li>Lay out the pieces to form a windmill like mine and stitch the 4-patch in the middle together.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4535867859/" title="Assemble the bag by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Assemble the bag" height="398" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2734/4535867859_bd3588e5a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></center> <br />
</li>
<li>Fold the bag so the long edge of the strip is aligned with the adjacent edge, right sides together. (there is an illustration of this in the So Sew Easy Schlep Bag instructions linked above.) Repeat for each strip. The bag, inside out, will look like this. <br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4535868055/" title="Inside Out - ready for binding by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Inside Out - ready for binding" height="202" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2784/4535868055_b443c3ca5b_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></center><br />
</li>
<li>I bound the edges on the inside of my bag for a clean finish, since the quilted bag does not require a separate lining. I had a package of double fold bias tape in a coordinating green, so I decided to use it. It was a struggle and I don't recommend it. NEXT time, I'll cut my own binding strips and they will be wider. You might decide to add a lining (so you can add interior pockets); if so, you also might decide that it's not necessary to bind the interior seams.</li>
<li>Trim the top edge, if necessary, and bind. I used a 2" strip for a 1/2 inch bond edge.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4536504190/" title="Bind the Top Edge by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Bind the Top Edge" height="180" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2693/4536504190_19aa13f297_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></center> <br />
I sewed the binding to the inside first, stitching it from the outside to make sure I didn't lose any of the pieced squares' corners. Then I folded it to the front, turning under 1/2 inch and used a decorative stitch to sew it in place.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Make and attach the straps. Weather you use the directions for the Schlep bag or follow mine below, before you cut anything, decide for yourself how long the straps should be. We all have different preferences–do you want "handles" or a shoulder strap? Measure a tote bag you have and love or use your bag and a measuring tape to come up with your personalized measurement.</li>
</ol><div style="color: red;"><b>TWO-FABRIC STRAPS</b></div><br />
I liked the white background of my bag, but worried that white straps would be impractical and, like the William Morris quote at the top of this post, I wanted a tote that I thought to be beautiful and knew to be USEFUL. I decided to combine the white background fabric with the print.<br />
<br />
CUTTING <br />
<ul><li>The white fabric was cut 1-1/2 inch wide and as long as my desired strap length plus 3 inches, doubled (for two straps). In my case, this translated to almost a width of fabric for both straps. The finished straps will be this width (1-1/2 inches).</li>
<li>The print fabric was cut 2 inches wide and the same length. You'll need two strips for each strap. (In my case, 2 widths of fabric).</li>
<li>Batting was cut at 1-1/2 inch wide and slightly shorter for each strap</li>
</ul><br />
SEWING<br />
<br />
<ol><li>Sew a print (2 inch) strip to each long edge of the white (1-1/2 inch) strip. Press seams toward the print fabric on each side.<br />
</li>
<li>Turn under 1/4 inch of the long edge of the print fabric on ONE SIDE ONLY.<br />
</li>
<li>With the straps laying wrong side up, lay the batting in place–it should fit on top of the white fabric exactly, with a little "bade" space on each end.<br />
<br />
</li>
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4536503158/" title="Sew strips for Straps by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sew strips for Straps" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4536503158_f97f65b97b_m.jpg" width="92" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4535868387/" title="Press under one edge by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Press under one edge" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4535868387_22a355f4bd_m.jpg" width="96" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4535868511/" title="Add Batting by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Add Batting" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4535868511_52bc9ac53d_m.jpg" width="93" /></a></center>
<li>Fold the print fabric (without the pressed under edge) over the batting. If you are using fusible batting, you can fuse it in place now.<br />
</li>
<li>Fold over the remaining side (with the pressed under edge) and pin in place. <br />
</li>
<li>Stitch the second side down. Depending on your plans for additional stitching (to add body and strength to the straps), you could simply stitch it down by machine and add more parallel lines of stitching to the straps. I decided that would add some free-motion quilting to my straps in the middle and stitch in the ditch on each long side, so I slip stitched mine in place.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4535868683/" title="Fold over the side with raw edge first by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Fold over the side with raw edge first" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4535868683_087b594573_m.jpg" width="82" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4535868809/" title="Fold over second side and stitch by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Fold over second side and stitch" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4535868809_52a1dd82bb_m.jpg" width="74" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4536503910/" title="Right Side of Strap by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Right Side of Strap" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4536503910_0bbe9dffd6_m.jpg" width="79" /></a></center></li>
<li>Fold over and stitch each end. I wasn't concerned about "neat" and used a zig-zag.<br />
</li>
<li>Position your straps and attach them to the bag. Unlike the Schlep bag, I did not simply sew the end of the strap to the sewn edge at the top of the bag. I knew I would be using this bag for books, groceries, and trips to the Dallas Farmer's Market and wanted to be sure the straps were attached. On my bag, each strap extends inside the bag 1-1/2 inches and is attached to the bag along that inch and a half length. You might decide to attach your straps to the outside and cover the extra stitching with a coordinating appliqué. <br />
<br />
I machine stitched mine, basically following the stitching on the bag to make it less obvious from the outside, which meant I restitched along the line where the binding was attached to the top edge of the bag and did a generous amount of stippling beneath that in the white squares where the strap is attached to the bag. In this case, more stitching gives those handles more structural integrity.<br />
</li>
</ol>Your bag is now ready to put to work. Enjoy it's beauty and function. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4535869645/" title="Finished Bag by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Finished Bag" height="378" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2683/4535869645_16c9a9d336.jpg" width="400" /></a></center><br />
<br />
Since this initial posts, a few friends (from the block lotto and the Lib-quilters yahoo group) have made totes of their own. Read more about these lovelies in the <a href="http://blocksnswaps.blogspot.com/p/gallery.html">Gallery</a>.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4635797695/" title="Wendy's tote - Chix are Jamin' by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Wendy's tote - Chix are Jamin'" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4635797695_ba73509837_t.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4636404860/" title="Nancie's Lily Bag by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Nancie's Lily Bag" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4636404860_8188a0eda4_t.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4636404530/" title="Laura's lotto block bag by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Laura's lotto block bag" height="100" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/4636404530_c9b8239738_m.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-39101701151111553682010-03-31T21:09:00.002-04:002010-03-31T21:18:43.448-04:00Three Ways to Wonkify a Traditional Quilt Block<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4461800663/" title="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #7 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #7" height="240" hspace="10/" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4461800663_e153671066_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="240" /></a>Liberated-style wonky blocks are carefree and charming. They are fun to make and result in a fresh twist on a traditional favorite. <br />
<br />
Here are three approaches for making an 8-inch wonky version of a Shoo Fly block. The same techniques could be applied to your go-to traditional block for a new take on that old favorite.<br />
<br />
The first is Gwen Marston's technique, as presented in her book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Liberated-Quiltmaking-Gwen-Marston/dp/0891458786/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269389349&sr=8-2">Liberated Quiltmaking</a>. (I'll just be sharing an overview and the measurements to start for an 8 inch finish.) Number two is a block created by <i>drawing</i> the wonky block with your rotary cutter and is a similar technique to the <a href="http://blocksnswaps.blogspot.com/2009/12/lets-play-tic-tac-toe.html">Tic-tac-toe block</a> I posted at the end of last year. Last is a stack and slash technique in which you also <i>draw with your rotary cutter</i> to create two matching blocks with the fabric placements reversed. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4462574172/" title="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #5 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #5" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4462574172_1a5a093e18_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4461800543/" title="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #6 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #6" height="100" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2772/4461800543_c3064df972_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4462574902/" title="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #10 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #10" height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4462574902_e1085c78fa_t.jpg" width="100" /></a></div><br />
<b>Technique 1 - Gwen's Liberated Shoo Fly</b><br />
<br />
I think three things characterize the<i> Liberated Quiltmaking</i> approach to this block:<br />
<ol><li>You begin with 9 same-sized squares, as if you were making the traditional block. </li>
<li>You introduce wonky-ness into the block by replacing the triangle-squares in the corner with triangles added to the background squares in different sizes and at random angles.</li>
