QAF January 2010 Block Swap

EXTRA EZ

designed by Shaka

6 1/2" (unfinished), 6" (finished)

The best block swaps are fast and easy to make, very frugal and (best of all) lots of fun. This swap is all of these. Such a simple pattern! Filled with charm and nostalgia, this is the perfect project for beginners.

FABRICS:

For each block you will need:
(1) 7" square of white or WOW
(2) 5" squares of colorful 30s print--one each of 2 prints

CONSTRUCTION:

Place one (1) square of 30s fabric right side DOWN on your white square (which is right side UP) so that is aligned with the upper left corner of the white square. Draw a diagonal line on the back side of the 30s square from lower left corner to upper right corner.

Sew on this drawn line. Using your rotary ruler, cutter and mat, cut 1/4" from the seam, trimming away the excess corner triangles. (Before cutting, see NOTE below) Press. Repeat on the lower right corner of the white square with a different 30s square.

Center your 6-1/2" square-up ruler on the block and trim to a perfect 6-1/2" square.

NOTE: BEFORE cutting off the corner triangles, sew another seam 1/2" to the OUTSIDE of this first seam. Cut between the two lines. You will have a cute little HST block to use in your borders if you like. Press open and square up to 3-1/2". (Each of the Extra EZ swap blocks will yield 2 of these HSTs.)

See sample quilt below: