Nearly Insane Quilts

Still Going

2010-11-23T11:57:00.000-08:00

I've had a few questions on this now, so....

I have no plans to take down this site. I'll keep it up and running and responding to comments for the foreseeable future.

So, rest assured, the tutorials will remain.

For everyone that has joined me in this journey, THANKS! I know I would not have all these blocks done if it wasn't for your support.

To provide a little incentive for all of us to continue in this journey, I'm having a draw. To enter, you need to send me a link to or picture of your completed quilt top (or quilt) by December 31, 2010. I'll give you one entry if the top is finished and two entries if it is quilted and bound too.

I will add pictures of the completed tops to this blog, with links back to the owner, unless you ask me not to.

Block 92

2010-10-31T08:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

Can you believe that this is our last block?! When we started this journey did you believe that we'd ever get here.

Our last block is cut up to make the corner blocks for our quilt. If you are not adding the extra seam allowance you'll follow the funky coloured pictures. If you're adding the extra seam allowance, follow the red and white.

Here everything is set out and ready to go.

Here the outer 1/2 square triangles and the centre square-in-a-square have been completed.

Here the centre 9-patch has been completed.

And finally the outer border has been attached to complete the block.

If you're adding the extra seam allowance, you'll want to start following along here.

Here the 1/2 square triangles have been completed. The triangles have been added to the centre squares and the middle border.

Here the middle border has been added to the centres and the outer borders have been finished.

And finally the outer border has been added to finish our last block.

Block 25

2010-10-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

Here is our next block set out and ready to go. Apparently I was neglectful with the photos on this one. Here everything is set out with the corner and centre square-in-a-square blocks, the 1/2 square triangles, and flying geese done. Take note that the white and read 1/2 square triangles in the outer border are actually rectangles. The remaining 1/2 square triangles in the outer border and not squares and they're also not 45* angles. I was feeling lazy about the math for piecing so I did them for paper piecing.

Here the paper piecing has been completed and trimmed to size. I've attached the centre square-in-a-square to the flying geese. I've also started working on the 1/2 square triangles for the next border and outer border.

Here the work continues on the middle 1/2 square triangles.

Here the middle 1/2 square triangles have been attached along with the middle strips. Can you see that what remains is a 9-patch?

And here is our completed block.

Block 96

2010-10-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

This week we've got another edge block to tackle. If you're doing the block without the extra seam allowance you'll want to follow the funky coloured block construction. If you're doing the block with the extra seam allowance you'll want to follow the red and white block construction.

Here things are set out for our block.

Here the posts have been attached for the outer and middle borders along with the centre square-in-a-square.

Apparently I missed a picture of adding the middle border, but I then added the middle border and then the outer border to complete the block.

If you're adding the extra seam allowance to the border blocks, you'll want to follow along here.

First I attached the triangles for the centre rectangles and posts for the remaining borders.

The middle border has now been added.

And finally the outer border to complete our next block.

Block 72

2010-10-10T07:13:00.000-07:00

Here is our next block set out and ready to go. This one appears to be another one of the famous use up all the scraps blocks. The strips along the outer edge are all assorted sizes.

First up is the centre 4-patch. Plus, I've started working on the outer border.

Then I did the first centre square-in-a-square along with continuing on the outer border.

Here the next square-in-a-square has been completed and the rest of the borders are ready to go.

The middle border has been attached.

And the outer border attached to complete our next block.

Block 62

2010-10-03T06:46:00.000-07:00

Here is everything we need for the next block. The first step in this one is lots of square-in-a-square blocks. When cutting for this block, I didn't realize that the upper and lower squares are actually rectangles. I left them as is (since I didn't realize it until I after I did the square-in-a-square blocks) and just widened the red rectangles to compensate.

Here things are all set out with the square-in-a-square blocks completed.

Here each of the rows are ready to go.

Here they are sewn together and trimmed down to size to give us our next block.

Block 93

2010-09-26T06:20:00.000-07:00

We're on the home stretch now. Our next block is an edge block. So, if you're adding the extra seam allowance, follow the red & white blocks. If you're not adding the seam allowance, follow the brightly coloured blocks.

Here is the block set out and ready to go.

Here I've added the first border and trimmed it down to size.

And the second border.

The third border added.

And finally the last border to make up the finished block.

Here is the block set out for the approach without adding the extra seam allowance. The centre squares have been prepped for square-in-a-square.

Here the centre square is done. Next up is the triangles method for square-in-a-square.

And here is the centre completed.

Now the next border has been added.

And the final border added to make up our next block.

Block 80

2010-09-13T17:22:00.000-07:00

Here is our next block set out and ready to go. The pile of squares in the upper left hand corner are for the 1/2 square triangles in the outer border.

Here is is with the 1/2 square triangles made. I've also started working on the blocks in the centre.

Here I've continued attaching the centre blocks. I've also added and trimmed the first set of triangles. I've added the posts for the middle border and have continued working on the outer border.

For the centre blocks, I've attached the three rows for the centre block and then trimmed it. I've also continued on the outer border.

Here the outer triangles have been added to complete the centre square.

The middle borders attached.

And finally the outer border attached to complete our next block.

Block 87

2010-09-05T06:07:00.000-07:00

Our next block for the week is another edge block. So, if you're making these as two separate pieces, you'll want to follow this method. If you're making a block and then slicing it, scroll down until you find the funky colours.

Here is our next block set out and ready to go.

I've put the centre squares together. Attached the posts for the middle border and have started working on the outer triangles.

Here I've attached the middle border and completed the outer triangles.

Now the final outer border has been added and our next block is finished!

Here things are set out for the other approach to our block.

Here I've completed the centre 4-patch. Added the posts to the middle border and completed the outer triangles.

Now the middle border has been attached.

And the outer triangles added to complete our next block.

Block 55

2010-08-29T06:34:00.000-07:00

There certainly are quite a few pieces in this next block. Here everything is set out and ready to go.

Here I've done the centre square-in-a-square block. Plus I've attached the middle strips together.

Here I've attached additional pieces for those middle strips and am working at the next centre square-in-a-square.

Here the centre square-in-a-square is complete and the triangles have been added to the middle strip set.

Now you attached the next border. There are set in seams, don't be scared. I put together a more detailed tutorial on it.

Then I add the final triangles and we have our next block finished.

Block 91

2010-08-22T06:15:00.000-07:00

Here is our next block set out and ready to go. The funky coloured one is the method you'd use if you're slicing the block after you've finished it.

Here the posts have been attached on all the borders and the centre square-in-a-square has been completed.

Here is the first border added.

And our block is done!

If you're making the block as two separate pieces, this is the method you'll follow.

Here I've added the posts for the borders and started working on the centre border.

And, I'm not sure what happened next. I was sure I'd taken a picture but I can't find it. So, lots happened between these pictures. I added the remaining triangles to each piece and then added the two borders.

Block 88

2010-08-15T05:46:00.000-07:00

If you're making the border blocks by creating the block and cutting it in half, you'll want to follow the same method as we did for block 41.

If you're making the edge blocks as two separate pieces then you'll want to follow along here. Here is everything set out and ready to go. The pile of squares in the upper right hand corner is for the 1/2 square triangles.

Here we are with the finished 1/2 square triangles.

Now I've started working on assembling the basket. If you can see, I've approached this block as a set of rows (on the diagonal).

The first two rows are assembled and ready to put together.

Now the final row is ready and I can put the remaining rows together.

Here the baskets have been assembled and now I just need to add the handle. I hand appliqued mine.

Here are the baskets with the handles.

Block 76

2010-08-10T17:42:00.000-07:00

Since it's a little late, a simple block for the week.

This block calls for lots and lots of narrow long strips. So, to make my life easier, I cut all of the strips wider and longer than needed. Then I squared up the block after each round.