<li>You may square up and trim the block at an angle after it's assembled.<br />
</li>
</ol><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4458675836/" title="Begin with 9 squares by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Begin with 9 squares" height="200" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2695/4458675836_1595b15025_m.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4457896421/" title="Add triangles to corner squares by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Add triangles to corner squares" height="200" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4457896421_1f2a00a87b_m.jpg" width="165" /></a></div><br />
<br />
To make an 8 inch shoo-fly block, begin with nine 3 1/4 inch squares. After you add the wonky triangles to the corners, be sure to trim the background fabric away and square up the units to 3-1/4 inches. Once the block is assembled, you will need to square up your block, trimming slightly to make them 8-1/2 inches after they are sewn.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4457896657/" title="Pressed and trimmed corners by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pressed and trimmed corners" height="175" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2690/4457896657_86cdf4ba4f_m.jpg" width="175" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4457896901/" title="Trimmed to 8-1/2 inches by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trimmed to 8-1/2 inches" height="173" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2563/4457896901_581a9ccacd_m.jpg" width="175" /></a></div><br />
If you want to go <i>off the grid</i> for a wonkier block or try a different technique . . .<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Technique 2 - Drawing with Your Rotary Cutter</b> This technique will be familiar to anyone who has made the <a href="http://blocksnswaps.blogspot.com/2009/12/lets-play-tic-tac-toe.html">Tic-Tac-Toe blocks</a> posted here at the end of last year. This version of a wonky Shoo Fly block is based on a 9-patch grid that is drawn with proportions and angles chosen by you. <br />
<ol><li>To begin, start with a 10 inch square of your BACKGROUND fabric. You will also need a small amount of shoo-fly fabrics (<a href="http://kristaquilts.blogspot.com/">Krista</a> was able to make hers usinga 10" square for the background plus a 5" charm squares of floral fabrics)</li>
<li>Using a rotary ruler (as a straight edge, not to measure), cut the square into a 9-Patch.<br />
<br />
</li>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4457894225/" title="Begin with a 10-inch square of Background Fabric by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Begin with a 10-inch square of Background Fabric" height="175" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4457894225_4db8a3129d_m.jpg" width="175" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4457894439/" title=""Draw" a 9-Patch by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt=""Draw" a 9-Patch" height="175" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4457894439_4e4745dd80_m.jpg" width="175" /></a>
<li> Remove the center of your 9-patch and use it as a template to cut a new center from the shoo-fly fabric. Be sure that both your "template" and your new fabric are right-side up, because the shapes you create may not be symmetric in any way or reversible.<br />
<br />
</li>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4458674138/" title="Use the center as a template by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Use the center as a template" height="172" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2751/4458674138_59e6907e06_m.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4457894747/" title="Units with center replaced by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Units with center replaced" height="172" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4457894747_bec952df25_m.jpg" width="172" /></a>
<li>Add triangles of the shoo-fly fabric to the corner units. Because these corners may not be square, be sure that the triangles you add will completely cover after they are sewn and pressed. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4458674592/" title="Add triangles to corners by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Add triangles to corners" height="175" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2788/4458674592_7b94bdabeb_m.jpg" width="202" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4458674726/" title="Make sure it will cover by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Make sure it will cover" height="175" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4458674726_87fdc1d0d0_m.jpg" width="184" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>After they are sewn and pressed, first trim them from the back, using the original corner as your guide to re-create the original "drawn"-by-you shape. Then, trim away the background fabric from behind the triangle. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4457895151/" title="Trim from the back by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trim from the back" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4457895151_0f0ef279aa_m.jpg" width="184" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4458674984/" title="Trim away background fabric by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trim away background fabric" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2699/4458674984_bcef9c99c1_m.jpg" width="189" /></a><br />
<br />
Because the units of this block are all different shapes, I decided to remove one corner from my layout at a time and replace it after the triangle was added and trimmed, so everything went back where it belonged.</li>
<li>Once the triangles have been added and trimmed, the block can be assembled in 9-patch fashion, frist sewing the units into rows and then sewing the rows together.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4458675156/" title="Keep it all straight. by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Keep it all straight." height="190" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4458675156_4d7dab37fd_m.jpg" width="187" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4457895705/" title="Assembled block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Assembled block" height="190" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4457895705_530e2cbbec_m.jpg" width="192" /></a> <br />
<br />
Trim the block to 8-1/2 inches square (for an 8 inch finished size block).<br />
</li>
</ol><b>Technique 3 - Stack-and-Slash a Pair of Wonky Blocks</b> This last approach is a variation of <i>Drawing with Your Rotary Cutter</i> in which you start with two squares of fabric and create a pair of matching blocks in which the shoo-fly and background fabrics are reversed. <br />
<ol><li>For an 8 inch Shoo-Fly block, begin with two 11 inch squares of fabric. Stack them with edges matching, right sides up.</li>
<li>Using a ruler to ensure you cut straight lines, cutting through the stack of 2 fabrics, cut a wonky 9-patch. Then, cut across each of the corners to create the "outline" of a wonky shoo fly. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4457891781/" title="Draw a Wonky 9-patch by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Draw a Wonky 9-patch" height="186" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2798/4457891781_9c5c1682d3_m.jpg" width="190" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4458671620/" title="Add cuts in the corners by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Add cuts in the corners" height="186" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4458671620_18c1be4697_m.jpg" width="185" /></a></li>
<li>Switch the top and bottom fabrics as shown. Your two blocks are now cut, laid out and ready to sew. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4458671846/" title="Swap Fabrics by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Swap Fabrics" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4458671846_f4c2df0bec_m.jpg" width="233" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Sew the "triangles" in the corners together. Don't worry that everything doesn't match after it's sewn. Press and trim off the excess, maintaining the "lines" you created when you "drew" the block.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4457892447/" title="Everything won't Match after it's sewn by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Everything won't Match after it's sewn" height="168" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2739/4457892447_271653d714_m.jpg" width="202" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4457892655/" title="Trimmed after Sewing by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trimmed after Sewing" height="168" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4457892655_d8eb112a6d_m.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>After the corners are sewn, the corner units will be shorter than the "middles." Don't worry. Match the edges closest to the center and let the outside become ragged. You'll be trimming it. Your block may now look something like this, a crooked 9-patch whose units don't exactly match up. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4458672466/" title="Units won't match either by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Units won't match either" height="186" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/4458672466_ff4a8bfe2d_m.jpg" width="183" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4457893041/" title="Lay Out the Units by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Lay Out the Units" height="186" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4457893041_6d7e392ddd_m.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Sew the block together, like a 9-patch, first sewing the units to form three rows, then sewing the rows together. The outside edges of your assembled block will likely be VERY uneven. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4457893239/" title="Rows Sewn by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Rows Sewn" height="184" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4457893239_7f9a9d2789_m.jpg" width="161" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4457893413/" title="Assembled Block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Assembled Block" height="184" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4457893413_f8173eb922_m.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
<br />
Square up and trim to your blocks to 8-1/2 inch square (for an 8 inch finished block). <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4458673610/" title="Two Finished Blocks by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Two Finished Blocks" height="203" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4458673610_edf6dbcd1f.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
</li>
</ol><br />
<b>Some Wonky Examples</b><br />
<br />
Here are 60 of the blocks already created by Block Lotto sneek peakers, Ginny, June, Kathie, Krista, Louise, Michelle, Pat, Terri and me. (Click any of the small photos for a better look.)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4458675670/" title="Sophie's Wonky Shoo Fly #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Wonky Shoo Fly #3" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4458675670_9c25d4a0e4_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4458676604/" title="Sophie's Wonky Shoo Fly #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Wonky Shoo Fly #2" height="75" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2740/4458676604_7351795638_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4470682552/" title="Ginny Wonky Fly #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Ginny
