QAF Block of the Month
May 2007
Massachusetts
9 1/2"(unfinished), 9" (finished)
For May, our Block
of the Month is Massachusetts. It's another block that has a definite diagonal
look to it. It's also a block that will look smashing in your two-color
quilts! And, for those of you doing your Sampler Quilts from this year's
9" 9-patch-grid BOM blocks, it is another diagonal block for your setting
pleasure.
For the BOM swap,
we are calling for one medium, bright batik and one white
or WOW fabric. Notice I used mostly TOT batiks in the samples...they will
show off this diagonal block very well. You may use any color, but it never
hurts to 'think' spring.
This is an easy
block to make, despite its complicated look. You will be making 4 identical
quarter-square triangle or hourglass patches, 3 identical half-square triangle
patches, and the other two patches are just squares. So easy.
Here's how:
Cut for each block:
To Assemble Block:
First make the (3) HST. Mark
a diagonal line from corner to corner on the back of the (2) 4" White
squares. Place them RST with the (2) Batik squares. Stitch 1/4" on
each side of the diagonal lines. Cut apart on the drawn lines. Press triangle
seams toward the batik. Square them up to 3 1/2", lining
up the diagonal line of your square-up ruler on the seam line.
Next, make the (4) quarter square
triangles (QST). Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner IN BOTH DIRECTIONS
on the back of the (2) 4 1/4" White
squares. Place them RST with the Batik squares. Stitch 1/4" on each
side of ONE of the diagonal lines. So far, just about like making a HST,
but the
cutting apart is a bit different. FIRST cut apart on the unstitched diagonal
line, THEN cut these pieces apart on the drawn between the stitching. Here
is a link to some more visual instructions.
For this block, now take these
cut-apart patches containing a dark and a light triangle, and match them
up with their opposite partners. When you
stitch them together, you will have (4) hourglass patches. That seam should
nestle nicely so you get a sharp, exact intersection. Square up these patches
to 3 1/2", lining up your square-up ruler on the seam lines.
Now, following the picture above, lay out all the patches you have just
made, taking care to orient them in the appropriate directions. You will
have one HST unit left over. (You may make two of each combination of fabrics
for the drawing, and if you do this, you will use up your extra HST units).
Before you sew your rows, notice how you have a light background-dark background
diagonal thing going on? That is what you want! Sew your block's rows together,
square up to 9 1/2" and you are done!
Here are some setting ideas.
The first one is how YOUR quilt might look when you win the BOM blocks!!
