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Let's have fun with plaids this month! Use clear colored plaids that have a bit of brightness to them. Within that framework, the fabrics can be colors that include reds, pinks, yellows, blues, greens, though not necessarily all in the same fabric. Pair them with a nice clear medium to dark blue for blocks that resemble the ones in these quilts. One plaid fabric and one blue fabric for each block. You may make up to 3 blocks with the same fabrics for the BOM. Be sure to pre-wash your 100% cotton fabrics, press them and rotary cut for nice sharp intersections. It is not necessary to cut your plaids right on the lines, plaid quilts are just as charming if some of the plaids are not absolutely on the grain...but do make sure your blocks square up to size.
Cutting Instructions for One Block: Plaid: Cut (1) 5 1/2" square and (4) 3" squares Blue: Cut (4) 3" x 5 1/2" rectangles To Assemble Block: Sew with 1/4" seams. Lay out your cut pieces, following the block drawing above. Sew them together in rows, i.e., stitch a 3" plaid square to each end of a 3" x 5 1/2" rectangle. Repeat. Press to the plaids. Stitch a rectangle to each side of the large square, press to the plaid. Sew these strips together, as per the drawing, nestling the intersections for sharp intersections. Press both of these seams in the same direction. Measure. Each block should measure 10 1/2" exactly when ready to mail.
Here's a setting suggestion, with a dark alternate block and sashing, (67" x 67"). The inner border is cut to 1 1/2", outer border is cut to 5". Alternate blocks are 10 1/2" squares, sashing is cut to 2", cornerstones are cut 2" squares.
Yet another setting, especially for my adventurous friends, this time with alternate bright plaid blocks and bright borders. This is the same setting as the one just above, but look how different it looks! And here's another idea using a straight setting and no sashing, (52" x 62"). Inner border is cut to 1 1/2", outer border cut to 5 1/2". Note to QAF members: You have probably noticed that my suggestions are for lap/nap size quilts. For anyone wanting other sizes, I would be more than happy to draft them, should your winnings be larger or smaller, or if you just want to make a quilt for yourself.
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