Wonky Fly #3" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4470682552_e75f6a0e4b_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4469903113/" title="Ginny Wonky Fly #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Ginny
Wonky Fly #4" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4469903113_866e949919_s.jpg" width="75" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4458676792/" title="Sophie's Wonky Shoo Fly #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Wonky Shoo Fly #1" height="75" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2734/4458676792_8f16fee16d_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4470682906/" title="Ginny Wonky Fly #6 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Ginny
Wonky Fly #6" height="75" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2681/4470682906_357304b480_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4470683308/" title="Ginny Wonky Fly #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Ginny
Wonky Fly #2" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4470683308_b2cbcc72fe_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4469904153/" title="Pat Wonky Fly #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat Wonky
Fly #4" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4469904153_653bdcf2e2_s.jpg" width="75" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4461801439/" title="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #12 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #12" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4461801439_0565032323_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4473103929/" title="June Wonky Fly Block #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="June
Wonky Fly Block #2" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4473103929_70fa7f449c_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4469903213/" title="Ginny Wonky Fly #5 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Ginny
Wonky Fly #5" height="75" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2708/4469903213_9209e8f4c3_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4469903433/" title="Ginny Wonky Fly #7 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Ginny
Wonky Fly #7" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4469903433_8a3ac9dee5_s.jpg" width="75" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4462574172/" title="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #5 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #5" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4462574172_1a5a093e18_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4461800543/" title="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #6 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #6" height="75" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2772/4461800543_c3064df972_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4473103759/" title="June Wonky Fly Block #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="June
Wonky Fly Block #1" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4473103759_fb70ea1e01_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4470683220/" title="Ginny Wonky Fly #8 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Ginny
Wonky Fly #8" height="75" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2748/4470683220_e1fbe4d9aa_s.jpg" width="75" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4461800663/" title="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #7 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #7" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4461800663_e153671066_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4461800833/" title="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #8 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #8" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4461800833_6b7734a097_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4469906513/" title="Kathryn Wonky Fly #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kathryn
Wonky Fly #3" height="75" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2803/4469906513_0d499c2f64_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4469904041/" title="Pat Wonky Fly #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat Wonky
Fly #3" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4469904041_c874167954_s.jpg" width="75" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4470683748/" title="Pat Wonky Fly #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat Wonky
Fly #1" height="75" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/4470683748_ac02e5f15e_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4462574690/" title="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #9 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #9" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4462574690_92e880d16d_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4469903971/" title="Pat Wonky Fly #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat Wonky
Fly #2" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4469903971_0c636ede08_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4462574902/" title="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #10 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #10" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4462574902_e1085c78fa_s.jpg" width="75" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4461801367/" title="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #11 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Wonky Fly Block #11" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4461801367_0ec2a05f31_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4470683372/" title="Ginny Wonky Fly #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Ginny
Wonky Fly #1" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4470683372_4122e781d0_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4470685646/" title="Kathryn Wonky Fly #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kathryn
Wonky Fly #4" height="75" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2791/4470685646_f49e51d020_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4469907997/" title="Pat Wonky Fly #6 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat Wonky
Fly #6" height="75" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2709/4469907997_5a20019d1a_s.jpg" width="75" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4469906837/" title="Kathryn Wonky Fly #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kathryn
Wonky Fly #2" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4469906837_7fb9e6e709_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4457897453/" title="Sophie's Wonky Shoo Fly #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Wonky Shoo Fly #4" height="75" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2737/4457897453_e59ef19323_t.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4469907583/" title="Louise Wonky Fly #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Louise
Wonky Fly #1" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4469907583_b9602a7581_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4469908409/" title="Pat Wonky Fly #9 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat Wonky
Fly #9" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4469908409_e42e87ea69_s.jpg" width="75" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4470686730/" title="Kathryn Wonky Fly #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kathryn
Wonky Fly #1" height="75" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4470686730_397e4a9d84_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4469907713/" title="Pat Wonky Fly #5 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat Wonky
Fly #5" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4469907713_98c72fbd56_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4473880996/" title="June Wonky Fly Block #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="June
Wonky Fly Block #3" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4473880996_807e28fd35_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4473103341/" title="June Wonky Fly Block #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="June
Wonky Fly Block #4" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4473103341_866c595a80_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4473880370/" title="June Wonky Fly Block #6 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="June
Wonky Fly Block #6" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4473880370_7c1def60c2_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4473880558/" title="June Wonky Fly Block #5 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="June
Wonky Fly Block #5" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4473880558_b47f4c2211_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4469908171/" title="Pat Wonky Fly #7 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat Wonky
Fly #7" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4469908171_6a690b3aea_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4470688446/" title="Krista Wonky Fly #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Krista
Wonky Fly #1" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4470688446_c612c82b87_s.jpg" width="75" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4470687874/" title="Pat Wonky Fly #8 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pat Wonky
Fly #8" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4470687874_0474395f10_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4469909299/" title="Krista Wonky Fly #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Krista
Wonky Fly #2" height="75" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2784/4469909299_150112f63b_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4470689572/" title="Krista Wonky Fly #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Krista
Wonky Fly #3" height="75" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2722/4470689572_701770cda6_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4470690122/" title="Krista Wonky Fly #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Krista
Wonky Fly #4" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4470690122_f73c30208c_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4473102701/" title="June Wonky Fly Block #7 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="June
Wonky Fly Block #7" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4473102701_35f1bdc4a9_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4476239140/" title="Michelle Wonky Fly #7 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Michelle Wonky Fly #7" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4476239140_3c839024bd_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4476239190/" title="Michelle Wonky Fly #6 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Michelle Wonky Fly #6" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4476239190_4e623ea49d_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4476239112/" title="Michelle Wonky Fly #8 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Michelle Wonky Fly #8" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4476239112_12ceb447f6_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4476239258/" title="Michelle Wonky Fly #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Michelle Wonky Fly #4" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4476239258_20cf2613a4_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4473102397/" title="June Wonky Fly Block #9 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="June
