NOTE:  I am adding both November and December’s blocks into one post as I will be fairly busy over the next few months and I want to post them before they get lost on my desk.

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

OCTOBER BONUS BORDER BLOCKS:  ITTY BITTY FLYING GEESE PINWHEELS

Click to access BIttyBlocksFlyingGeesePinwheel.pdf

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

NOVEMBER ITTY BITTY BLOCK:  FREINDSHIP STAR

This is a fairly easy block but remember those little flying geese units are very small to work with. Here is the link: This is a fairly easy block, but here is the pattern link:

Click to access QM_November_Bitty_Block-PrinterFriendly_.pdf

NOVEMBER BLOCK #1:  BIRDS IN THE AIR

The link is below:

NOVEMBER BLOCK #2:  CUPS AND SAUCERS:

NOVEMBER BLOCK #3:  CHINESE LANTERN:

NOVEMBER BLOCK #4:  CROSS AND CROWN

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!

OCTOBER BONUS BORDER BLOCKS:  ITTY BITTY STARS

This is a really easy pattern and fun to make!  You will need four (4) of these at 3.5 inches.  You will need to scroll down to September for the pattern, click and print.

Here is the link:  https://www.quiltingcompany.com/the-bitty-blocks-of-2015-free-quilt-block-patterns-quilty-pleasures-blog/?fbclid=IwAR0g2ClO4dB6pgfW6iGbxgGA8i3o6eU89nGDXVFJH4Dqm6Xr78RiwjkU1QA

OCTOBER BLOCK #1:  FIVE PATCH SHOO FLY

This is such a pretty block and easy to make!  Instead of posting instructions, here is a link to Spruce Crafts.  They have an abundance of patterns.  Here is the link:  https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/shoo-fly-quilt-pattern-three-sizes-2821113.  Make sure to print out the pattern, and to scroll down to 6 inch.  Have fun!

OCTOBER BLOCK #2:  LADY OF THE LAKE

This is a classic pattern that goes well with other blocks as a companion.  Just watch for the half square triangles that go around the block as they can be tricky to keep straight.  Pattern and pictures will be up soon.

Here is a link to the pattern, it is a tutorial:  It has 3 sizes to choose from but make sure to scroll to the right size, 6.5 inches.  https://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/lady-of-the-lake-quilt-block.html

And my finished block, but I did it a little differently.  I used different fabrics for the center.

OCTOBER BLOCK #3:  KING’S CROWN

If you google this, you will find another version of King’s Crown, but this is a different variation.  This version is similar to Birds In The Air pattern, but watch for the little squares that go in the center.  Pattern and pictures will be up soon.

OCTOBER BLOCK #4:  LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE

This looks complicated and it is but only because it has so many pieces in it.  But if you can keep your pieces marked and in order, it does go together quickly.  Just be careful with the placements of the small squares.  I am working on this and hope to post pictures  this weekend.

Pattern and pictures will be up soon.  This is a little different as it has the schoolhouse bell on top and is missing the other two roof pieces.  I like the look of this one better.

Sunday, August 11:

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

JULY BORDER BLOCKS, PINWHEEL  3.5 INCHES

I was gifted a bag of 2 inch HST a while back and last night I was playing with them and this is what I came up with.   So fun, simple and fast to make, and very addictive.  I sewed four HST together to make a fun little pinwheel.  All you  need are a bunch of HST and sew them together!  Or you can go to the link and use their pattern.  I really encourage using up what is on hand first but that is up to you.

Click to access Bitty_Pinwheel000.pdf

AUGUST BORDER BLOCKS, REVERSED FLYING GEESE, 3.5 INCHES

Again, using my magic bag of HST, I played with this idea, reversed flying geese.  That means that the background becomes the center on one of them.  Be scrappy and have fun playing with different color combinations!

These are just simple 2 inch HST sewn together, then adding a second one to the bottom of the first.  Just think how scrappy and pretty this would be as an outside border.  Sorry, no pattern this time, but very simple.

NOTE:  I have finally learned how to export pictures from  EQ8!  These are pictures of the blocks only.  I am still in the process of writing up the directions as it takes a while to make sure that they are accurate.  Hope to have most of it done by tonight or tomorrow morning. 

The blocks for August will be in this same section, so please keep scrolling down.  I will update as we go along.  Thank you!

