J-2

When I was done with this block I realized that I'd used this fabric in another block already. Since my plan is to use 225 different fabrics, I suppose I'll be redoing this one at some point.

Print or trace the block diagram onto foundation paper, number, and cut out as in the photo.

Foundation piece the numbered sections and trim the seam allowances to ¼". Cut the unnumbered pieces out of fabric, leaving a ¼" seam allowance.

Sew the two center sections together. (Note that they're laid out incorrectly in the above photo.)

Sew the pieced triangles to the resulting section.

Attach the non-pieced triangles.

Progress Update

I did a little bit of scanning and updating this afternoon.
It's starting to take shape, I think.

C-8

This, according to the software, is one of the hard blocks. I didn't find it particularly hard, except for the fact that the little sections are very small.
Accurate foundation piecing solved that problem.

Print or trace the block diagram onto foundation paper, number, and cut out as in the photo.

Foundation piece all the numbered sections. Trim the seam allowances to ¼". Cut out the non-numbered sections leaving a ¼" seam allowance.

Sew a small pieced triangle to opposite sides of the pieced center square.

Sew the other two pieced triangle to the other two sides of the square.

Sew the two non-triangle sections to opposite sides of the resulting pieced square.

Sew the two triangle sections to the other two sides of the block.

So cute! I love the blocks with the tiny pieces the most.

The Code for the Button

Just copy and paste the code in the box below where you want your button.

<a href="http://thatquilt.blogspot.com"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/3226766868_cd5e932a48_o.gif"></a>

A new button (and more)

I've made a new button for our new blog. If you'd like you can replace the old button and link with this one on your blog.

I'm also getting ready to change the Flickr group's name.
I know, I know, I don't like change eiher but it'll be nice to have everything look and sound the same.

The reason I'm posting about it over here is because I have NO IDEA what's going to happen to the photos already in the group when I do this.

Brace yourselves...

M-9

Foundation pieced.

Print or trace the block pattern onto your foundation paper.
IMPORTANT! You will have to mirror the colors when you foundation piece this block, or they will come out opposite of what the block should look like.
Number and cut out the sections as in the photo.

Foundation piece each numbered section. I also ironed freezer paper to the back of the unnumbered sections to keep them from warping.
Trim the seam allowances to ¼".

Following the block diagram, sew together the triangles in pairs. I've found that it helps to lay the sections down paper side up first because it helps to be able to see the numbers on the paper, and then pairing them up.
Lining up the seams may be a little tricky. Keep your seam ripper handy.

Sew the resulting squares together in pairs.

Sew the two rectangles together.

Attach the top and bottom strips, then the two side strips.

Not perfect, but kind of cute.

RS-8

I once again decided to reverse applique this block because it makes it easier to space the shapes accurately.
I had some trouble with the background fabric fraying. The weave is quite loose and I wouldn't have used it if I had foreseen the problems I'm having with it, but we're 60-something blocks in, so I guess I'm stuck with it.
I may redo this one with regular applique and see if the shapes turn out better, especially the little top triangle.

Print or trace the block diagram onto freezer paper and cut out the shapes as shown.
Keep the bottom cutout section to help you determine the bottom of the block when trimming the seam allowances later on.
NB!!! If printing remember to change the block size to 5"x8" before printing.

Iron the freezer paper shape onto the right side of a rectangle of background fabric at least 6"x9" big.
Cut out the shapes, leaving a small seam allowance all around. Clip the curves and corners almost to the seam line.
Place a main fabric rectangle right side up on the table. Place the background fabric rectangle with the freezer paper ironed on to it on top, right side up as well.
Baste through all layers being careful not to baste too close to the shape seam lines, since you'll have to turn under the fabric when appliqueing.

Reverse applique all the shapes. Press.
Trim the block's seam allowances to ¼" before removing the freezer paper.
Remove the freezer paper and press again.

A-10

I've had a couple of requests for this block.
Pack time and patience.

Remember that you can click on any photo to see a bigger version with more detail.

I use freezer paper to stabilize my block sections when piecing so this is the method I will describe here.

Print or trace the block diagram onto freezer paper and cut out sections as below.

Cut a 3" square out of background fabric.
Cut a 3" square out of main fabric.
Using a hot, dry iron, iron the center freezer paper section onto the center of the main fabric square. Cut out the melon, leaving a small seam allowance all the way around. Clip the curved edges almost to the seam line.

Place the background fabric square right side up on your table. Place the main fabric square right side up on top of it. Baste through all layers. Make sure that you don't baste too close to the edge of the melon leaving space for the seam to be turned under.

Reverse applique the melon. Trim the square to 2 ½", making sure that the melon is in the center.
Using a hot, dry iron, iron the other pieces to the wrong side of the appropriate fabrics. Cut out, leaving a 1/4" seam allowance all the way around.
Out of background fabric, cut 2 rectangles 7/8" x 2 1/2".
Out of background fabric, cut 2 rectangles 7/8" x 3 1/4".

I left a little extra seam allowance on the outside edges of the "pie slices".

Attach the 7/8" x 2 1/2" rectangles to either side of the center square. Press.
Attach the 7/8" x 3 1/4" rectangles to the other two sides of the center square.

Sew a pie slice to one of the edge pieces as in the photo. Using freezer paper makes in easy to see where to start and end your seam. This is important in this block.


Sew the other side of the pie slice to another side section.


Repeat until you've connected all the "pie slices" and side sections.

Using a pencil or disappearing marker, mark the centers of the side seams on the center square as well as the seams on the edge section you just completed.


Sew each straight side seam, lining up seam centers and making sure that you don't get the loose flaps of the pie slices caught in the stitching. Press the seams.



Using a tool like a chopstick, maneuver the "pie slice" flaps into position (refer to the block diagram) and press flat.

Using an applique stitch, applique the loose flaps to the block. At this point you can also fix any loose threads or seams by hand.

A-5

This block is another simple foundation pieced one.

Print or trace the block diagram onto foundation paper, number and cut apart sections as in the photo below.

Foundation piece each section, following the numbering and trim all seam allowances to ¼".

Sew the sections together, carefully lining up the seams.

How easy was that?

TR-3

This block is much simpler than it looks.

Foundation pieced.

NB! If you're printing the block, remember to change the block size to 8"x5" before printing.

Print or trace the block diagram onto foundation paper, cut apart and number as below. Remember you can always click on a photo to see a bigger version if you have trouble reading the numbers or seeing the detail.

Foundation piece each section. Trim the seam allowances to ¼" exactly.

Assemble the block, making sure to line everything up correctly or your block will be "wonky". My top section is not quite straight, but I'm going to let it slide.

A-4

A simple foundation pieced block.

Print or trace the block diagram onto foundation paper, number and cut apart as below.

Foundation piece all the sections. I use freezer paper for my foundation and apply this even to the sections that won't be pieced.
Trim all seam allowances to ¼".

Piece the center section first, being careful to line up the seams.

Attach the two side triangle sections.

Attach the border strips.