Wonky Fly Block #9" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4473102397_e52f69b094_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4473879568/" title="June Wonky Fly Block #10 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="June
Wonky Fly Block #10" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4473879568_1a361ecb14_s.jpg" width="75" /> </a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4475461613/" title="Michelle Wonky Fly #5 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Michelle Wonky Fly #5" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4475461613_210127d199_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4475461779/" title="Michelle Wonky Fly #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Michelle Wonky Fly #1" height="75" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2680/4475461779_bf3ccd243a_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4475461745/" title="Michelle Wonky Fly #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Michelle Wonky Fly #2" height="75" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4475461745_d96fd23d90_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4473102571/" title="June Wonky Fly Block #8 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="June
Wonky Fly Block #8" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4473102571_550d671e18_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4476239282/" title="Michelle Wonky Fly #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Michelle Wonky Fly #3" height="75" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2682/4476239282_76b56594d9_s.jpg" width="75" /></a><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4477050667/" title="Terris Wonky Fly Block #1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Terris Wonky Fly Block #1" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4477050667_9acefe61a2_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4477826644/" title="Terris Wonky Fly Block #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Terris Wonky Fly Block #2" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4477826644_4080abbe23_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4477826756/" title="Terris Wonky Fly Block #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Terris Wonky Fly Block #3" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4477826756_e881a19aa9_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4475461511/" title="Michelle Wonky Fly #9 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Michelle Wonky Fly #9" height="75" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4475461511_4d008d03ef_s.jpg" width="75" /></a> </div><br />
Will you make some wonky fly blocks or wonkify another traditional block? I'd love to see the results. For more about these blocks (and more) and to see what the winners will do with them, check out the <a href="http://blocklotto.blogspot.com/">Block Lotto blog</a>, in April.sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-1004707416241351002010-02-18T14:37:00.003-05:002010-03-26T11:33:37.085-04:00My Portable Handwork Sewing Kit<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4368517228/" title="4 x 4-1/2 Inches hand quilting kit by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="4 x 4-1/2 Inches hand quilting kit" height="240" hspace="10" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4368517228_b99f140fa2_m.jpg" vspace="10/" width="240" /></a>This sewing kit measures 4 by 4.5 inches, has three pockets and two felt pages inside. It's an embellished, quilted version of a quilt shop giveaway that I have been using for years. When I recently came across the appliquéd, beaded heart–the class project from a workshop with <a href="http://www.annfahl.com/">Ann Fahl</a>, I decided to put it to a functional use. A miniature block or stitchery sample ... or even a small piece of beautiful fabric would also be wonderful to feature on the cover. <br />
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This little pocket was made as a prize for the <a href="http://blocklotto.blogspot.com/">Block Lotto</a> this month, but you can easily make your own–I already want to make another one . . . for ME. Here's how.<br />
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<div style="color: red;"><b>Cutting the Fabrics</b></div><br />
<ul><li>Two 5" x 10" rectangles of fabric for the cover. Your outer cover might be appliquéd, pieced, embroidered, etc. You'll also need a piece of batting cut to the same size.</li>
<li>For the pockets, one 4-1/2" x 6-12" rectangle and one 4-1/2" x 7-1/2"rectangle. Fold these in half, WRONG sides together and press.</li>
<li>One rectangle of felt cut at 3-3/4" x 6-3/4"</li>
<li>Approximately 28" of binding. I used 1-3/4" wide, double-fold binding cut on the bias.</li>
</ul><div style="color: red;"></div><div style="color: red;"><b>Making the Kit</b></div><br />
1. Layer the two large rectangle with batting and quilt as directed. I think this is a great size to try one of <a href="http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/">Leah Day's 365 freemotion filler patterns</a> that she's been blogging. As you can see, it got a little challenging for me when I got close to that beaded heart. That's OK, the pocket will cover it.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">2. Trim the quilted piece to 9-1/2" x 4-1/2" </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4368497898/" title=""Quilt as desired" by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt=""Quilt as desired"" height="200" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4368497898_0daf830f9c_m.jpg" width="120" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4367751013/" title="Inside cover by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Inside cover" height="200" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4367751013_26e9b52831_m.jpg" width="120" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4367751189/" title="Trim to size by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trim to size" height="200" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4367751189_32e6f26ecd_m.jpg" width="120" /></a></div><br />
3. Round the corners. I used a large Rx container (which now contains quilting pins) as a template to ensure all my corners match.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4367751279/" title="Round the corners by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Round the corners" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4367751279_207c0d27c2_m.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4367751525/" title="With corners trimmed by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="With corners trimmed" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4367751525_3308e1e7ff_m.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br />
4. Lay the cover on the table, inside up and then position the two folded and pressed pocket fabrics at each end, with the folded side toward the middle. Pin in place. <br />
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5. Flip over the piece and trim the corners of the pocket fabric even with those on the quilted cover.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4368498924/" title="Lay pockets in place and pin by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Lay pockets in place and pin" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2762/4368498924_6dc4b8edd7_m.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4368499146/" title="Trim pocket corners by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trim pocket corners" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4368499146_c73a50d24c_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
6. Stitch a line through the smaller pocket to create two sections and then bind the edges. I used bias binding to make rounding the corners easy-peasy.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4368499364/" title="With pockets trimmed by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="With pockets trimmed" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/4368499364_820eb7d996_m.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4368499572/" title="Stitched and Bound by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Stitched and Bound" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4368499572_a83bc4517a_m.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br />
7. Center the flannel on the inside of the kit.<br />
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8. Sew it to the kit through the center <br />
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9. Trim the corners of the felt to match the rounded corners of the kit. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4367752929/" title="Center felt on inside by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Center felt on inside" height="200" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4367752929_5285f9a4b5_m.jpg" width="120" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4367753135/" title="Stitch acoss the middle by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Stitch acoss the middle" height="200" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4367753135_7fd7b31d28_m.jpg" width="120" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4367753343/" title="Trim corners of felt to echo curves of kit by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trim corners of felt to echo curves of kit" height="200" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4367753343_0c2afdb750_m.jpg" width="120" /></a></div><br />
It was so fast and easy, I know I'll be making more of these. This one came together last night, while I watched the Olympics on TV. Here's my well used original and the embellished, quilted copy. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4368517070/" title="The inspiration and the copy by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="The inspiration and the copy" height="199" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2695/4368517070_4e6e4628a8_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
And here's how I fill mine: small scissors, a packet of needles and handpiecing templates in the large pocket; thimble and a spool of thread in the smaller double pockets; a few parked needles and pins stuck into the felt, with small blocks or cut pieces inside the felt pages. When I was working on an appliqué project, I made a small sandpaper board that fit in the large pocket, too.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4367753535/" title="Filling the kit by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Filling the kit" height="200" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4367753535_f9ceddbb16_m.jpg" width="120" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4367753747/" title="Double pocket by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Double pocket" height="200" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2741/4367753747_f0595d639f_m.jpg" width="120" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4368500956/" title="Using the felt by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Using the felt" height="200" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2734/4368500956_c3134725f3_m.jpg" width="120" /></a> </div><br />
