So, it's been like a thousand years since I last posted here. But there's been so much happening, so many changes in my life that I had to let some things go. My blog being one of them. I have lots to update and share but, for now, this post is all about a new quilt block:
The Posy Patch
You will need:
-one 2"xWOF strip of Petal Fabric
*subcut into 20 2" squares
-one 1"x20" strip of Flower Center Fabric
*subcut into 20 1" squares
-one 1"xWOF strip of Background Fabric
*subcut into 40 1" squares
-one 3.5"x14" strip of Background Fabric
*subcut into 4 3.5" squares
-Grid ruler
-Fabric marking pencil, pen or hera marker
*optional spray starch but I highly recommend it!
To assemble:
-Using the grid ruler and marking tool of choice, draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of each Flower Center square. Using the photo below as a guide, with right sides together, align the center squares in the corner of the Flower Petal squares; stitch directly on the line. Press seams, then trim seam allowance and press seam towards the darker fabric. Once you've done this, spray the square lightly with spray starch and press again.
The following pictures show the difference between squares pressed with spray starch and squares without:
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| {the column on the right was pressed with spray starch} |
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| {the bottom row was pressed without spray starch, quite a difference!} |
Not only will using spray starch give you a flatter piece of fabric to work with, it increases accuracy by helping to prevent stretching, bunching and shifting under the foot by giving the fabric stability.
Next, on the wrong side of the fabric, draw a diagonal line on the back of each 1" background square. Use the photo below as a guide to align these pieces, right sides together, with the Flower Petal squares.
Sew directly on the line; press seam line, trim seam allowance then press seam to the side. Press again with spray starch, if using.
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| {each petal square measures 2"} |
Use a scant 1/4" to sew the squares together. If you aren't sure what scant 1/4"should look like, here is an example:
Sew the top and bottom center seams; press seams in opposite directions so you can "nest" them together when sewing the middle seam.
Press middle seam open to help it lie flat.
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| {each flower measures 3.5" square} |
Use the photos below as a guide to assemble the Posy Patch:
Give the block one final press and you're done!
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| {each flower patch measures 9.5" square} |
This block is meant as an alternative for the March block in the Gnome At Home Block of the Month. For more information about Gnome At Home, click here.
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| {Gnome At Home BOM} |
Happy sewing!