Here is everything set out and ready to go.

Each round is put together just like you would a courthouse steps block. Here the top and bottom have been attached.

And now the sides. Once I've done this for each row, I squared up the block cutting it to the right size (with seam allowance!)

Repeat the above process, many many times.

And you'll end up with our next block!

Block 95

2010-08-01T06:13:00.000-07:00

This week's block is one of the edge blocks. This one is interesting in that you take the same approach regardless of the approach you're taking.

Here are the pieces set out and ready to go. The stack of squares is set out for 1/2 square triangles.

Here the 1/2 square triangles have been pieced.

I've added the posts for the top triangle. And started working on connecting the triangles.

Here the first border has been added to the top 1/2 of the block. For the bottom 1/2, the triangles have been put together.

Borders have been added to the top and bottom halves.

I didn't feel like working out the math for the bottom triangle, so now I'm trimming up the bottom. I've placed the 45 degree marker against the seam to get the correct angle to trim at.

Here is what it looks like after trimming.

Here are both halves of the block completed and ready for trimming.

If you have been making each half separately, you'll trim your blocks preserving the 1/4 inch seam allowance.

If you've been making the block and then cutting it in half, you'll trim the block removing the 1/4 inch seam allowance.

And here is the block all trimmed up.

Block 71

2010-07-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

This week's block is the classic album block. I approached this block as a series of rows, almost like putting a little quilt together.

Here is everything set out and ready to go.

Starting to put the rows together. Notice at the two corners I've put the two one-piece rows together? The triangles are two rows high.

Here all the rows have been put together and I've started adding the end triangles.

The triangles have been added and we're left with the 5 pieces to be sewn together.

Here is the block, just waiting to be trimmed up.

And our next block done!

Block 59

2010-07-18T09:51:00.000-07:00

Here is our next block set out and ready to go. The pile of square to the right hand side are set out for 1/2 square triangles.

Here the centre 4-patch has been completed and the posts have been added to the middle borders.

The middle border has been added.

The next border has been added and I've completed the outer triangles.

With the outer triangles added, our next block is done!

Block 53

2010-07-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

A simple block this week but one of my favourites. I really like how this one turned out. Here everything is set out and ready to go. The pile of blocks to the right are for the flying geese.

Here the centre 9-patch and the flying geese have been completed. I then trimmed up the centre square.

The middle borders have been attached, leaving another 9-patch to complete the block.

And our next block is done!

Block 51

2010-07-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

Here is our next block set out and ready to go. The pile of square to the side are prepped and ready to go for 1/2 square triangles.

Here I've done the centre 9-patch, attached the rectangles for the middle border and attached the triangles for the outer border.

The middle border added.

The outer border added and our next block done!

Block 40

2010-06-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

A simpler block for this week. (A chance for us to catch up if needed. :) Here is everything set out and ready to go.

Here the first square-in-a-square has been completed and the posts for the outer border have been attached.

The next square-in-a-square, and the next one...

And now the outer border to finish our next block.

Block 28

2010-06-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

This was another fun block to do.

Here is everything set out and ready to go. The small stack of blocks at the top of the picture is for 1/2-square triangles.

Here I've done the centre square-in-a-square, the outer triangles, and the 1/2-square triangles have been set out.

Now the centre square-in-a-square becomes the centre for the next square-in-a-square. Also the squares for the next two borders have been assembled.

Now the first border has been added. (I love how this centre looks)

And the next border...

And finally the outer triangles to make our next block.

Block 23

2010-06-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

A fun block this week.

Here is everything ready to go. The first thing I did was lots of square-in-a-square blocks.

Here is everything set out with the square-in-a-square blocks done.

Now I've added the red strips.

Then added the remaining red strips to the middle strip and the white corners for the outer strips. Then I put the three strips together.

Then added the corner pieces.

Then I trimmed it up into a square. And our next block is done!

Block 22

2010-05-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

Here is this week's block set out and ready to go. The piles of squares are for 1/2 square triangles and flying geese.

Here I've made the 1/2 square triangles and flying geese. I've added the posts for the red border and 4-patches for the centre.

Here I've created the pinwheels for the outer corners, attached the flying geese and completed the 9-patch in the centre.

Then I added the red border.

And finally the outer border to complete our next block.

Block 9

2010-05-20T19:09:00.000-07:00

This block starts off with a small pile of 1/2 square triangles.

I then put together the pinwheel in the centre and the 4-patches in the corners. Plus, I attached the 1/2 square triangles together.

Now the centre square-in-a-square is completed. Plus, I've attached the posts for the red & 1/2 square triangle borders.

Then I added the red border.

Then the next border, and the next one...

And Tada! Our next block is completed.

Block 61

2010-05-02T21:34:00.000-07:00

I am sooo sorry. I don't know what happened. I was sure I had posts lined up for the previous weeks. Obviously I didn't.

Well, onto the next block...

This block is made up of one simple little block. (Just lots and lots of them). This pile is the basis of all the square-in-a-square blocks.

Here are all the square-in-a-square blocks set out and ready to go. The one trick to making these is to pay attention to the pressing. For these I pressed everything towards the red. This way your seams will but together and not give you too much bulk to work through.

I then put them together as a 4-patch.

Then one more 4-patch later....

Our finished block!

Block 91

2010-04-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is one of our edge blocks so, you have a choice. If you decide to add in the 1/4 inch seam allowance, you'll want to make it following the red & white block. If you decide to make the block and cut it in half, you'll follow the orange and white block.

Here is the block set out and ready to go.

Here I've started adding the triangles to the middle rectangle and the posts to the remaining borders.

Then, apparently, I somehow blanked on taking more pictures. So, I added the remaining triangles to the borders. Then added the borders to the centre. Resulting in our next finished block...

If you making the whole block and cutting it in half, you'll follow this:

Here is everything set out and ready to go.

The centre square-in-a-square was done using this technique. I've also added the posts to the remaining borders.

I then added the borders to the centre, to finish the block.

Block 30

2010-04-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

We're really into the home stretch now.

Here is this week's block set out and ready to go. The pile of squares in the upper left hand corner are for the 1/2 square triangles.

Here are the 1/2 square triangles along with a start on the centre. I'm treating the centre as a series of rows set on point.

Now I've started sewing the 1/2 square triangles together and am ready to attache the centre 'rows'.

Here I've started adding the strips to the 1/2 square triangles and have almost completed the centre.

And here is our finished block.

Nearing the Finish Line

2010-03-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

We're in the final third of this quilt and I've been thinking of it quite a bit...

I've been storing all of my Nearly Insane blocks in a binder and have never seen them all set out. I was chatting with Yvette about how light/dark our respective blocks were and started thinking....

Maybe I should be a little strategic about fabric choices with the remaining blocks....

This lead to....

The temporary design wall....

And the quilt as it stands today!!

How are you doing with your quilts?

I'm thinking that it'd be great to have a little incentive to actually put the blocks together when we're all done. (Too often I end up making the blocks and then stopping)

So....

Once we've done all the blocks, I'll be offering some sort of give away. It will involve pictures of our finished quilt tops (or quilts!) Details will follow when the time comes, just consider this fair warning if you have a little catching up to do.

Block 52

2010-03-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

Here is this week's block set out and ready to go.

The centre square-in-a-square was completed using this method. I've also started assembling the outer strips. The outer flying geese. Using plain triangles since the fast flying geese method ends up making 4 and I only needed two.

Here the flying geese, square-in-a-square, 4-patch, and outer strips are done.

Here I've added the strips to the flying geese. And started on the final 9-patch.

And here is the finished block!

Block 81

2010-03-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

This week's block is a fun one. And by the end of it, you'll be an expert with the square-in-a-square.