How will you fill yours?sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-26996290025724450312009-12-26T12:28:00.011-05:002010-03-26T11:34:49.776-04:00Let's Play Tic-Tac-Toe<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4215672809/" title="Tic-Tac-Toe Block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Tic-Tac-Toe Block" height="240" hspace="10/" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4215672809_18a7834485_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="240" /></a> Although I'm sure I've seen it used in quilts, my source for this block is my dreams. A couple days ago, it appeared in my dreams and woke up thinking this could be a gentle entry into the more liberated style of blocks we'll be making for the <a href="http://blocklotto.blogspot.com/">Block Lotto</a> in 2010.<br />
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I think this Tic-Tac-Toe block could be the basis of a great kid's quilt–can't you see some x's and o's quilting into those "squares"? But I can also see if used in a more adult modern quilt.<br />
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<div style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fabrics & Cutting</span></div><br />
For an 8.5 inch (8 inches, finished size) block, you'll need a 9-to-10 inch square of background fabric and a width of fabric (WOF), cut selvedge-to-selvedge 1-to-2.5 inches wide. In this example, I started with the 10 inch square and 1.5 inch strip on the left. If you are using FQs, just cut two 20-ish inch wdiths, like the photo on the right.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4216443044/" title="Fabric by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Fabric" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2498/4216443044_faeef9fffa_m.jpg" width="159" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4216443182/" title="Using FQs by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Using FQs " height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/4216443182_e8644580c7_m.jpg" width="159" /></a></div><div style="color: magenta;"><br />
</div><div style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Making the Block</span></div><br />
(Remember you can click any of the photos for a larger image and closer look.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4216443356/" title="Step 1 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Step 1" height="95" hspace="10" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4216443356_6d178860c2_t.jpg" vspace="10/" width="100" /></a><br />
1. Begin with the background square. Make two straight cuts from top to bottom edges. While your lines need to be straight, they can be as slanted as you like. You may want to keep them at least 2 inches from the corners and no closer than 1 inch to each other.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4215672115/" title="Step 2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Step 2" height="96" hspace="10/" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2691/4215672115_80d69895e9_t.jpg" vspace="10" width="100" /></a><br />
2. Insert the bright strip into each of your cuts, sew it along both edges to the background to "re-assemble" the square and press the seams toward the strips.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4215672331/" title="Step 3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Step 3" height="100" hspace="10/" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2698/4215672331_3bcc512832_t.jpg" vspace="10" width="99" /></a><br />
3. Rotate the block 90 degrees and repeat the process. Make two straight edge-to-edge cuts from top to bottom.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4216443946/" title="Step 4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Step 4" height="100" hspace="10/" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4216443946_00a9697623_t.jpg" vspace="10" width="100" /></a><br />
4. Insert strips and press seams toward the bright strips. Don't worry if they don't reach edge-to-edge, because you'll be squaring-up and trimming the block to final size. Do pay attention lining up the background pieces so that your first strips end up being aligned.<br />
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5. Square and trim the block to 8.5 inches. If you started with a 10 inch background square, like I did, you'll have a lot of wiggle room to make an artistic cut . . . just make sure that you end up with 9 background "squares" in your Tic-Tac-Toe grid (and that the smallest will not disappear in a seam allowance when it's sewn into a quilt.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4216444066/" title="Step 5 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Step 5" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2708/4216444066_834da9a101_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<div style="color: magenta;"><br />
</div><div style="color: magenta; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Design Considerations</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">If you make a block with wider strips, you need to be careful that as the block-in-progress grows wider and taller, that, when you trim it to size (in this case 8.5 inches square), that you end up with a complete tic-tac-toe grid with 9 background spaces. In the example below, I started with a 10 inch square of background and 2.5 inch bright strips.</div><br />
</div><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4216872038/" title="Fat Strips Extra Step by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Fat Strips Extra Step" height="76" hspace="10/" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/4216872038_d2aa130671_t.jpg" vspace="10" width="100" /></a><br />
As I was adding my fat strips (2.5 inches), I realized that my block had become too wide, so I removed some background from the center before adding the final seam.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4216103113/" title="Fat Strips Step 2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Fat Strips Step 2" height="87" hspace="10/" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4216103113_9790f3d5f2_t.jpg" vspace="10" width="100" /></a><br />
After removing part of the center, I measured (using a large square ruler) to make sure that, after it was trimmed to 8.5 inches square, I would end up with 9 background squares (and a complete tic-tac-toe grid), then I stitched it together and continued.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4216103295/" title="Fat Strips Step 3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Fat Strips Step 3" height="100" hspace="10/" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4216103295_2be239dc86_t.jpg" vspace="10" width="81" /></a><br />
I also measured when deciding where to make the second pair of slices to make sure to end up with a complete tic-tac-toe block when it was trimmed to size.<br />
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As you can see, if you fat strips, your block will end up consisting of more featured bright fabric and less background.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4216872638/" title="Fat Strips Step 4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Fat Strips Step 4" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4216872638_36c17b4438_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Another design consideration is the angle of the cuts you make. The greater the angle, the more likely it will be that your "lines" would exactly match up, like in this block.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4222595867/" title="Sophie's Tic-Tac-Toe Block #6 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Tic-Tac-Toe Block #6" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4222595867_6b0cdc6a45_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
It isn't a mistake, it's just what happens. Line up the strips as well as possible and don't worry if they aren't perfect.<br />
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To see a comparison of using different sized strips, check out mine below. Here are a selection of blocks, side-by-side, made with strips that are, from top-to-bottom, left-to-right, 1 inch (green), 1.25 inch (gold), 1.5 inch (pink), 1.75 inch (red) 2 inches (yellow) 2.25 inches (blue) and 2.5 inches (red-orange).</div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4223360518/" title="Sophie's Tic-Tac-Toe Block #8 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Tic-Tac-Toe Block #8" height="190" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2688/4223360518_e2884f8a86_m.jpg" width="190" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4222595667/" title="Sophie's Tic-Tac-Toe Block #7 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Tic-Tac-Toe Block #7" height="190" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2800/4222595667_55fd83230d_m.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4215672809/" title="Tic-Tac-Toe Block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Tic-Tac-Toe Block" height="190" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4215672809_18a7834485_m.jpg" width="190" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4222596121/" title="Sophie's Tic-Tac-Toe Block #5 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Tic-Tac-Toe Block #5" height="190" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2697/4222596121_df7a43b7bf_m.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4217189740/" title="Tic-Tac-Toe Block made with 2 inch strip by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Tic-Tac-Toe Block made with 2 inch strip" height="190" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2796/4217189740_585bf44979_m.jpg" width="190" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4223361372/" title="Sophie's Tic-Tac-Toe Block #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sophie's Tic-Tac-Toe Block #4" height="190" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2582/4223361372_dfaec66de8_m.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4216872840/" title="Block made with 2.5 Inch strips by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Block made with 2.5 Inch strips" height="190" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4216872840_799b95b0c8_m.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-68902794719444514772009-10-14T17:03:00.015-04:002010-03-26T11:36:43.703-04:00Milky Way Quilt Block<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4012512026/" title="Milky Way Block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Milky Way Block" height="240" hspace="10" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2470/4012512026_b2769524c2_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="240" /></a><br />
Milky Way is one of those quilt blocks that really seems to be more like a block and a half, whose pattern is only revealed when multiple blocks are put together in a straight set. Then the the beauty of the allover pattern of interlaced friendship stars is revealed.<br />