JULY BLOCKS:

BLOCK #1:  NEW ALBUM

This is simply a square-in-a-square pattern, very quick to make, fun and addictive.  The block should measure 6.5 inches square.

FABRIC CHOICES AND CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS:

These are the colors that I chose.  That is purple but somehow it shows up as blue.

From the dark purple, cut four (4) 4.5 inch x 1.5 inch strips.  (Those are 2 inch in the picture, but I had to cut them down as otherwise the block was too big.  I didn’t get a picture of the revised strips.)

From the floral, cut a 4.5 inch square, and four 1.5 inch squares.

From the white or background, cut four 3.5 inch squares.  Then press and fold on the diagonal.

SEWING INSTRUCTIONS:

This is fairly simple.  I started with the center square and then placed the folded triangles, right sides together, and sewed them down.

Next, work on the outside units.  I sewed one 4.5 inch strip to the top and bottom.  I then sewed the 2.5 inch units onto either side of the remaining strips and then sewed onto the sides of the block.

And this is the finished block:

It finished at 6.5 inches square.  Have fun!

BLOCK #2:  HAND WEAVE 

BLOCK #3:  6-POINT STAR 

This requires templates that will be provided.  

BLOCK #4:  FORBIDDEN FRUIT TREE

This requires templates that will be provided. 

NOTE:  If you feel uncomfortable or not ready to try this block, you can choose your own block, but please try and make it similar to this level of difficulty.

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

AUGUST BLOCKS:

BLOCK #1:  FRIENDSHIP STAR

This is such an easy block and yet I managed to make it the wrong size the first time.  It came out at 5.5 inches square.  That will teach me to sew when I’m half asleep.

Anyway, here is my finished block:

I forgot to take pictures of it as I was so happy to have it done.

Here is a link to the directions:  https://www.patchworksquare.com/index.php?function=DisplaySheet&sheet=friendship-star-basic-quilt-block&links=1&id=

Please make sure to scroll down about halfway, click the pattern itself and that will open it for you.  It is the last one, 6 inches.  You can either print the whole pattern or just the size you need.

BLOCK #2:  THE SPOOL 

There are many different ways to make this block, so I am posting my favorite pattern.  Here is the link:  https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/arkansas-traveler-spools-quilt-block-pattern-2820807

When making the block, the important thing to remember is the placement of the triangles going down on the bottom and up at the top.  Otherwise, it might not look quite right.

To Make One 6″ x 6″ Quilt Block

Spools: Cut from Four Different Dark Fabric

• (1) 1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ strip of each color
• (4) 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ squares of each color

Background: (8) 1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ light strips total

And here is my block.  I decided to do a different color in the center.  Have fun creating!

BLOCK #3:  FOOL’S SQUARE 

BLOCK #4:  CONTRARY WIFE OR (EVENING STAR)

This looks more complicated than it is especially with all the HST in this pretty block.  Since EQ8 doesn’t provide the instructions for putting the block together, I am providing a link to Patchwork Square.  They have a complete list of what you need, how to cut and put it together, which is easier for all of us, rather than my trying to translate it for you.

Here is the link:  https://www.patchworksquare.com/index.php?function=DisplaySheet&sheet=evening-star-quilt-block&links=1&id=&link1=55

Remember to scroll down halfway and there is the pattern.  You will want to select the 6 inch pattern.  I will be posting pictures of mine later.  Have fun creating!

Following the directions from the pattern link above makes this complicated block a lot easier.  It’s mostly made up of HST and squares, just watch the placement of the triangles.

You may have noticed that the picture is not up at the top.  That is because I have been going through some of the blocks and have determined that a few may not look just right because of their original size, number of pieces, and style and may not translate well into this quilt.  I am auditioning other blocks to see if they might work out a little better and that is part of the reason that the blocks are a little late this month.  Blocks are subject to change and I reserve this right.  I will be replacing the picture later this month.

Thank you for your patience. 

Hello and Welcome Back!

Yes, it has been a while since I posted but it has been a fairly busy month! But I am back with the 3 inch block for June!

It is a brand  new month and what better way to start than with some fun little mini blocks!  Remember the summer time when you would go outside, take a good book and read under a shady tree?  I loved doing that on long hot summer days!

Churn Dash

Sample Block Size: 6″(6-1/2″ unfinished)

Grid Size: 2″

Two fabrics and simple piecing are all it takes for this block.

