QAF Block of the Month
June 2007
Not-so-Calico Puzzle
9 1/2" (unfinished), 9"
(finished)
We are revisiting
a block we did last year called Calico Puzzle. The name has been changed
to protect....er, well, because we are not going to use calicos this time
around. Instead, since it is the beginning of the summer season, we are
going to call for BEACH themed fabric! So, for the 4 squares that 'touch'
the center square, your fabric will be something you would find at the
beach. Shells, buckets, fish, lobsters, etc. The center square and the
darker triangles will be a tone on tone, solid, marbled, and colorful
fabric that coordinates with your beach fabric. The lighter triangles
will
be a light
tan, or sand color.
The other reason
I wanted to use this block again, is that it will make a very nice addition
to your Sampler Quilts, for those of you who are joining the group in this
pursuit this year.
You may make up
to 3 blocks for the BOM using the same fabrics, but feel free to make more,
using different themed fabrics.
Cut for each block:
To Assemble Block:
First make the HST (half-square
triangles). Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the back of each
of the 4" TAN squares. Layer them RST with the TOT 4" squares.
Stitch 1/4" on each side of the diagonal line, for each set. Cut them
apart on the drawn line and press to the darker fabric.. Trim with your
smaller square-up ruler to 3 1/2" square exactly, lining up the sewn
diagonal line on the ruler's diagonal line.
Lay out your patches for the
block as in the block drawing above, and pay special attention to the direction
of the diagonal lines. This will give your quilts those
colorful pinwheels when you put them all together.
Sew together in rows, pressing
all your seams toward the Beach fabric. Now sew the rows together,
and the seam intersections will nestle nicely. Press both 'row' seams toward
the center row. Measure your block, and square up using your larger square-up
ruler. The block should measure exactly 9 1/2" square. Trim if necessary.
Have fun with these fabrics,
and your Not-So-Calico Puzzle blocks!
