Sunday, November 30, 2008

Block 21

Another nice relatively simple one for us. Though, I'm thinking we're going to have to try a few of the tough ones just so we don't end up with only tough ones at the end. Maybe one tough one before Christmas and we'll save the rest for after?

First step is the 1/2 square triangles and the centre strip.

Then the sashing to create the corner blocks. Now we're back to our favourite friend the 9-patch. :)

And tada! Our next block.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Block 41

This one has quite a few pieces, but at least they're the same thing. :)

I started this one off with all the 1/2 square triangles. Is anyone interested in more detailed tutorials for the specific block elements that keep repeating themselves or should I assume everyone is familiar with them?

I cut my squares 1" instead of 7/8" larger than the finished size, draw my diagonal line and sew 1/4" away on each side of the line. I do need to square up each block, but that extra 1/8" makes a big difference to the accuracy of the finished square. There are days that little extra wiggle room is a life saver!

Here are all the 1/2 square triangles ready for squaring up.

I then cut the remaining pieces and laid everything out.

I made rows of the 1/2 square triangles. This block I was very careful with the pressing. I alternated the direction of each row so the seams would not all end up on the same side of the seam. It's going to be bulky enough without that.

I put the rows together and added the red border. (Were I to do this one again, I think I'd leave the red border until the end.)  I then appliqued the handle onto the large red 1/2 square triangle and added it to the block.

And there you have it. Block 10!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Block 6

Another week, another block. This one is a fairly simple one. There is an almost log cabin centre for an Ohio square block. Once again, for the flying geese, I used the fast flying geese method.

Just like last week, you pull your centre together (though a simpler one for us this week) and with your flying geese. You, once again, get our friend the 9-patch.

Put together the 9-patch and tada! Our next block.

Next week we tackle our 10th block! Yeah!!!

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Block 34

Another fun block for us. This one is basically a square-in-a-square-in-a-square... centre for an Ohio star block.

Once again I used the fast flying geese method for the flying geese blocks. Once you've made the 4 flying geese and the centre square, it's back to our old familiar friend the 9-patch.

 Tada! The finished block.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Block 66

Another flying crazy week. Not quite as simple as the last one, but another simpler one for us. Not too many pieces.

Make 4 hour glass blocks with your light and dark fabrics. You'll also have 5 medium squares. Then we get to create our old friend, the 9-patch.

Once the 9-patch is together, add strips along the outside borders. I cut these slightly wider and then cleaned up the block afterwards. This helps make things a little more accurate.

And, yeah! Another finished block!