I cut my HST patches a bit bigger than the dimensions in the chart, stitch the units and then cut them to size.

Will post pictures a little later.

From the background, cut 2 squares 2.5 inches, and 10 squares at 1.5 inches.

From the contrasting color, cut 6 squares at 1.5 inches. Then cut 4 squares at 1 7/8 inches, and bisect on the diagonal once.

From the dark, cut 2 squares at 2 7/8 and bisect on the diagonal once.

From the 2.5 inches squares of the contrasting and the background, make three 4 patches. See above picture.

The make 4 flying geese units with the remaining background and contrasting color.

The blue triangles will go at the bottom. Now that it is pressed, you can put the block together. Make sure that your pieces are all 3.5 inches. Be careful of the triangle placements.

Here is my finished block. I love how the red and blue play so nicely together.

BLOCK #4: ROULETTE WHEEL:

NOTE: This was supposed to be One Wheel with 12 Spokes but it is paper-pieced and I am not comfortable enough to tackle this block, and I did promise no PP. So, I am substituting Roulette Wheel instead that uses up a lot of small triangles. Hope to have it posted later today.

Here is a link to the pattern: https://www.patchworksquare.com/index.php?function=DisplaySheet&sheet=roulette-wheel-quilt-block&links=1&id= Make sure to scroll down a little bit and then click on the picture. That should open it up.

Hello Everyone!

You may have noticed that the picture is not up at the top.  That is because I have been going through some of the blocks and have determined that a few may not look just right because of their original size and may not translate well into this quilt.  I am auditioning other blocks to see if they might work out a little better and that is part of the reason that the blocks are a little late this month.  Blocks are subject to change and I reserve this right. 

Thank you for your patience.  

I haven’t been on much lately but I’m BACK! I seemed to have lost my sewing mojo last month and am getting caught up.

Can you believe that we are already into May and that we are almost halfway through our quilt! Since we have 16 blocks made it is time to start thinking about possibly sashing our blocks. Me, I’m thinking of black thin sashing. Since we are doing 4 at a time, maybe grouping the blocks together that way may be best. I will leave the color and size up to you.

BLOCK #1:  TWO STRIPS AND THREE TRIANGLES:

BLOCK #2:  BOX-IN-A-BOX VARIATION:

This block looks easy and it is but it is also an exercise in set-in seams.  Remember, when you do your set-in seams (not Y-seams) you want to go just to the edge of the seam, don’t cross over it.  Very easy, but you might want to pin it to make sure you get it just right.

These are the colors that I chose.

CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. From the background, you will need to cut the following:

Two 1 1/2 inch x 7 1/4 inch strips.

Two 1 1/2 inch x 5 1/4 inch strips.

    2.  From the alternate color, you will need:

Two 1 1/2 inch x 7 1/4 inch strips.

Two 1 1/2 inch x 5 1/4 inch strips.

    3.  And for the focus fabric, one 2.5 inch square.

You will need to cut the four outer pieces at a 45 degree angle on each end.  This will help with the set-in seams.

SEWING INSTRUCTIONS:

NOTE:  I started a new post as the other was too long, so from here on out I will be making a new post each month.  This means that if you’re new to the group that you will have to go back a little to find the previous posts.

BORDER BLOCKS:  ITTY BITTY LOG CABIN

My apologies.  The link has been deleted since I found that the measurements are off.  I have rewritten the instructions below.

Cutting Instructions for 3 inch Log Cabin (Corrected)
The width will always be 1 inch.
1. Center 1 x 1 inch
2. 1 inch x 1 inch
3. 1 ½ x 1 inch
4. 1 x 1 ¾ inches
5. 1 x 1 ¾ inches
6. 1 x 2 ¼ inches
7. 1 x 2 ¼ inches
8. 1 x 3 inches
9. 1 x 3 ¼ inches
You will now have a block that measures 3 ¼ inches.

APRIL BLOCKS:  Will be posted throughout the week as I finish them.

Hello Everyone! Just wanted to let you know that my machine is not working properly at the moment but I will be posting instructions and pictures this weekend. Apologies about the delay!

BLOCK #1:  BASKET

This is a very easy block that involves half-square triangles and goes together quickly.  You can either use the same focus fabric or another contrasting color for the handle.  

From your background fabric, you will need to cut one 5 1/4 inch square.  Cut that on the diagonal twice.  You will need one for the center.  Now cut two 4 inch squares and cut on the diagonal once.  You will need those for the outside corners. 