<br />
According to Barbara Brackman in the <span style="font-style: italic;">Encyclopedia of Pieced Blocks</span>, the name for this block is credited to the Ladies Art Company, a publication that was active from 1895 to 1934. <br />
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This eight inch block (finished size), in the colors shown, in the October choice for the <a href="http://blocklotto.blogspot.com/">Block Lotto</a>. More details for joining and playing along with us can be found on our group blog. Everyone is welcome.<br />
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<div style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cutting Fabrics for One Block</span></div><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4011741991/" title="Cutting the fabric you'll need by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Cutting the fabric you'll need" height="240" hspace="10/" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/4011741991_2cd56eb362_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="148" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Black & White Fabrics:</span><br />
<br />
1 long rectangle each 1.5 inch x 12 inches–a little longer if you want to give yourself a little wiggle room.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Blue & Yellow Fabrics: </span><br />
<br />
2 squares each 2-1/2 inches<br />
4 squares each 2-7/8 inches–you may round these up to 3 inches and trim after sewing the half square triangle (HST) units.<br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Assembling the 4-Patch Units</span></div><ol><li>Sew the black and white strips together along their long edges. Press toward the black fabric.</li>
<li>Cut the strip into eight 1-1/2 inch units</li>
<li>Take two of the 1-1/2 inch units, flip one around to form a checkboard and sew them together into 4-patches</li>
<li>You will have four 4-patch units, each measuring 2-1/2 inches square.<br />
</li>
</ol><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4011742047/" title="Sewing Black and White Strips Together by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sewing Black and White Strips Together" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/4011742047_bac922c9c2_m.jpg" width="64" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4011742093/" title="Subcut the Black and White Strip by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Subcut the Black and White Strip" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2600/4011742093_08844f317d_m.jpg" width="53" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4012509948/" title="Prepare pairs to sew 4-patches by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Prepare pairs to sew 4-patches" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3525/4012509948_6e07049248_m.jpg" width="58" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4011742241/" title="Create four 4-patches by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Create four 4-patches" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2486/4011742241_c4209e9b87_m.jpg" width="70" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Assembling the Half Square Triangle (HST) Units</span></div><br />
The four pairs of large squares are used to create HST units. There are many ways to construct these . . . here is one.<br />
<ol><li> Place one blue and one yellow square together, right sides together.</li>
<li>Draw a line diagonally across the top square<br />
</li>
<li>Stitch 1/4 inch away from the line on each side. Cut apart on the line.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4012510136/" title="Pair the large blue and yellow squares together by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Pair the large blue and yellow squares together" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2637/4012510136_0568c7f11c_m.jpg" style="height: 113px; width: 109px;" /> </a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4011742581/" title="Creating HST Units by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Creating HST Units" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/4011742581_9425fe0826_m.jpg" style="height: 114px; width: 108px;" /> </a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4012510574/" title="Cut apart after sewn by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Cut apart after sewn" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/4012510574_dc971bc021_m.jpg" style="height: 114px; width: 111px;" /><br />
</a><br />
</li>
<li>Press the HST Units open, pressing the seam toward the blue side</li>
<li>Square up the HST units to 2-1/2 inches square.</li>
<li>Repeat with each blue-yellow pair of squares. You will create eight HST units.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4012510720/" title="Press and Trim the HST Units by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Press and Trim the HST Units" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/4012510720_631442c55d_m.jpg" style="height: 199px; width: 112px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4011743117/" title="Trimmed HST Units by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Trimmed HST Units" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2492/4011743117_c0414d43ef_m.jpg" style="height: 198px; width: 110px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4011743219/" title="Completed HST Units by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Completed HST Units" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/4011743219_9887453693_m.jpg" style="height: 198px; width: 111px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #cc6600; font-weight: bold;">Creating the Milky Way Block</span><br style="color: #0b5394;" /> <br />
Lay out your 4-path units, HST units and plain squares to form the Milky Way block.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4011743345/" title="Laying out the Block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Laying out the Block" height="232" hspace="10/" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/4011743345_4faec4e0c2_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="240" /></a><br />
And now the tricky part begins–at least for dyslexic quilters like me–keeping it all straight.</li>
</ol>You may have your method to avoid inadvertently sewing the wrong side or accidentally getting things flipped around. Over on the Block Lotto blog, I shared the way I thought about the design of this block to keep it straight in my head–you can read about it <a href="http://blocklotto.blogspot.com/2009/10/getting-this-block-right.html">here</a>.<br />
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Another approach is to use chain piecing to attach things and keep them attached through the assembly process. Here's how I applied that technique to this block.<br />
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Working from top-to-bottom, I sewed the pairs in the left two columns together and the right two columns together, leaving each set of four pairs chained together. Then I carefully put the sewn pairs together and sewed each row together, leaving all the "chains" between all the pairs intact.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4011743463/" title="Sewing Chained pairs from top to bottom by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sewing Chained pairs from top to bottom" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/4011743463_851766b093_m.jpg" style="height: 168px; width: 138px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4012511416/" title="PUtting chained pairs together by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="PUtting chained pairs together" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/4012511416_f1fddd342c_m.jpg" style="height: 167px; width: 95px;" /> </a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4011743761/" title="Assembled rows by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Assembled rows" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2501/4011743761_c4ee70c558_m.jpg" style="height: 170px; width: 140px;" /></a><br />
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Only at this point, with all the rows sewn together and attached to one another by the chains did I pick up the block and take it over to the ironing board to press seams. At this point, sewing the rows together–with confidence that I hadn't flipped anything around–was pretty easy . . . though I do admit I used pins to make sure my seams matched.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4012511770/" title="Sewing Rows together by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Sewing Rows together" hspace="10/" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/4012511770_f055028b28_m.jpg" style="height: 185px; width: 206px;" vspace="10" /></a><br />
I have seen this technique demonstrated, but have never used it before. I thought because this block had a lot of opportunity to go wrong, it was a good one to try it and I liked the result.<br />
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That said, it does make the pressing and sewing a little bit more fiddlely that usual. Still, it's a good one, I think, to add to a quilter's bag of tricks for the next time you run into a block that just keeps coming out wrong . . . we've all had one of those days occasionally, haven't we?<br />
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Oh yea, here's the finished Milky Way block.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/4011744123/" title="Completed Block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Completed Block" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/4011744123_7d4e586046.jpg" style="height: 351px; width: 357px;" /></a></div><br />
And here's a nice example of how a few of these look when they're laid side by side. <a href="http://blogginmommy.blogspot.com/"> Lisa</a> made these 11 blocks for the October Block lotto. I think these blocks will become a quick quilt to be made for the winner this month.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DVGvvg9ISxJmscV682dqABxbWmFm_80LPkJlFSWz3TDY-5k5e8nkz32yEh-Sh4H70kDiG08nz9DyMD3lliRJIs65DD_-bwY6-2k1B4VjuVZzjK_eEzv21p7y_-00Zi8f1HGs/s320/DSCN0391.JPG" /></div><br />
When you look at the field of stars, it's easy to see how this block came by it's name, isn't it?</div></div>sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-27187394415258621712009-09-01T03:42:00.008-04:002010-02-25T11:41:04.033-05:00Square & Points Quilt Block<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/1450329656/" title="Sophie by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Sophie" height="240" hspace="10" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1393/1450329656_e293b1b7cf_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="240" /></a> Whether you know this block as Square & Points–it's earliest published name–Sawtooth Star or one of its many other names, this is great block to learn and easy to transpose into different size. Use it as the main block, an alternate block, a border block . . .<br />