Here is everything set out and ready to go.

Here I've started on the 4-patch in the centre. Plus the corner triangles.

Here the two sets of corner triangles completed. The centre 4-patch is done and the first square-in-a-square has been completed.

And now the square-in-a-squareathon begins.

And continues....

And continues, until you end up with the finished block.

Block 74

2010-03-14T21:21:00.000-07:00

Here is this week's block set out and ready to go. That pile of squares in the corner are for the 1/2 square triangles that make up pinwheels.

I've now added the 1/2 square triangles for the corner pinwheels. I've also started working on the strip in the centre.

Apparently in my enthusiasim I forgot to take a between picture. So, there was a lot that happend to get to this next step. I put the centre strips together. Trimmed them to a square. Then added the middle red border. I also assembled the corner pinwheels like you would a 4-patch. And added the white triangles.

Then, once you've done all that, you'll wind up with something looking like this. :)

Then I added the final corners to wind up with our next block.

Block 33

2010-03-07T19:04:00.000-08:00

We're back to the 1/2 square triangles again. (Though not as many as the last few blocks. I was looking through the remaining blocks this weekend and I think we've passed all the ones with the hundreds and thousands of pieces.)

Here are the blocks, though not set out. The two colour pile is for the 1/2 square triangles.

Here the triangles have been made and now everything is set out and ready to go.

I put the blocks together as 4-patches.

Then one more 4-patch and you have our next finished block!

I hope you're having a great week. We'd been enjoying warm weather but we're expecting it to get cold again. Perfect for quilting!

Block 82

2010-02-28T19:41:00.001-08:00

This week's block isn't really conducive to setting out, so here are all the pieces ready to go. The large heart square with the white squares are for the flying geese. Then I did the first square-in-a-square using all squares. Then the remaining square-in-a-squares were done using triangles.

Now, the block is finally set out! :) I've done the flying geese and the first square-in-a-square.

Now the second square-in-a-square has been done. Plus the corner posts in the outside border have been added.

Now the final square-in-a-square.

And, with the final seams connected. We've got our next block!

Block 78

2010-02-14T14:08:00.001-08:00

A much simpler block after those doozies we've had over the past couple of weeks. (I figure we can use the mid-winter break in our Nearly Insane blocks too. :)

Here is everything set out and ready to go.

I just started putting the squares together. Doing everything I could in a single pass.

Here is the next pass.

And finally, the middle strip attached and our block was done. (Enjoy a more restful week)

Block 8

2010-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Another block that I apparently dived right into. Sorry.

I've completed the 1/2 square triangles and the centre square.

The centre was assembled as a 9-patch. Plus, I started working on the strips for the outer borders. You'll notice that I started assembling the middle borders together instead of the longer strip. I was running into my curved stripes problem again. I found it easier to do things this way with the small pieces.

Here is the centre of the block completed and the remaining borders ready to add.

Middle border added.

Outer border added and another block complete!

Block 36

2010-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

We're now into the final third of the quilt!

Here we are with the pieces set out and ready to go. (I was so enthused, I started on the 1/2 square triangles before I remembered I hadn't taken a picture)

Here I've started on attaching the strips in the centre of the block, I've completed the remaining 1/2 square triangles, and started on the squares in the outer border.

Here I've attached the middle strips. I've continued with the triangles in the next border and outer corners.

Here the middle strips are attached making the middle rectangle. Plus the triangles in the middle border are done, and I've continued working on the outer border.

The middle was assembled as a stretched out square-in-a-square block.

And Tada! Our block is complete.

Block 60

2010-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

A more simple block this week. (Since I was so late with last week's and it was a bit more time consuming than expected)

Here we are with considerably fewer pieces set out and ready to go.

First I started off with the 9-patch.

Then added the middle border.

Then completed the square-in-a-square to complete the block.

Did you see! We're now 2/3 done our blocks!!!!

Block 75

2010-01-21T19:48:00.001-08:00

There seems to be a bit of a 1/2 square triangle theme going on these days.

For this block, I paper pieced the sides for the second border from the outside. The angles were not 30, 45, or 60 degrees, so the cutting would have been a little tough.

Here is the block set out with the 1/2 square triangles and paper piecing completed for the outer borders. When cutting, note that the centre is not composed of squares. And that they're all different sizes to boot!

I started working on building the strips for each of the outer border along with centre block, paying attention to placement of the pieces. (Did I mention that they're not all the same size?? :)

Continuing to pieces the middle of the block and border strips. (Yes, I ended up un-picking the middle a couple of times. Did I mention that they're not all the same size?? :)

Here the middle is complete and I'm still working on those outer borders.

The strips for the outer borders are complete! And I've added the first border to the centre of the block.

Now the next border.

And the next one....

And now we have our finished block!

Block 44

2010-01-12T19:50:00.001-08:00

This is the last of the star blocks with Y-seams.

First I started off by creating the star blocks. (There are 4 in this one) I used the same method as I used on this block.

Once you've done that little piece, the rest is quite quick. :)

Here you see the star blocks and the 1/2 square triangles along with the other pieces set out and ready to go.

Here I've completed the centre pin wheel and the middle stripes. The remainder of the block is assembled as a 9-patch.

Tada! Our next block is finished. (And for everyone who doesn't like them, the Y-seam stars are done!)

Block 69

2010-01-05T18:30:00.001-08:00

A slightly simpler block after our doozy last week.

Here are all the pieces set out and ready to go.

First I did the log cabin blocks, and attached the red strips.

Then I started working on the triangles in the centre. First I created little rows with the triangles and log cabin blocks.

Then attached them to create the middle strip.

And finally added the outer corners. And, per usual, I didn't cut the funny pieces (I like to avoid templates) instead I made them regular triangles and rectangles. This is the block untrimmed.

Here is the block trimmed. (Looks pretty different, doesn't it?)

And, now our first block of the new year is done!

Block 18

2009-12-28T21:12:00.001-08:00

Here's to ending the year off with a bang! (or a whimper) According to the book, this is the block with the largest number of pieces.

And, yes, it did take me longer than anticipated to finish (hence the late post) but it wasn't difficult. Just time consuming.

My tips are to pay attention to the direction you are pressing in to minimize bulky seams and to measure and square up the sections as you move along.

Well, this block starts of with a pile of 1/2 square triangles.

Here is the block with all those 1/2 square triangles set out. First I worked on the centre. I did the Ohio star block in the centre.

And added the borders around. Plus, I started connecting all those 1/2 square triangles.

Here I am turning the triangles into rows.

Now it's been reduced to a simple 3 patch. :)

And here it is finished!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year. Did you realize that, keeping to one block a week, we'll be finished all the blocks in 2010!

Block 63

2009-12-20T21:27:00.001-08:00

Here is our next block set out and ready to go.

Here is the block with the centre square-in-a-square assembled. Plus, I added the posts to the dark triangles and started assembling the triangles in the outer corners.

Now I've completed the outer corners of the block and the centre square. For the centre square, I used the square-in-a-square method and then trimmed it down to size. This way I was able to use the simple building blocks without fussing with centering things or any funny cutting. It does waste a little fabric though.

Now the next border has been added.

And finally the corners added and the block trimmed down to size!

Block 5

2009-12-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

A more simple block for the second Sunday in Advent.

Here is everything set out and ready to go. That small pile of squares is for 1/2-square triangles in the corner.

Here we are with the centre 4-patch assembled and 1/2-square triangles in the corner.

Now the centre square-in-a-square and the remaining triangles for the corners have been added.

(I almost forgot to take a picture of this the next step) So, ignoring the attached red rectangle, I attached the next border.

And the next border.

And finally, the outer triangles to make up our next block.