For the focus fabric you will need to cut 7 1/4 inch square and then cut on the diagonal twice for 4 triangles.  You will also need two 1 1/4 inch strips other at 4 3/8.  Cut one end at a 45 degree angle.

SEWING INSTRUCTIONS:

Starting with the bottom of the basket, sew a triangle to either side.

For the handles and top, I started off with sewing one strip to each triangle, press and repeat.  Then sew to the larger triangle, pressing afterwards.  Now, sew that unit together to the bottom and you’re done!  Trim to 6.5 inches.

BLOCK #2:  THREE KITTENS

This is a very easy block and is fun to make.  These are the fabrics that I chose, all from scraps.  You will need 3 focus fabrics and a background.

From the focus fabrics you will need 2 1/4 inch strips of different sizes.  For the first cat, you will need a  2 1/4 x 6 inch strip.

The second strip needs to be cut at 4 3/4 x 2 1/4 inches, the third one at 3 3/4 inches and the final part at 2 5/8 inches.  You can either cut the final part at an angle or leave it straight.  I chose to leave it straight.

Now that you have your bodies cut, arrange them from tallest on down.

For the ears, you will need to cut two 1 inch squares per cat, a total of 6 squares.  Place them at the bottom of your background fabric and fold over and sew.

1.  The first ears will be 1 inch each on either side and the background will be  2 1/4 inches x 1 inch in length.
2.  For the second ears, it will be 1 inch on either side and the background will be 2 1/4 inches x 2 inches in length.
3. The final ears will be on inch on either side and the background will be 2 1/4 inches x 3 1/2 inches.
4. For the body it will be 2 5/8 x 4 inches.

Now sew the ears to the body and then sew the strips altogether.

For the ears, if they are off a little bit, don’t worry as it will give your cat a little character!

Here is the final block.  Trim down to 6.5 inches.

BLOCK #3:  FLAG STAR  

If you have made a Friendship Star block, then this is very easy to make.  Just watch for the center part, that’s where the tricky part comes in.

These are the colors I chose, a medium blue, dark blue, red and white.

Sew the block together just like a Friendship Star.  You will need four 2.5 inch squares for the outside.  You will also need two 3 inch squares cut on the diagonal.  Using the red and dark blue, cut those on the diagonal and sew to the light blue background fabric.

For the center, you will need one 1.4 x 1.5 inch rectangle.

Now cut the red and white into strips measuring one-half inch by 1.5 inch.  You will need 2 red and 1 white strip.

For the bottom part of the flag, continue to cut at one-half inch by 2.5 inches.  You will need 2 of each of color.  Starting with the white sew to the bottom of the flag.  That will give you 4 stripes.  Once that is done, square down to 2.5 inches.

Sew together as a regular 9 patch and you will have finished your block!

My stripes are not completely straight, but I call it wavy stripes.  I have large fingers and it’s hard to keep those tiny little strips straight!

BLOCK #4:  GRAPE BASKET  

This block looks complicated but if you break it down into units, it’s fairly easy.  It’s also a good way to use up your half square triangles.  I am attaching the pattern from EQ8.  Block #4 Grape Basket, April

You will need 6 colors, dark, medium, light, lightest and background.  Here are the measurements needed:

From the background, cut the following:

1.  One 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inch square.  That will go at the top.
2.  One 2 inch squares, cut in half diagonally.
3.  One 3 1/4 inch square, cut in half diagonally twice.
4.  Two 3 1/2 inch x 1 1/2 inch rectangles.  These will go on the outside.

From the darkest, cut the following:

1.  Three 2 inch squares, cut in half diagonally.
2.  One 3 inch square, cut in half diagonally.  You will use this as the base of the basket.

For the remainder of the colors, cut the following:

1.  From the medium, cut three 2 x 2 inch squares.  Cut on the diagonal.  You will need 5.
2.  From the light, cut one 2 x 2 inch square.  Cut on the diagonal.
3.  From the lightest, cut one 2 x 2 inch square.  Cut on the diagonal.  You will also need to cut one 3 x 3 inch square, cut on the diagonal.  That will be used for the top part of the basket.

Once you have the pattern downloaded, I believe it is easier to work with the pieces as units and sew together.  I will be posting pictures a little later.

And finally, here is my finished Grape Basket block.