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We made this 8 inch batik star block for the Block Lotto last year; this month, we are making them in Asian prints with coordinating tone-on-tones at 6 inches - here are some beautiful examples made by Kate and Linnea:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3873298938/" title="Kate's Asian Star by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Asian Star" height="98" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/3873298938_1b9cfcf85b_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3872514529/" title="Kate's Asian Star #7 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Asian Star #7" height="100" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3872514529_7aca8138e5_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3872514233/" title="Kate's Asian Star #4 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Asian Star #4" height="100" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2474/3872514233_2f3b0c60a0_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3872514647/" title="Kate's Asian Star #7 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Asian Star #7" height="100" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2640/3872514647_ae6e568e90_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3872514753/" title="Kate's Asian Star #8 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Asian Star #8" height="100" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3515/3872514753_8644aa3a7e_t.jpg" width="100" /> </a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3873302172/" title="Linnea' s Asian Star by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Linnea' s Asian Star" height="100" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2431/3873302172_1564ba734a_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3873300318/" title="Kate's Asian Star #9 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Asian Star #9" height="100" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/3873300318_44a250c16b_t.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3872514085/" title="Kate's Asian Star #3 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Asian Star #3" height="100" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2492/3872514085_c5f07451e1_t.jpg" width="100" /> </a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3872513889/" title="Kate's Asian Star #2 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Asian Star #2" height="100" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3431/3872513889_47789ae03e_t.jpg" width="100" /></a></div><br />
But since I already had step-by-step photos from last year, I'll be using those with revised measurements for making a SIX INCH block and counting on the imaginations of the Lotto Block players to see them in Asian fabrics for the star with coordinating tone-on-tones for the background.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/1439245934/" title="Sawtooth Star components by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Sawtooth Star components" height="240" hspace="10" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1429/1439245934_cd6a3e87dd_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="240" /></a>The basic components of the block are 5 squares and 4 flying geese (FG) units. For a 6 inch (finished size) block, the measurements are:<br />
<br />
Corner Squares (Background): 2 inch<br />
Center Squares (Star): 3.5 inch<br />
FG Unit: 2 x 3. 5 inch<br />
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In the FG units, the Background fabric is the "goose" and the Star fabric is the "sky." The finished size of the geese will be 1.5 x 3 inches. You can use any method to make the geese, but my preferred technique is "no waste geese." For this method, you'll start with:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/1439245308/" title="Cutting for Flying Geese by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Cutting for Flying Geese" hspace="10" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1255/1439245308_1e8036af80_m.jpg" style="height: 222px; width: 222px;" vspace="10" /></a>One 4-1/4 inch square Background fabric<br />
Four 2-3/8 inch squares Star fabric<br />
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Click over to follow the steps for making <a href="http://blocksnswaps.blogspot.com/2008/01/no-waste-flying-geese.html">No Waste Flying Geese</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/1439306716/" title="Flying Geese units by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Flying Geese units" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1148/1439306716_6236f43944_m.jpg" style="height: 98px; width: 220px;" /></a><br />
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Lay out the components of the block and sew the block together as a nine-patch.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/1439246124/" title="Sawtooth Star Assembly by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sawtooth Star Assembly" height="400" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1325/1439246124_84b6d11d72.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Pay special attention when you attach the flying geese unit to the center square, sew these seams with the "goose" on top so you can notice where your seam passes the point at the top at the top of the triangle and sew through the crossed seams on the FG unit.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/1438386279/" title="Sewing Tip by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Sewing Tip" height="320" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1137/1438386279_028757d71e.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">The large center square of this block makes it easy to showcase beautiful fabrics, whether they are favorite batiks, a collection or repros from the 30s or Civil War era or some Asian inspired prints.</div><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3872514387/" title="Kate's Asian Star #5 by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate's Asian Star #5" height="405" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2571/3872514387_735f772949.jpg" width="405" /></a>sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-56024728767061083262009-07-01T07:58:00.007-04:002010-03-26T11:38:21.117-04:00Oklahoma Boomer Quilt Block Pattern<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3677568027/" title="Sophie's Oklahoma Boomer Block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Sophie's Oklahoma Boomer Block" height="240" hspace="10" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3541/3677568027_978c609924_m.jpg" vspace="10" width="240" /><br />
</a>The Ladies Art Company first published the Oklahoma Boomer block in 1898. I have always loved this block and couldn't resist including it for the block lotto in our year of traditional blocks . . . it's just a happy coincidence that I saw a production of The Wizard of Oz a couple weekends ago and keep seeing the Tin Man, an alternate name you might see used, as in Judy Hopkins & Nancy Martin’s 101 Fabulous Rotary-Cut Quilts.<br />
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For those who happen to have a copy of Judy Hopkins & Nancy Martin’s 101 Fabulous Rotary-Cut Quilts, I will reference the same Alpha characters for each piece, so you can reference your book, it is helpful to you. Their version of the block is the same size (6 inches, finished size) but is made from three fabrics, instead of our two color blocks.<br />
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The main challenge in making this block is careful measuring and cutting and sewing that 1/4-inch seam. You also have an opportunity to make and work with a template.<br />
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<div style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fabrics</span></div><br />
For the July Block Lotto, we'll be making this block in two colors, a cream tone-on-tone (TOT) print BACKGROUND fabric and your choice of RED or BLUE TOT main (BOOMER) fabric.<br />
<div style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Make a template </span></div><br />
If you were making multiple blocks from the same fabric (or don’t mind wasting some fabric), you would cut the large triangle head (A) by cutting a 3 1/4 inch square and cutting it twice diagonally. But since I’m going to tell you that you cannot repeat your BOOMER fabric in more than one block . . . the easiest thing to do is to make a template for that triangle. If you have card stock or template plastic, you can make a template by cutting a 3 1/4 inch square and cutting it twice diagonally and using one of the triangles for your template for the head (A). If you don’t, grab a standard size business card.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3678365176/" title="Make a Template from a Business Card by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Make a Template from a Business Card" height="81" hspace="10" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2674/3678365176_eaee7f4187_t.jpg" width="100" /></a>Most standard sized business cards are 2” x 3.5”<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3677550225/" title="Flip it over by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Flip it over" height="75" hspace="10" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2637/3677550225_75408ab1fa_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><br />
It will probably be easier to work with from the back, so flip it over.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3678365240/" title="Trim to 3 -1/4 inches by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Trim to 3 -1/4 inches" height="75" hspace="10" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2537/3678365240_b44b0d4cdf_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><br />
Trim it so that it’s 3 1/4 inches wide.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3678365320/" title="Cut 45 degree angle from corner by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Cut 45 degree angle from corner" height="75" hspace="10" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2444/3678365320_9928dafbab_t.jpg" width="100" /></a>Align the 45-degree line on your ruler along the bottom edge and cut an angle from the bottom right corner.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3678365384/" title="Cutting second 45 degree angle by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Cutting second 45 degree angle" height="75" hspace="10" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2511/3678365384_31f7dd6936_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><br />
Flip over your card and repeat. Your template is ready to use.<br />
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<div style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cutting</span></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3678365550/" title="Using Your Template to Cut Head Triangle by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Using Your Template to Cut Head Triangle" height="180" hspace="10" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3678365550_44cb5c48e3_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>Use the template to cut the Head (A) piece from your BOOMER fabric by aligning the longest edge on grain on your fabric.<br />
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Again, if you don't mind wasted fabric, you can also cut a 3-1/4 inch square and cut it diagonally twice and use ONLY one of the resulting triangles.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3677550615/" title="Cutting Main fabric by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Cutting Main fabric" hspace="10" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2488/3677550615_074b07c221_m.jpg" style="height: 200px; width: 200px;" vspace="10" /></a><br />