Block 24

2009-11-30T20:35:00.001-08:00

A much saner block for us this week.

This one is composed of 2 elements; which should all be our friends by now. In the centre is a square-in-a-square, on the corners are 9-patches, and in the middle is paper-pieced flying geese. The flying geese do not conform to the standard flying geese, they're a little squished (or stretched depending on your perspective) so the angle is not 45 degrees. This means that the regular methods won't work, so I'm using paper-piecing.

Here is everything set out and ready to go.

Here are the elements set out. Now, we've got another 9-patch to assemble.

And tada! Another block finished!

Block 17

2009-11-23T06:26:00.001-08:00

While this block may have a lot of pieces, there is nothing tricky. So, don't let all the pieces intimidate you.

My advice on this block is to mark up the line diagram with the colour/fabric for each piece and refer to is as you go along. (Even doing that, I had to rip a few and flip things as this block progressed)

Here they are all laid out and ready to go. Though without the outer flying geese border. Not sure how that happened.

Here I've done the flying geese on the borders and started on the hour-glass blocks. I tend to cut triangles a little larger and trim down. If you're looking at this one, yes, for some reason they are a little bigger than expected. Oh well, easy to trim down and better too big than too small.

Here are the hour-glass blocks finished and trimmed down to size.

Now it's just assembly. I treated this one like a mini quilt and assembled in in rows. (Yes, there are a few blocks out of place in this photo, fortunately I caught it later). When pressing, I pressed towards the plain blocks (the 1-patches). This was the easier side to press towards and it made sure than the seams will nest nicely when attaching the rows.

Here the rows are attached and the block done!

I hope you all have a great week.

Block 54

2009-11-18T06:18:00.001-08:00

This block was a bit of a pain for me. I should have followed my first instincts, but oh well. You can learn from my mistakes! :)

The line diagram in my book was a little off. I figured I could fudge the measurements... That might have worked if I was more consistent in where I took the measurements. Eventually I ended up re-drawing this block and making sure things lined up. After that, it was a dream.

Here is everything laid out and ready to go. The little pile to the side are the flying geese.

Here's our next step with the centre 9-patch completed. The flying geese in place and the outer triangles attached to the white strip. I realize that the white strip will be a point in the final block but I find it easier to cut a longer rectangle and then trim things down when the block is all sewn together.

Here is the centre assembled, it was put together as a 9-patch.

Then the next border added.

And finally the outer border added and the block trimmed down.

Block 85

2009-11-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

This week's block is not too bad. Lots of practice available for square-in-a-square and 1/2 square triangles.

The only tricky thing is that middle 1/2 square triangle. If you look at the pattern, you'll see that the middle triangle of each side of the outside border is a rectangle! Not a square! Sadly, I didn't see that until a little later, but I was able to cheat and avoid re-doing those squares. Since I cut my squares 1" bigger than the finished size instead of 7/8" that proved to be enough wiggle room to cut the rectangles out of the same pieces I cut the squares from. (Does this make sense??)

Anyways...

Here is everything set out and ready to go.

Here is everything with the 1/2 square triangles sewn and trimmed. Notice the narrower middle triangles but also note that the sewing line still runs from corner to corner. I also started the square-in-a-square merry-go-round for the centre.

Here the triangles are sewn for the outer border and you can see the square-in-a-square continues for the centre.

Here the square-in-a-square-in-a-square-in-a.... centre is finished.

And tada! Our next block is finished!

Block 32

2009-11-01T21:02:00.001-08:00

Our block this week is a fun one with lots of 1/2 square triangles.

Here is the block set out and ready to go. The small piles of squares are the 1/2 square triangles in the making.

Here is everything once the 1/2 square triangles have been created.

I done 4 sets of 4-patches in the centre. Added the corner squares for the middle border. And attached the triangle for the outer border.

Here is the centre completed. (Assembled as another 4-patch)

Now the middle border has been added.

Finally the outer border added to complete our next block.

Block 3

2009-10-25T19:41:00.001-07:00

Well, hopefully we're back to our regularly scheduled blocks...

Here is everything set out for this week's blocks. On the side are two piles, one for 1/2 square triangles and the other for flying geese.

Here are things with the flying geese and 1/2 square triangles. Plus, I've done the centre square-in-a-square.

Now the white border has been added to the centre square-in-a-square. I've attached the 1/2 square triangles to the flying geese in the next border and attached the red triangles to the squares for the outer border. (Yes, I'm a fan of chain piecing as much as possible...)

Now I've added the middle border.

And then the outer border finishes off the block.

Block 46

2009-10-10T17:18:00.001-07:00

hmmm. A week late or a day early. I'm choosing a day early. :)

I started off this block with a few flying geese. Then I set things out. I chose to do this block with just two fabrics because I really like the red one but it would be stunning in different colours and fabrics.

Here it is with the centre Ohio star assembled. (It was assembled just like a 9-patch).

Here is the first border attached. If you notice the pattern is courthouse steps. I first attached the opposite short strips. Then centered and attached the longer strips. Since we're dealing with fairly narrow borders, I cut each one slightly larger and then squared up each block to the correct size for each border.

Do the same things for the next border.

And the next one, and the next one, etc....

Until you have your finished block!

Block 97

2009-09-29T11:32:00.001-07:00

It appears that things will be a little crazy for a while longer. For the next couple of weeks I'm still doing blocks but they may not be posted on Sunday.

Another edge piece for us this week. Once again, there are two ways to make the block. Either make a square and cut it in half diagonally, or include that extra seam allowance by making two triangles.

First, the square....

Here is everything cut, laid out, and ready to go.

In this shot, I've added the triangles to the corner squares, attached the posts in the middle border, and completed the centre square-in-a-square.

Here I've attached the middle border.

And finally, another square-in-a-square completes the block!

For this one, I switched the values up a little and have medium where the light was in the previous block.

Here everything is cut and ready to go.

I've made the centre flying geese, attached the posts to the middle border, and attached the triangles in the outer border.

Now I've attached the middle border.

And finally the outer border.

Which ever way you prefer to make the edges, we have another block completed.

Block 65

2009-09-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

Here is our next block. A little late, but not because it was a tough block. Life has been a little crazy lately, but it appears that it's going back to normal now. Yeah!!

Here I've set everything out all cut and ready to go.

I did a fair amount in this first round. If you notice in the two outer rounds, I attached the triangles to the centre strips. I attached the posts to the rectangles in the middle round. Plus I did the centre square-in-a-square.

After that, things slow down a little. In this picture, I did the next square-in-a-square.

Then I added the middle border.

Then we're back to square-in-a-square for our next round. If you noticed in the pictures, I cut my triangles slightly larger (that extra 1/8 inch for the squares) and cut the centre strips as rectangles. After I put everything together, that is when I trimmed things up to make a square and give those white strips the point on the one end. It's just easier this way then fussing with the original cutting.

And finally, one more square-in-a-square and trim up the block and you're done!

Block 31

2009-09-13T18:48:00.001-07:00

A quick and simple start to our second half of the quilt...

I started off with the 1/2 square triangles and then set out the pieces for the full block.

With my aversion to curvy rows, I tackled this block as two sets of 4-patches. Here we are after the first set.

And after the second set....

Our 50th block is done!

Block 58

2009-09-08T19:10:00.001-07:00

Our next block and the half way point!

I've started off with the 1/2 square triangles. Once I did the triangles, I set everything out.

I then tackled the middle and the corners. For the middle I put the pile of squares together in little 4-patches. For the corners, I added the remaining triangles and trimmed the edges.

Then I put the little 4-patches together into a larger 4-patch (or 16 patch). When I'm doing lots of pieces like this and they work out in even multiples of 4 I prefer to do them as 4-patches instead of rows because I've got that whole curved row problem going on in my piecing.

