Monday, June 1, 2009

Putting it all together

Now that you have all of your blocks made, lets put them together! There are a couple methods you can do for this. I usually like some kind of sashing around all the blocks to separate them. Also, you have to really look at your blocks and how you put your colors together. Try and figure out how they all can be arranged in a manner that makes it flow smoothly. Something that is pleasing to the eyes. If you are a person like me, I love symmetry. Here's how I arranged mine:



Since I had only one really dark block, I used that for the center. I put the blocks with the most show of background fabric opposite of each other. Then I put the heavier colored blocks at each corner.

Hey, call me anal, tell me I have some OCD issues, whatever it is, it works for me. :) And whatever method you figure out will work for you. Like I said before, it is YOUR art.

So I tried finding a color that would go well with everything but wouldn't take away from it all. I put 2 1/2" sashing strips between all the blocks.



And eventually, I got this as a result:



I really am pleased with my result. Now I will put it together with batting and a backing. Bind it up. Quilt as desired. And TA-DA! Quilt!! Something nice to hang in my living room.

I hope you enjoyed this block-of-the-month series. Please feel free to leave any comments. Or ask questions, if you need any further help.

Happy quilting everybody!

:)

Sunday, May 31, 2009

My May result



My block is the Ohio star. Anyone else out there get this one too?

:)

Friday, May 1, 2009

May Block of the Month

This months block will be totally up to you. That's right! A challenge within a challenge. Here's a hint to go on though.....Where are you from?

Ok, so this months block will be a state block. The state where you live. This way, your block-of-the-month quilt will be totally original. Unless, of course, you live in the same state as me or another friend you are doing this with. ;)

There are many websites you can search through. I just typed in "state quilt blocks" in my search bar and found a few to look over. Here's a couple to get you started:

http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/7939.asp

http://www.freequiltpatterns.info/QuiltCategories/FreeQuiltBlocks.htm

Make sure when you find a block you've settled on, it will measure 12" finished. It would work out much better if they all match in size. ;) Now after searching the web, and you still can't find one that you like, make it personal. But most of all, have fun with it! It's YOUR art!

:)

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

April Block of the Month



This month's block is called Maple Leaf. It is very easy to construct. Here is how you do it:

1.) Cut 2 background squares and 3 squares from a print fabric 4 1/2" each.

2.) Cut 2 background squares and 2 squares from the print fabric 4 7/8" each.

3.) Cut a strip of your print fabric 1" x 7" for the stem.

4.) Make half-square triangle blocks out of the 2 background and 2 prints measuring 4 7/8", constructing a total of 4 blocks to make the leaf tips.

5.) To make the stem square, cut one of the 4 1/2" background squares in half, diagonally. Then sew the 1" x 7" strip to one of the triangles, on the largest side:



6.) Press open:



7.) Sew the other triangle to the opposite side of the print strip:



8.) Press open and you have your stem square:



9.) Layout your squares and finish your block.




:)

Sunday, March 1, 2009

March Block of the Month



This month's block is called "Bear Paw". As in the last block we did, you have your choice of using either two colors for your "paws" or four different colors for four different "paws". I chose two colors for the "paws" and two colors for the background. Just maneuver them around if you have different choices.

Here's the directions:

1.) From your background fabric, you will need four 2 1/2" squares. If you are using two different colors for a background like I did, you will need two 2 1/2" squares from each color.

2.) Now cut eight 2 7/8" squares from your background fabric. And again, if there are two colors, split that to four 2 7/8" squares from each color.

3.) From "paw" fabric, you will need a total of four 4 1/2" squares and eight 2 7/8" squares.

Here is a layout of what I have cut out. Hopefully it will give you an idea of what you may need.


4.) Now take all of your 2 7/8" squares from your background fabric(s). Draw a line from corner to corner. This is your cutting line. Do this on all background squares. And place these blocks right sides together with your "paw" fabric squares. Make sure they are the 2 7/8" squares and not the smaller ones.


5.) Now sew 1/4" away from your drawn cutting line on each side of the line.



6.) Cut on the line from all of the squares to make your half-square triangle blocks.




7.) Lay out your pieces in the way you want your block to look.


8.) Start to construct your paws in this way:




9.) Finish your other paws and piece all together to complete your block.

Don't forget, if you need any help, please email me at melaniewelanie1@gmail.com .

:)

Saturday, February 7, 2009

February Block of the Month


This month's block is called "Card Trick". You can use 2 coordinating fabrics for the "cards" like I have in the example, or you could use 4 colors for 4 different "cards". The directions I have listed here are only for the 2 color choice. But just use the directions as best as you can if you want to use the 4 color choice. Don't forget you also need a background fabric.

Here are the directions:

1.) Cut two 4 7/8" squares from each of the coordinating fabrics that will be your "cards", and two from your background fabric. Then subcut them once diagonally to make 4 big triangles from each fabric.

2.) Cut one 5 1/4" square from each of your fabrics including the background fabric. Subcut diagonally twice in an X pattern to make 4 small triangles from each fabric.

3.) Piece together like the following, keeping in mind, my background fabric is the white and my "card" fabrics are the pink and sheep print.



When you piece these blocks together, first piece the small triangles together and then piece that unit to the larger triangle.



Layout your pieces as it will look when assembled. Make sure - again - make SURE your center square is positioned right. Or you will make the same mistake I did and have to get the seam ripper out after you will have pieced it all together.



After you have checked where it is all supposed to go, then piece your block together.

:)

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

January Block of the Month




Hello, I'm back. Sorry for the long delay. Yes, this post is a bit late and you all will just have to please bear with me. I realize that since I am posting this late, you don't have a full month to work on this block. At least we all don't have a deadline to meet with this huh? :)

So to get on with our instructions...

This month's block is called Jacob's Ladder. You will need 3 colors and a background fabric. Here's how you will put it together:

1.) Cut one strip each 2" x 32" from two coordinating fabrics. Sew together to make a strip set.

2.) Cut strip set into 16 segments 2" wide. Then turn one segment over and put both segments together to make a 4-patch block like this one:

Make eight 4-patch blocks total.

3.) Cut out 4 squares from your background fabric and 4 squares from your focus fabric measuring 3 7/8". On the wrong side of the lighter colored fabric, draw a diagonal line from one corner to the other. This will be your cutting line.

4.) Place a background square and a focus fabric square right sides together and sew 1/4" away from each side of the drawn cutting line.

5.) Repeat this process for the remainder 3 squares. Then cut on your drawn cutting lines to make eight half-square triangle blocks total.

6.) Assemble your block: