MINI BLOCK CLUB SEPTEMBER 2019

NOTE: I will be adding patterns and pictures all week. Please keep checking back in. It takes a while to write, take pictures and post, and double check the patterns and I’m a little slow at times. Thank you!

AUGUST BORDER BLOCKS: ITTY BITTY LOVE HEARTS

These are so easy to make, sweet and addictive. They should measure 3.5 inches when done. Here is the link: Make sure to scroll down until you come to Bitty Love Hearts under June. https://www.quiltingcompany.com/the-bitty-blocks-of-2015-free-quilt-block-patterns-quilty-pleasures-blog/?fbclid=IwAR0g2ClO4dB6pgfW6iGbxgGA8i3o6eU89nGDXVFJH4Dqm6Xr78RiwjkU1QA

SEPTEMBER BLOCKS:

BLOCK #1, BUTTERFLY

There are 2 ways to make this block, one is using templates for rotary cutting or paper-piecing. I leave it up to you to choose which one works best for you.

I am attaching the instructions from EQ8, please click on the 6 pdf links below, they are ready to be printed. There are templates with this also, but I believe that most of us have the rulers available and you may or may not need all the templates.

file:///C:/Users/Donna/Documents/Sept%20Block%201%20Butterfly.pdf

file:///C:/Users/Donna/Documents/Sept%20Block%201a%20Butterfly.pdf

file:///C:/Users/Donna/Documents/Sept%20Block%201b%20Butterfly.pdf

file:///C:/Users/Donna/Documents/Sept%20Block%201c%20Butterfly.pdf

file:///C:/Users/Donna/Documents/Sept%20Block%201d%20Butterfly.pdf

file:///C:/Users/Donna/Documents/Sept%20Block%201e%20Butterfly.pdf

Here is the link to Quilter’s Cache and that has paper-piecing. Make sure to click on both links to the templates. To me this seems a little easier than using EQ8’s instructions.

http://www.quilterscache.com/B/ButterflyBlock.html 

NOTE: I went ahead and used the pattern from EQ8. There are templates available above but it can also be pieced fairly easily, just sew it into rows. You want to make sure that when you sew the body together, to leave the seams open so as to insert the body. That involves a small inset seam at the top where the head is.

These are the colors that I chose:

You want to make sure that the long part of the template matches with template B on both sides.

Yes, that is the same piece of fabric, it looks darker above because of the lighting from the machine.

It’s easier to sew the small triangles on the top afterwards. But, when you do the bottom part of the body, do the triangles first. Do not sew the middle seams together yet, you want to make sure to leave this section open since the body goes in last.

The finished block:

Don’t forget to add the antennae!

I can see a whole field full of butterflies! Enjoy!

BLOCK #2, CLAY’S CHOICE

This block looks a lot more complicated than it is. It’s actually a pinwheel block made into a star, very easy to make. I am attaching a link for the block: https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/clays-choice-quilt-block.pdf

I used the pattern from Patchwork Square and it went together very quickly. Note: Make sure that you have the 6-inch pattern in front of you. I had started making it and putting it together and then noticed that I was doing the 9-inch block. No problem though, I went ahead and cut down the HST units to 2 inches and it worked it great.

These are the colors that I chose:

You need to cut out from the dark and background, four 2-inch squares. Also, you will need to cut two 2 3/8 inches and cut once on the diagonal.

From the light and contrast pieces, you will need to cut 8 pieces at 2 3/8 inches and cut once on the diagonal.

Sew together your background and dark triangles and make 4 units.

Sew together your brown and other contrasting triangles together to make 8 HST.

Here is the block laid out. Sew together in rows.

And here is my finished block. This is a sample block as it is a little off. They are fun to make!

Have fun sewing!

BLOCK #3, LEMOYNE STAR

This is a tutorial on youtube.com, Lemoyne Star without inset seams. This is from McCall’s Quilting and it takes the hassle out of the block and so much easier to make. It uses HST instead of the flying geese units and is easier to work with, at least in my opinion. I recommend it over the printed patterns out there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsgDUXZ3EWU