I've now added the middle border.

And finally the outer corners to make up our 49th block! (hmmm. Maybe should have saved block 49 for this one? :)

Block 27

2009-08-30T14:22:00.001-07:00

Since we were having so much fun with Y-seams last week, I figured we could continue the practice.

This block is a little simpler than last week's but basically the same construction. Here is everything a laid out and ready to go.

First I attached the parallelograms. I pressed towards the dark for this star. It doesn't really matter except that you want to be consistent so that your seams stay out of the way.

I then sewed the quarters into halves and then the halves into a star. Then onto the Y-seams.

First I did the outside corners.

Then the middles. The order really doesn't matter. (I just like the optical illusion that forms when you do the corners first. Yup, I'm a geek) Finally, you wind up with our next block finished.

I was counting blocks the other day. Next week's block puts us at the half way mark for this quilt!

I hope everyone has a great week.

Block 43

2009-08-24T20:36:00.001-07:00

This block is a little deja-vu. Apparently Salinda Rupp was a fan of Lone Star blocks.

Once again, I traced everything out onto freezer paper, numbered and labeled (Dark, Medium, Light) each piece. I numbered two copies. One that I cut out and used as the template and one that I left intact so I could figure out where the tiny pieces went when I lost track of things.

Here is everything for the star set out and ready to go.

First I assembled the 8 star points. You'll need to pay attention to your pressing. I made sure the seams were going different ways to minimize the bulk.

Here is the flip side. Attach the star points together. Remember to stop sewing on the outer side of your seams at the 1/4 inch seam allowance (and backstitch).

Here are the star points attached and the corners ready to go. Each one of these is a Y-seam. Attach each of them using the instructions in this link.

And here is the finished block!

Block 68

2009-08-16T16:18:00.001-07:00

We have a couple more people who have decided to join us. Please join me in welcoming Rae Anne and Julianne.

This week's block is not too bad. Which is good because we've got another doozy coming up.

Here is everything cut and laid out ready to go. The pile of squares are for making 1/2 square triangles for each side.

Here I've started piecing the centre strip and all the 1/2 square triangles are all ready to go.

I've now sewn each of the squares together to make up 5 strips.

Now the 5 strips are together and we have our next block.

Block 19

2009-08-09T21:15:00.001-07:00

This block has quite a few 1/2 square triangles along the edge. I really didn't want to leave the square with all sorts of biased edges exposed. So, I made the corner blocks using the regular formula for 1/2 square triangles but, for the edges, I cut 1/4 square triangles. To make them large enough, I measured the short side of the triangle and added 1 3/4" inches to the measurement to get my measurement for the square. Then I cut the square into 4 triangles as shown below.

Here is the block laid out and ready to go. I've done the 1/2 square triangles for the centre pinwheel.

Once I completed the centre pinwheel, I approached this block as a little mini quilt set on point. First I created strips. The trick here is to pay attention to your pressing. I made sure I pressed away from the pinwheel (to minimize bulk) and then made sure for each row I alternated the direction of my seams.

I then sewed the strips together. Then I added the corner triangles. I left them to last just because I like to. There is no real reason they couldn't have been done as part of the strips.

And here is our next finished block.

Block 26

2009-08-02T20:51:00.001-07:00

We have a few new people who have drunk the koolaid! Welcome Merumo and Gwendie. I hope you have a great time on your journey.

There was a question on how to use the line diagrams to figure out what to do. It's a little daunting, isn't it. I remember when I finally picked up the book, all excited to start and then found pages and pages of line diagrams and no further directions.

Within the book, the line diagrams are drawn to scale. It just shows the finished measurement for each block and corresponding element.

As a general rule:

- for Squares and Rectangles - add 1/2" to each of finished height and width measurements. (1/4" seam allowance for each side)

- for 1/2 square triangles - Cut a square 7/8" (1 inch if you want a little wiggle room and are willing to trim your squares) larger than one of the short triangle sides (not the hypotenuse). Then cut the square in half diagonally. You'll end up with two triangles.

(If this doesn't make sense, please let me know and I'll try to show things with pictures.)

Those two simple rules of thumb were everything required to figure out how to cut everything for this block.

This block shows the outer small (white & red in the picture below) squares as partially cut off. I didn't bother trying to figure out that measurement, I just cut the full square. It'll work itself out when I trim the finished block.

The first thing I did was sew together the centre 4-patch and added all the posts to the borders.

Now I've added the first border to the centre.

Then I added the second border.

And finally the third border.

Finally I added the outer 1/2 square triangles to wind up with the finished block.

Block 12

2009-07-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

Here is our next block all laid out and ready to go. The bundle of squares at the top right are cut ready to turn into 1/2 square triangles for the corners.

Here is the block after the first round of piecing. I've done the 1/2 square triangles and have begun piecing the centre 16-patch and attaching the strips for the outer border.

When ever I do long strips they end up curving. So I decided to avoid that and do the centre square as four 4-patches. Here we are with the 4-patches assembled (and reduced to a larger 4-patch) and more work for the outer border.

Here is the centre assembled. The border strips are together as well. (And fortunately not too wonky :) Can you see that the block is now a 9-patch?

And here is our next block done!

We're still in the middle of a bit of a hot spell, so until that's over I'll be sticking with the simpler blocks. We'll just call it our summer holidays... :)

Block 10

2009-07-20T20:20:00.001-07:00

My apologies. I completely flaked out and forgot to post a block yesterday.

This is another simple block for us this week. (In my neck of the woods, it's too hot to sew!) Which is great! We have short summers so I enjoy them while I can.

Here is everything all set out and ready to go. The pile of fabric in the upper left corner will make the flying geese.

Here is the block with the flying geese made and the corner posts on for the outer border. Can you see that the inner block (Ohio Star) is a 9-patch?

Here is the block with the inner 9-patch assembled. Now we just need to add the final outer border...

And our next block is done! Can you believe that we have 42 blocks finished? We're fast approaching 1/2 way done.

Block 4

2009-07-12T14:52:00.001-07:00

Bet you can't guess what our block is this week! :)

Step 1 - Square-in-a-square

Step 2 - Square-in-a-square

Step 3 - 1/2 square triangles

Step 4 - Flying Geese

Once you've made the above elements, you'll get the blocks in the picture below.

One more square-in-a-square for the centre.

Then you've got a 9-patch to assemble. Once you've done that, you'll have the finished block!

Block 57

2009-07-05T15:04:00.001-07:00

I decided to make this one a two colour block. It could be quite interesting as multi-coloured too.

Here is everything all laid out and ready to go. If you'd like, you can simplify the outer border by changing it to two flying geese set side by side. You'll just wind up with an extra seam in the centre dark triangle.

Once again, I've done this by chain piecing everything I can in one go. Here is first pass. I've done the square-in-the-square block for the centre. And started on the triangles in the middle border and outer border.

Here are the flying geese for the middle border completed and more done with the triangles on the outer border. Can you see that the middle is an Ohio star block? Now the middle is assembled as a standard 9-patch.

Here is the first step complete for our centre 9-patch and the remaining triangles attached for the outer border.

Now the centre Ohio star is complete. It's time to add the outer border.

Tada! Our finished block! I can't wait to see what everyone else does with this one.

Block 2

2009-06-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

A quick and simple block for us. :)

Here everything is set out and ready to go. You'll notice that the first set for square-in-a-square I used a different method. The centre square isn't an even measurement so I used the squares method instead of the triangles method for the first round.

Here is the first square-in-a-square...

And the second....

And the third....

And finally the last border has been added.

Something to make our slightly shorter week a little simpler.

Late!

2009-06-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

I ended up with surprise plans this weekend and no time left to make a block. I'll be doing that tonight and posting something then.

