QAF Block of the Month

September 2005

Dots and Dashes

9 1/2"(unfinished) 9"(finished)


This month's block is sure to become a favorite with those who love blocks that are very easy to make. This month we will be making
a 9-patch variation, combining unbleached muslin with a 30s print of your choice. We will be using only one print for each block.
However, as one sample quilt below shows, many blocks (each using a different print) will result in a great 1930's scrappy look.


FABRICS:

Use only pre-washed, pressed, quilter's quality 100% cotton fabrics.

Note: Since muslin often shrinks (a lot), it is very important that you pre-shrink it before cutting your pieces. Wash in hot water and dry in hot dryer. If you remove the muslin from the dryer when it is still slightly damp and press immediately, the muslin will be pre-shrunk but wrinkles won't be hard to press out.

From your MUSLIN cut the following:

One 3-1/2" square (for your block center)
One 2" x 15" strip (for your strip unit)

From your 30s PRINT cut the following:
One 3-1/2" x 15" strip (to be sub-cut into four 3-1/2" squares)
One 2" x 15" strip (for other half of strip unit)

CONSTRUCTION:

Strip units:

Layer both 2" x 15" strips RST (right sides together) and sew along one long edge, using a scant 1/4" seam. Being careful that the joined strip lays straight on your pressing surface, press to set the seam. Then, with 30s print on top and seam facing away from you, open your strip unit and (from the right side) press so that the seam allowance goes toward the 30s print. Your strip unit (after pressing) should measure 3-1/2" x 15"

After your strip unit is pressed open, trim across one end so that the raw edge is even. If you lay your ruler so that one line is right over the seam, your trimmed end will form a perfect right angle with the length of the strip. Then measuring from this trimmed end, sub-cut this strip unit into four 3-1/2" sections. There will be a little excess which was included to allow for trimming.

Corner squares:

Sub-cut your 3-1/2" x 15" strip of 30s fabric into four 3-1/2" sections. These four 3-1/2" squares will be the corners of your block. Extra fabric was allowed to insure accuracy here, too.

Being a 9-patch variation, the block sections will be sewn into 3 rows (top, middle, bottom). These 3 rows will then be joined to complete the block.

Note: If you sew with a scant 1/4" seam and double check the measurements as you go along, the finished block will be perfectly sized. If each step of construction measures correctly, continue on. If not. . .stop! Now is the time to fix it. A short seam can be adjusted easily *before* everything is joined together.

Pressing in the direction given, your pieces and rows will nest together easily and the intersections will be accurate. Pin, as needed, and sew whereever possible with the raw edge of top seam facing the machine first. This shoves the fabric intersection together for a really good fit.

TOP ROW:

Referring to the pictured sample block above, join one 3-1/2" square of 30s print to one 3-1/2" strip section, using a scant 1/4" seam.

Hint: The strip section edge that is to be sewn has both muslin AND 30s print. (After joining, this unit measures 3-1/2" x 6-1/2".)

Now add another 3-1/2" corner square to the opposite end of the strip unit. (Your row now measures 3-1/2" x 9-1/2".) Press seams out toward the corner units.

BOTTOM ROW:

Repeat all steps as described above for Top row.

CENTER ROW:

Join one section of strip unit to muslin center square keeping the 30s print next to the center square. (Again, if your seam allowance is a scant 1/4", this section will measure 3-1/2" x 6-1/2".)

Add remaining strip section to opposite side of center square, again being careful that the 30s print is next to the center square. Press seams toward the center square. (This row will measure 3-1/2" x 9-1/2".)

Joining rows:

Referring to the block illustrated above, arrange your rows so that the 30s print strips are all next to the center block and the muslin strips are at the outside edges on all four sides of the block.

Sew the top strip to the center strip, carefully nesting the intersecting seams together. Press seam toward the top strip. (This unit will now measure 6-1/2" x 9-1/2".)

Now, after checking that your row is turned correctly, sew the bottom strip to the center strip, again nesting your intersecting seams. Press seam toward the bottom strip. Your block should now measure 9-1/2" square. Press block and trim to square up (if needed); remove any dangling threads and you are all done.

Check out the sample quilts below to see how your blocks will look set into a quilt top.

© 2005 Mary Evans

Enjoy this pattern from the Quilting Arts Forum on Delphi.

http://forums.delphiforums.com/quilting
www.quilting-arts-forum.com