QAF Block of the Month

April 2004

Tulips

5 1/2" unfinished (5" finished)

Spring is finally Springing and the Tulips are starting to bloom in my part of the country! And this month's BOM comes to us courtesy of Shaka, who designed this cute little tulip block that couldn't be easier to piece, a la log cabin.

Your background fabric will be your choice of muslin or COC. You will also need a medium green TOT or solid for the leaves and two shades of a clear pastel TOT or solid, one darker for the center and one lighter for the actual tulip petals. There are some connector squares in this block, like there were in last month's BOM. You ARE familiar with how to sew on Connector Squares, right?

Those of you who join our Strip Swaps, could actually make these blocks from some of your strips. Your scrap basket may also yield just what you need to make a few of these blocks.

You may make up to 3 blocks the same this month; however, if you want to make more, you could use the same fabrics for everything but the tulip petals for additional blocks. Let's keep the color varied for the winner(s).

For each Block:

Cut from Background fabric:

(1) pc. 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"

(2) 1 3/4" square, (draw diagonal line on wrong side of each)

(2) 1 1/2" square, (draw diagonal line on wrong side of each)

(1) 1 1/2" square

Cut from Green fabric:

(1) pc. 1 1/2" x 4 1/2"

(1) pc. 1 1/2" x 5 1/2"

Cut from Tulip Petals fabric: (lighter of the two)

(1) 2 1/2" square

(1) pc. 2 1/2" x 4 1/2"

Cut from Tulip Center fabric: (darker of the two)

(1) 1 1/2" square

To Assemble Block: Lay out each fabric piece as its counterpart appears in the block picture above. Sew piece #1 to piece #2, and press to the dark. Following the picture, then attach #3 to this set, pressing to #3. Attach piece #4 to the side, pressing again to the dark.

Now take one of your 1 3/4" square background pieces and line it up on the right top corner of the dark square, R.S. together, with the drawn diagonal line going in the same direction as the seam in the picture. Stitch on the diagonal line. Press out and trim the under triangles at 1/4" from the seam.

Now add the #6 piece and press to #6. Notice that you have been going around the block log-cabin style. Isn't this fun? Now it's time to add the other 1 3/4" square background piece, same as before, and press and trim off the under triangles.

At this point, square up your block; it should measure 4 1/2" square. If it does not, now would be a good time to find out why and correct any cutting or 1/4" seam problems.

Next, add the shorter leaf strip(#8). You will be adding 1 1/2" connector squares to these two leaf strips, and when you do, you will line up the square with the outside corner of the leaf's top edge. Notice that the inside edge of the connector square overlaps the leaf seam by 1/4", which is perfect. This is necessary so that your leaf will retain its point when sewn into your quilt. Stitch your diagonal line as before, taking care it is pointed in the correct direction for your leaf point. Then add the longer leaf, (#10), the final 1 1/2" connector square, press, trim and you've made a flower! The block should measure 5 1/2" square, unfinished, to enter in the BOM lottery.

Long live the tulips!! Make lots! Happy Spring!