Sorry, this one will be late.

Block 89

2009-06-21T18:29:00.001-07:00

After last week, I figured we really needed a simple block. This is another one of our edge blocks, so don't be too worried about the colours. Once again, the brights are for the method - make the block and slice it in half. The red and whites are for the method - make the block as two separate triangles.

Here is everything a laid out and ready to go.

Here I've sewn the centre 4-patch and put posts (the white) on the striped border. (Yes, I chain piece where ever possible)

Here the centre 4-patch becomes the centre of a square-in-a-square block.

The next border added.

And one last square-in-a-square later and we have our block!

Here is everything all laid out if you are making the two triangles (aka - you want the seam allowance)

I added the triangles to the centre square to create the centre triangles. Plus I added the posts to the maroon rectangles.

Here are the red triangles added, making funky flying geese.

Now the next border added.

And finally the outer triangles.

I hope this one is much smoother than last week's...

Block 45

2009-06-14T20:08:00.001-07:00

This block looks daunting at first but it's not so bad. There are just a lot of pieces to keep track of. I'm not sure if you can see it in the picture below, but I assigned each piece a number, value, and direction. The diamonds are almost, but not quite the same size in each direction. I also did this block using templates. The diamonds are an odd size in one direction. I really couldn't see a way to make this easier by paper piecing but if anyone can see it, please let me know.

Here is everything set out and ready to go. If you notice on the corners, I've sewn the 1/2 square triangles and just put a template on the one half. I left the paper on throughout just to help keep track of the pieces. I was debating whether or not to do this one by hand but in the end went with the machine.

The trick to this one is to pay attention to the way you press your seams. Make sure they're pressed to the opposite sides. This will make your piecing easier and minimize the bulk in the seams.

Here we are with the first pairs of diamonds.

Now the pairs of diamonds are together. Again, paying attention to the way you press your seams.

This time when I pressed the seams, I chose to go clockwise. This will minimize some of the bulk in the middle. When you are sewing these sets together, it is important you end 1/4 from the end of the fabric on the outside corners. This will make your life much much easier on the next step.

Now we tackle the Y-seams. I take them in two steps always sewing from the outside to the inside. This helps to prevent puckers in the fabric and ensures that your corner fabric doesn't stretch out. Pin your fabric together and mark 1/4 from the end. Sew up to but not past the pin. Stopping a thread or two before the pin is better than going slightly over. Backstitch. (You need to backstitch in the corner because there will be nothing preventing your seam from unravelling.)

Now you do the same thing for the other side. Remembering to stop just before the pin and backstitch. If you notice from the picture below, I fold the fabric out of the way so that I'm not fighting it while sewing.

Press so that the triangle is flat. If you need to, you can trim a little of the bulk of the seam in the corner to help things lay a little flatter.

Here things are with the 4 corners attached and the 4 pieces put together. Now attach the middle triangles using the same technique for Y-seams above.

Here is the finished block, ready to go.

And another of the more time consuming ones behind us. :)

Block 39

2009-06-07T15:49:00.001-07:00

Okay, this isn't the scary block I was warning you about last week. I'm still working on that one. :)

This one is essentially a square-in-a-square block surrounded by many borders. Here is everything all set out and ready to go.

Here I've constructed the square-in-a-square and sewn what I could for the inner and outer borders. Now we're ready for lots and lots of 'round and 'round the block.

Here is the inner border attached. (Plus the handle of my rotary cutter managed to sneak in :)

Our middle border attached.

And finally the outer border attached.

Block 47

2009-05-31T20:35:00.001-07:00

Another relatively simple block for us. Warning!! We're going to have another more complex one coming up soon. (Don't want to leave them all until the end...)

I ended up paper piecing the triangles on the side. The measurements were a little off, so paper piecing it is. Here is everything cut and ready to go.

The first things I did were make the 1/2 square triangles for the centre pinwheel and attached the posts for the middle border. (Behind the scenes I did the paper piecing :)

Here things are with the centre pinwheel.

To get the centre of your pinwheel to lie a little more flatly, after you've sewn everything together you can remove the last few stitches of the seam and press you seam so it goes in opposite directions. You end up with a little baby pinwheel like this:

Here I've attached the middle border and placed out the remaining pieces. I cut the corner triangles a little larger and trimmed them down after they were attached. I split the outer border like this to avoid Y-seams. :)

Here it is with the paper pieced triangles attached.

And here is our next block with the corner triangles attached and trimmed!

Block 20

2009-05-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

Here are all the pieces set out and ready to go. You can see, for the corners, I cut rectangles that fit the longest measurement of the point and then trimmed things up when the corner piece was assembled.

Here is a close up of the corner. One trimmed the other ready for trimming.

Onto the centre. First I assembled the 4 patch and the outer posts.

Then the 4 patch becomes the centre of a square-in-a-square block.

Then I added the middle, light border.

Then the outer border. The centre of the block is ready for its corners.

And here is is with the corners attached.

Block 73

2009-05-17T20:31:00.001-07:00

A nice simple block for us to recover from last week's tougher one. With this block, the block diagram and block picture in the book are different. The blocks with the three bars (rail fence?) are rotated. After some playing with things, I decided to go with the block diagram. I just liked the way it looked better with my fabric choices.

Here is everything laid out and ready to go. That stack in the middle is the square-in-a-square.

Here things are with the building blocks assembled. Ready to go together as our old friend the 9-patch.

And here is the final block! Looking at it, a little more contrast between the two mediums would have been nice, but overall I like it.

Block 37

2009-05-03T21:48:00.001-07:00

This block, while not complex does have a lot more pieces than the blocks we've done these past few weeks.

Instead of laying out everything at once and overwhelming everyone with it all, here are the pieces for each of the main elements. Both the corner and centre blocks start off with square-in-a-square. While the middle edge blocks are hour-glass blocks.

If you notice the corner blocks, they're not quite a standard square-in-a-square block. What I did was cut the four white triangles to fit the largest triangle and treated the block exactly like the traditional square-in-a-square. When you trim the first two triangles, you just end up taking off much larger dog ears and your block looks a little like this:

Here we are with the hour-glass blocks, the first round of square-in-a-square blocks and the red & white 1/2 square triangles for the centre square all ready to go.

For the sides of the hour-glass blocks I cut the strips wider than needed and trimmed after sewing. This helps make the tiny strips a little more accurate.

Here we have the second round of square-in-a-square blocks and the hour-glass blocks trimmed and ready. Plus, I've laid out the rest of the pieces so we see everything for the whole block.

Here I've added the white borders to the hour-glass blocks and added the next border to the centre block.

Now I've put the top and bottom rows together and finished off the centre block.

Here we have the middle row sewn together.

And, finally, the finished block!

I think this one turned out pretty interestingly and enjoyed making it more than I thought I would when I first looked at the block diagram. I hope you enjoy it too.

Block 48

2009-04-26T20:41:00.000-07:00

This block looked like it was a two colour block, but looking at the finished block it could be really interesting with more fabrics.

Here is everything all laid out and ready to go. The squares to the side are for the 1/2 square triangles on the centre white rectangles.

Here it is with the 1/2 square triangles. To make them I cut squares 1/2 inch larger than the finished triangle. Drew a line diagonally across the square and then sewed on the line.

Here I've assembled the sub-blocks. And, look! it's our old friend the 9-patch.

For this one I pressed the top and bottom rows away from the centre which left me pressing towards the centre for the centre row.

And here is our finished block for the week. I hope you have a great week ahead. (And where ever you are, it not snowing like it is here.)

Block 77

2009-04-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

I started this block off with a paper pieced centre. (The measurements for the centre were a little funny.) Not the numbering on the paper, I did that on purpose to make the seams but together when putting the whole thing together.