For the rest of the BOOMER pieces, you'll need:<br />
One 1” square for neck (B)<br />
Two rectangles, 1” x 2-1/2” for arms (C)<br />
One rectangle, 2-1/4”x 2-1/2” for body (D)<br />
Two rectangles 1” x 3-1/4” for legs (E)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3677550753/" title="Cutting Diagram by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="Cutting Diagram" hspace="10" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3613/3677550753_285b661e2e_m.jpg" style="height: 175px; width: 200px;" vspace="10" /></a><br />
From the BACKGROUND fabric, cut:<br />
Two rectangles, 2” x 2-1/2” for above arms (F)<br />
Two rectangles 2-1/2” x 4-1/2” for below arms (G)<br />
One 1-7/8” square cut once diagonally into two triangles, for sides of head (H)<br />
Two 1” x 1-1/4” rectangles for sides of neck (I)<br />
One 1-1/2 x 3-1/4” rectangle for between legs (J)<br />
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<div style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sewing the Block</span></div><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3677550827/" title="Assemble center units first by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Assemble center units first" height="500" hspace="10" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2607/3677550827_2ed6458d5e.jpg" width="197" /></a>1. Sew the center sections together first. If your block is going to come up short . . . best to find out right away, right?<br />
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As you are sewing the background to the head, the neck and the legs, press toward the dark. You don’t have to worry about any matching seams in any of this part of the block, so you can focus ENTIRELY on those 1/4 inch seams.<br />
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After all the backgrounds are attached, sew the sections together and . . . moment of truth time, measure the center section. From top to bottom, it should measure 6-1/2 inches.<br />
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Then sew the background pieces to the arms. I pressed the seams on those UP, which means the top seam is pressed toward the BACKGROUND, so I would have opposing seams at the shoulders–the ONLY matching seams you have in this block.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3677550939/" title="Assemble sides and attach them to center by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="Assemble sides and attach them to center" height="211" hspace="10" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3677550939_0e78a99ba0_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
2. After putting the center together, adding the arms is easily done . . . and so are you ;-)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3677551061/" title="Oklahoma Boomer Block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img alt="Oklahoma Boomer Block" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2513/3677551061_2398cef4e3.jpg" style="height: 356px; width: 349px;" /></a></div>sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-87418518178758147872009-04-30T16:45:00.001-04:002009-04-30T23:36:57.586-04:00Cactus Pot Quilt Block<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3478391182/" title="Cactus Pot Quilt Block by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3478391182_f886f6be1b_m.jpg" alt="Cactus Pot Quilt Block" align="left" height="240" hspace="10" vspace="10" width="240" /></a>The Cactus Pot quilt block was first published in the Oklahoma Farmer Stockman, on January 1, 1930 in a monthly column that was included in the journal in the 20's and 30's called Good Cheer Quilt Patterns.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">FABRICS</span><br /><br />You'll need three fabrics for this block, which I will refer to as CACTUS, POT and BACKGROUND .<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">Note : if you are making this block for the May 2009 <a href="http://blocklotto.blogspot.com/">Block Lotto</a>, at least one of your fabrics–it can be any of the three–must be be a flower print.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">CUTTING<br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3477581239/" title="CACTUS Fabric Cutting by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/3477581239_af14600157_m.jpg" alt="CACTUS Fabric Cutting" align="right" height="124" hspace="10" width="240" /></a>From your CACTUS fabric:<br /><br />One large triangle*, cut from a 3-7/8 inch square cut diagonally<br /><br />Two 2-3/8 inch squares*<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3477581437/" title="POT Fabric Cutting by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/3477581437_cc5c9d1b09_m.jpg" alt="POT Fabric Cutting" align="right" height="132" hspace="10" width="240" /></a>From your POT fabric:<br /><br />One large triangle*, cut from a 3-7/8 inch square cut diagonally<br /><br />Two small triangles, cut from a 2-3/8 inch square, cut diagonally<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3478388948/" title="BACKGROUND Fabric cutting by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/3478388948_8ed54c142b_m.jpg" alt="BACKGROUND Fabric cutting" align="right" height="204" hspace="10" width="240" /></a>From your BACKGROUND fabric:<br /><br />One large triangle*, cut from a 3-7/8 inch square cut diagonally<br /><br />Two 2-3/8 inch squares*<br /><br />One 2 inch square<br /><br />Two 2 inch by 3-1/2 inch rectangles<br /><br />Note: The squares and triangles marked with asterisks* will be used to make half square triangle units. If you like to round up and trim afterward, these pieces can be cut larger.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">SEWING THE BLOCK</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3478389384/" title="Join the CACTUS and POT Large Triangles by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3652/3478389384_61132c2834_m.jpg" alt="Join the CACTUS and POT Large Triangles" align="left" height="238" hspace="10" width="240" /></a>1. Sew the Large triangles of Cactus and Pot to form a square. It should measure 3.5 inches.<br />2. Use the 2-3/8 squares of Cactus and Background fabrics to make 4 half square triangle units. They should each measure 2 inches.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3477581819/" title="The squares of BACKGROUND and CACTUS fabrics form 4 HST Units by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/3477581819_f2b06f451e_m.jpg" alt="The squares of BACKGROUND and CACTUS fabrics form 4 HST Units" height="70" width="240" /></a><br /><br />3. I find it helpful to lay out these units plus the square of background fabric, to make sure I have the cactus points going in the right direction before sewing them together . . . at least on the first block or two.<br /><br />Sew two strips, one with two triangle units and the other with two triangle units and the background square.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3477582371/" title="Layout the triangle squares by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3616/3477582371_ae8a0aa325.jpg" alt="Layout the triangle squares" height="400" width="400" /></a><br /><br />4. First attach the strip with the 2 HST units.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3477582589/" title="Add joined HST units to one side by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/3477582589_11fdd3187c.jpg" alt="Add joined HST units to one side" height="400" width="400" /></a><br /><br />5. Then add the longer strip to the other side.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3477582911/" title="Add the other HST units to the other side by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3477582911_df9f1fa6f4.jpg" alt="Add the other HST units to the other side" height="400" width="400" /></a><br /><br />6. Next sew the two small Cactus triangles to the end of the Background rectangles.<br /><br />You need to be very gentle when sewing and especially pressing these because of the bias edges at the “bottom” of this step.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3478390446/" title="Join POT small triangles to BACKGROUND rectangles by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3478390446_c7cd6ac673.jpg" alt="Join POT small triangles to BACKGROUND rectangles" height="297" width="400" /></a><br /><br />7. After these are sewn to the sides and, again, gently pressed to avoid stretching, the remaining, large background triangle (which should not be cut larger, will fit EXACTLY, to complete the block.<br /><br />I left the “bunny ears” on the sides to make it a little easier to align the triangle at the bottom. If you trim first, the points will overhang a little so that after the seam is sewn, you have a straight edge.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3478390718/" title="Add Background triangle to the bottom by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3653/3478390718_10343f9c2f.jpg" alt="Add Background triangle to the bottom" height="425" width="400" /></a><br /><br />You’re done!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophiejunction/3478390968/" title="You're done by jeansophie, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3639/3478390968_9645435a4f.jpg" alt="You're done" height="400" width="400" /></a>sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24720074.post-12678457859982944672009-04-18T11:03:00.004-04:002009-04-18T11:46:33.637-04:00Pat's Beautiful Disapearing 9-Patch QuiltSince many people discovered this blog because of my playing around with the Disappearing 9-patch and putting pieced blocks in the corners, I have to share Pat K's quilt, Hearts and Roses.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQCf4MNMzgGBSR1DJ8HvWcjGM-miEJloxoZwtS1e2j5KrGoS2wwGjcn9MQWO7rRMBmc585Z7UGH9ZWlJLooks1fUJfAZe8T5IVk2F1uDcAvFStZNjP9lCCHxHAn3mwbwfDRDT0w/s200/hearts+and+roses+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325367673356969266" border="0" /><br /><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOKoWPXa-tUDtPmW00Kc8qzWbCLCbxbJ1EYT8VJdJBF6g9Bco0tevjOhAdD5WPh7K1CxqXrBSEVuNVDBuZzQTOvmfluiTlkTHjfK03QTm-y7ngbF14Oa531_ELu9Dgv75gECqEA/s200/hearts+and+roses+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325367679896308866" border="0" /><br /><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38gUu0Vohol_uOzl78t44BYWRVrWkGPmx7EA4a8Cazc2QS9b5fX0K41MbPFuRHpKhgeZF3_5dPwlRUt57xitZW2uFdEeMQAGqwkR8gLIq_WfEmqdWdCp83w0NKgnrXyhFUXiCEQ/s200/hearts+and+roses+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325367682898556082" border="0" /><br /><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBveYXRLifqqNbky5UGsi2blp5TmGlsS490ti8czb-W0I1neTS3YwJwdPVdWNKryrFeCsQtHGmlipu7nokK4Y0jBtlgAA7eJW1blR83_EmQfj7B70rUVnL0yUpGo5QRqp9U0Jbdg/s200/hearts+and+roses+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325367675938865234" border="0" /><br /></div><br />It was her first attempt at a disappearing 9 patch using the scrappy hearts blocks she won in Block Lotto a little over a year ago. She said that she really enjoyed putting this together because of all the hearts from everyone. I just love how it turns out and the quilting designs she chose really compliment the piecing. She meandered around the blocks and stippled around the hearts. Her friend Diana quilted the border with a digital heart pattern.sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13408822963659450038noreply@blogger.com0