January- Maureen’s Month

RICHMOND QUILT GROUP – ROW QUILT 2011/2012

 

JANUARY BLOCK(S)

 
This month you have lots of choices. I am going to give you instructions for two 4" blocks. The pieces we will be cutting are on the small side and if you feel like you want to make a bigger block, then please email me and I can give you cutting instructions for whatever size block you want to make. I feel like our row quilt could use a couple of smaller rows and that is why I chose to make 4" blocks.

 
You can decide if you want to make 12 blocks of each kind and then you will have two rows, or you can make six of each kind and have one row alternating each block, or you can just make four of each kind and stick a plane block in there too, or you can use your imagination and do whatever you want. If you decide you don't like the blocks (or if you just need a month to get caught up), it is no problem at all if you decide not to do the blocks for this month. The choices are all yours to make!!

 

or

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:
1. When working with small blocks it is a good idea to cut your pieces just a SCANT bigger. I use the line on my ruler and make sure I am cutting on the outside of the line. This makes sure I am getting at least the size called for and possibly just a tiny bit bigger (I am talking tiny…. Not even a 1/16" bigger)
2. When sewing I use a SCANT 1/4 " seam. What this means is that I sew just a tiny bit smaller then a full quarter inch seam…. Just a couple of threads smaller, nothing drastic!
3. If your blocks are like mine, they will need to be slightly trimmed up after they are sewn.

 

 

BLOCK #1 – The Friendship Block

 

CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS:

 
FOR EACH BLOCK:


From Print Fabric:
Cut 1 – 1 7/8" square
Cut 2 – 2 1/8" squares

 
From Background Fabric:
Cut 4 – 1 7/8" squares
Cut 2 – 2 1/8" squares

 
(note: if making several blocks from the same fabric, it might be easiest to cut a 2 ½ inch strip from each color and then cut down to the appropriate size for each block)

 
SEWING:

 
1. Take the 2 – 2 1/8" background squares and draw a line on the diagonal from corner to corner.

 


 


2. With one 2 1/8" square of print fabric and one of the background squares you just marked, put right sides together and sew a SCANT ¼" from the line on one side. Then turn it around and sew another SCANT ¼" from the other side.

 

 
Cut down the drawn line and iron seams to the dark. Do this twice and you will have a total of 4 "half square "triangles.

 

 
3. Lay blocks out as shown. Sew together.




 

BLOCK #2 – Churndash

 

CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS:

 
FOR EACH BLOCK:



From Print Fabric:
Cut 2 – 2 1/8" squares
Cut 1 – Approx 2 ½" x 8" strip (this does not have to be exact)

 
From background fabric:
Cut 2 – 2 1/8" squares
Cut 1 7/8" square (this is your center square)
Cut 1 – Approx 2 ½" x 8" strip (this does not have to be exact)

 
SEWING INSTRUCTIONS:

 
1. Take the 2 – 2 1/8" background squares and draw a line on the diagonal
from corner to corner.

 

 
2. With one 2 1/8" square of print fabric and one of the background squares you just marked, put right sides together and sew a SCANT ¼" from the line on one side. Then turn it around and sew another SCANT ¼" from the other side.

 



Cut down the drawn line and iron seams to the dark. Do this twice and you will have a total of 4 "half square" triangles.




3. Place the two 8" strips with right sides together and sew a ¼" seam down the side. With the right sides still facing each other, cut the strip down to 1 1/8" wide. Press the seam open. Now subcut the pieces to 1 7/8". You will end up with four of these "log" units as shown:

 




4. Lay blocks out and Sew together.