I also created the flying geese using the fast flying geese method. And did the diagonals on the two corner blocks. For that, I took the finished measurement of the triangle (white fabric) and added 1/2 inch to get the size of square to cut. Then I drew a line across the diagonal. Then sew across the line.

Here are all the elements laid out and ready to go. Once again, we're back to our old friend the 9-patch.

When I assemble a 9-patch, I put the rows together. I make sure that the centre is pressed to the opposite sides from the top and bottom. (Makes aligning the seams in the next step easier) In this case, I pressed the seams on the centre block towards the inside so there was less bulk on the flying geese points.

And here is our finished block.

Block 84

2009-04-12T21:13:00.000-07:00

This block is another fairly simple one. It's a 9-patch centre with a courthouse steps variation. Some of the strips are fairly narrow so I cut them wide and trimmed after sewing just to help with accuracy. Here we start with all the pieces cut and laid out.

Here I've started on the centre 9-patch and sewing any of the outside units that I could. (I try to chain piece anything I can)

Here is the finished 9-patch and all the outer units pieced, trimmed, and ready to go.

Now It's just a matter of adding the outer units... Sides

Top...

Sides....

Top...

And Voila! Our next block in the series. I hope everyone is enjoying this quilt as much as I am.

Happy Easter!

Block 98

2009-04-05T19:59:00.001-07:00

Last week we had the first block in the quilt. This week we're having the last one.

As always, the non-red and white shows what you'd do if you are making the block and then cutting it in half diagonally. First thing I did was make the flying geese blocks and set up the remaining blocks.

I then started the square-in-a-square and putting the middle border blocks together.

Here is the centre square-in-a-square completed.

Then starting with the edges on the middle border.

Then the final pieces for the middle border.

Then repeat it for the outer border and the block is done and ready for slicing.

This is what you'll want to follow if you're including the seam allowance for the blocks. Once again I started off with the flying geese.

Then I started attaching triangles.

Then I added the remaining white triangles and the squares for the middle and outer rounds.

Here is the middle round added.

And finally the outer round attached. And here is the square with the additional seam allowance.

Block 1

2009-03-29T15:24:00.001-07:00

For the most part, this block is pretty simple. It's just an Ohio star with some stuff in the centre.

I started off the the flying geese. Then I laid everything out to see if I thought I'd like it. When cutting things for the centre block, I cut things a little larger and then trimmed for each round. This gives you a little more wiggle room. Something you really need when working with such teeny tiny pieces.

Then I started to tackle the center...

The first two pieces are a square-in-a-square. Then that becomes the center for another square-in-a-square.

Then you add a little log cabin border.

Then it becomes the centre for a square-in-a-square. And then another square-in-a-square.

Then I added the remaining flying geese.

And here we have the finished block!

Much simpler than last week. Right!? :)

Block 42

2009-03-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

Well, one week without a computer has taught me many things... Like the fact I'm a computerholic. I am now the proud owner of a new computer and am slowly getting it setup to do what I want. Life is good.

It also taught me just how much time I spend on the computer. I got soooo much done this week. :)

I hope everyone enjoyed their week off. Today is my first week back online (at work I was on training so away from computers there too :) so I didn't see the requests for a hint until too late. Sorry.

Onto the block... This one has a lot of pieces and can seem a little intimidating, but when all is said and done, it's not to bad when you break things down.

It starts off with quite a few pieces. Note: the centre flying geese are not standard. They're narrower so the regular methods don't work. I chose to paper piece them (it was the least fuss way).

I started off with the paper pieced flying geese and the centre 4-patch. So far, not too bad :)

I then added the rest of the flying geese and the remaining cut squares.

If you look at each corner separately you'll see that they're a simple Ohio star block. We now have our friend the 9-patch to assemble.

You'll want to repeat this three more time for each block.

You're now looking at another 9-patch :) This one you'll need to pay attention to all the points when you're putting things together. I also recommend pressing away from the centre flying geese. The seam there is pretty dense.

And tada! You have another block.

And now what you were really waiting for....

The winner of the draw. Looking at the comments from the previous post, your odds are good.

Wanna know the winner yet? :)

Yvette! (e-mail me your mailing info and keep an eye on the postbox)

The prize was a little bag I made and a fat quarter to help you along with your Nearly Insane quilt. Thanks everyone for joining me in this journey.

Computer Woes

2009-03-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

It appears that we're getting an unexpected week off...

My computer died on me yesterday. It was yesterday morning and I was feeling so proud of myself that I hadn't left the block to the last minute. :) I started up the computer, life was good, and then it froze. After many tests and much time, finally a diagnosis was reached. It's dead Jim. (I'm now making the replace the hardware or replace the whole computer decision)

Consider this a week to catch up. (And if you're done, to rest in preparation for the next block, it's one of the tougher ones...)

For a little incentive, anyone who is caught up on the blocks, please leave a comment saying that you're caught up. Next Saturday, I'll hold a draw for a little prize for anyone that is 25% done this quilt too. (Yup, we've made it a quarter of the way through this journey)

Block 90

2009-03-08T19:57:00.001-07:00

Another edge block for us and another simple one. Hopefully this will let people get caught up on their blocks.

Once again, if you're making two separate triangles to add the 1/4" seam allowance you'll want to follow the red & white block photos.

Here is everything all laid out and ready to go.

This would be a 4-patch if it weren't two separate blocks. :)

I thought I had taken the interim step picture before I had to leave, but obviously I hadn't. I also changed out the middle fabric, I wasn't liking how it looked, I wanted a little more contrast. I added the middle border. Then the triangles to end up with the two edge triangles.

Now, if you're doing the make a square and then cut it in half method, you'll want to follow the non-red blocks. Once again, everything is ready to go an all laid out.

The centre is a 4-patch.

That 4-patch then becomes the centre of our old friend the 9-patch.

And finally, the 9-patch becomes the centre for a square-in-a-square block.

Block 7

2009-03-02T07:27:00.001-08:00

This block starts off with many many squares. Waiting to be turned into....

Half-square triangles and flying geese.

I then put together the funky centre square-in-a-square block.

Then the middle border.

And finally the outer flying geese.

Here you have it, another block finished. Though this one is a little darker than the others...

Block 94

2009-02-22T21:12:00.000-08:00

This is our second edge block. This block can be done in two different ways. It depends on whether or not you want the extra seam allowance. I decided that I did, so the Red and white block is made as two triangle blocks.

Here is everything cut out and ready to go. Again, for the flying geese, I'm using the fast flying geese method. I also cut the dark red border around the centre square-in-a-square block in just 4 pieces, I didn't bother trying to preserve the log cabin style for that border.

Here the flying geese are done and corner triangles are on the centre.

Everything ready for the final piecing.

Here is the block, ready for trimming.

For anyone that is choosing to make the block and then cut it in half diagonally, you'll want to follow these pictures. Again, here is the fabric cut and ready to go. Again, I'm using the fast flying geese method for the flying geese.

Here are the flying geese and the square-in-a square ready to go. Once the inner purple border is on, the block is once again a 9-patch. :) (I'm starting to see them everywhere....)

Centre borders are on and the corner posts are attached.

The block is done and ready to be sliced in half. This one definitely shows the star much better. One of my favourite things about seeing everyone's blocks as we progress on this quilt is seeing just how much of a difference fabric choices can make. (It's one of my favourite things about taking classes too.)

I hope everyone is having a great week.

Block 29

2009-02-15T21:37:00.000-08:00

Well, after last week's weirder block we're back to the more familiar.

I just had to choose a heart fabric in honour of Valentine's day. :)

The centre is our old friend square-in-a-square and I used the Fast Flying Geese method for the flying geese.

Once you've got the square-in-a-square and flying geese put together, the centre is is a 9-patch. Plus, you'll notice, I've been putting together all the stripes for the outside border as I went along.

A few last strips to add....

The finished block!

If I were to do this one again, I think I'd make the dark fabric in the outer border a different one from the middle border. Right now when I look at the block all I can see are the arrows. :)

Block 16

2009-02-08T20:44:00.000-08:00

This wasn't planned at all. It's funny how the random numbers work out sometimes.

This one is an interesting one. It the pictures of the original quilts, it looks like it was a use up your leftovers type block.

I picked three colours for Dark, Medium, and Light. I then cut each piece to the correct width (plus seam allowance) but cut them longer. I can't seem to master the technique of making long strips of fabric straight, so I didn't cut them to the exact sizes. This lets me trim the strips once they're sewn.

Here they are all cut and ready to go.

Here are each of the strips before trimming.

After trimming and with the un-sewn strips added in.

And this is the finished block.

Block 15

2009-02-01T17:40:00.001-08:00

I thought I'd layout all the pieces for the block instead of just setting them out randomly. If you see the upper left hand corner, I made one of the square-in-a-square blocks. (I started second guessing the measurements. :)

Here are the pieces coming together. Can you see that we'll be ending up with our friend the 9-patch again?

For the centre block, I cut the triangles slightly over sized and then trimmed things down to size when the square was completed.

Here is our block, finished. Does it remind you of one of our earlier blocks?

Block 38

2009-01-26T17:41:00.000-08:00

Sorry everyone! I completely lost track of time and days last week.

Our next block is fairly simple and does not need to be paper pieced. (That should be a relief for those of you not liking the paper piecing)

Here is our lineup of pieces ready and waiting to become a block. For the square-in-a-square blocks I cut squares for both the centre square and the corner triangles. I use this method whenever the centre square does not work out to a nice measurement but the finished square does.

First elements are the 5 square-in-a-square blocks and the stripes. Now that these elements are laid out, can you see the two 9-patches?

The centre has been put together as a 9-patch.

Now the remainder, also put together as a 9-patch.

Our next block is finished. Tada!

Block 56

2009-01-18T17:05:00.000-08:00

We're having quite the run of paper pieced blocks lately. I hope everyone else is as thrilled as Kristie. I realized that I'm assuming that everyone knows how to foundation paper piece. Is this true? Would anyone like a tutorial?

For the centre, I created an slightly over sized pinwheel block and used that as one unit for the paper piecing. Here are all the individual pieces paper pieces and ready for assembly.

First the centre is pieced together.

Next we're back to our friend the 9-patch.

And finally our old friend the square in a square.

And all these familiar elements come together to make up our next block.

Block 79

2009-01-11T20:02:00.001-08:00

Well, after last week's challenge, it's time for a break.

The centre block on this one is a 4 patch. I cut the smaller squares a little larger, created the 4 patches and then cut them to the correct size. You'll also notice in the border, I paper pieced. The measurements were a little funny, so it was easier to paper piece them.

After the centre 4 patch has been put together, you can assemble things just like a regular 9 patch.

Then I cut the outer triangles and created the square in the square block. I cut the triangles a little big and then trimmed the whole block down to size.

Another block done and we're on a roll for the new year.

Block 49

2009-01-04T17:16:00.001-08:00

Okay, here is our first tough one. There are enough pieces that I didn't want to count them. :)

There are lots of 1/2 square triangles in this one, unfortunately they're not all square and they're not nice measurements to work out, so paper piecing it is.

I'm not sure, if you can see it in the picture below, but I numbered the columns A, B, C, etc in addition to numbering the paper piecing order. I needed to to keep track of them when putting things together. I also labeled each piece (L)ight, (M)edium, and (D)ark so I knew what fabric to put where. (It's a little tough when everything is all sliced apart)

After the prep, it's all easy. Here everything is paper pieced, trimmed, and ready to go. Unfortunately, I was on such a role that I forgot to take pictures of the intermediary steps.

I first sewed the centre stripes together to make the centre square. Then I removed the paper and pressed everything. Then I added the corners, just like I would for a square in a square block.

And now we have our first tough block done. Yeah!!

Block 11

2008-12-28T20:11:00.001-08:00

Warning Yvette! Next week's block will be the tough one.

I'll try to bracket the tough ones with simpler blocks. This one is basically a 4-patch centre in a log cabin.

Basically I cut the centre blocks to the correct size and made the 4-patch. The remaining strips, I cut larger and trimmed the block down to size each round.

Side one.

Side two.

Side three.

Side four. Trim down to size. Lather, rinse, repeat. (Many many more times. :)

After you've completed 4 more rounds like that first one, you've got block 11!

Block 83

2008-12-21T16:29:00.001-08:00

Twice now I've pulled a really tough block out of my bowl. I've put it back again and picked something else, but I'm thinking we're going to have to tackle it soon. (Just not the weekend before Christmas. :)

This one is a simpler one. :) For this one, I did not piece the flying geese strips, I paper pieced them. The measurements do not work out evenly, so paper piecing was easier. The numbering for the stitching order are on the piece of paper with all the pieces, I hope you can see it.

Here the block is with all its elements put together. Those pesky corner squares surprised me and turned out to be the trickiest. All I can say is watch where that outer dark square is. The 2 corners are actually two mirror images of the other two.

I've attached the corner blocks to the flying geese strips to bring us back to a funky 9-patch.

And here is our finished block! (Untrimmed :)

Block 35

2008-12-14T11:27:00.001-08:00

This one has a few more pieces than the others we've been doing, but it's not the toughest. From the pictures I picked 2 lights, 2 mediums, and 1 dark.

First step is taking care of all those flying geese (Yup, there really are 12 of them) and the 1/4 square triangles.

Once you've done this, the flying geese are put together and sashing is added to the corner 1/4 square triangles. Now we're once again back to our friend the 9-patch. :)

Yeah! block 35 is done!

Block 50

2008-12-07T21:28:00.000-08:00

A little bit of a challenge this week. We're tackling Y seams. If you look at the block diagram, you'll see two sets of Y seams, one in the middle border and one in the outer border. I modified things a little for the outer border just to make it a little easier.

Kristie - I can't see how to paper piece this one and avoid the Y seams. I'd love to see how you managed this one.

One again, our starting components...

This one starts off with 5 square in a square blocks. I also pieced the outer rectangles and the middle pieces to make the lovely trapezoids.

Now for the Y seams... Mark the corners of the centre square in a square block and all 4 trapezoids. For the trapezoids, you only need to make the 2 corners of the narrow side. The pencil marks are a little faint but I think you can see them in the picture below.

Find and pin to those 1/4" marks. I also pined the centres for good measure. You want to sew only to the 1/4" seam allowance. Remember to back stitch on these seams. (Otherwise your block will unravel.)

Once you've completed all 4 sides, you'll have this funny looking block with the diagonal seams still to go. (The observant among you will notice that my block is very un-square like. I remembered to cut the parallelograms wider than the pattern called for but forgot the triangles.) I recommend cutting the two a little wider than called for and trimming the square down when you're done. (The blue fabric is there just to show the un-sewn seam)

Fold your block and pin your Y seams. Once again, only sew to your 1/4" seam allowance and remember to backstitch. Once you've done this for all 4 seams, press and square up your block.

We're now back to our friend the 9-patch. Isn't it interesting that we can send up with so many different blocks with the same basic elements. This makes me think of all sorts of math related analogies, but I'll spare you. :)

And our block is done! I may actually re-do this one. The cool swirly pattern of the block is lost in the pattern of the fabric but for now, I'll celebrate another block done!

Block 21

2008-11-30T20:50:00.001-08:00

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.