TRC (Top Right Corner)

Here it is!  Our first corner kite.
I think mine is destined for the "redo" pile, with the wonky stars, wonky seams, and chopped off points, but the construction method won't change (except maybe the applique techniques).

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

Foundation piece all the numbered sections and trim the seam allowances to 1/4".

Sew the pieced sections together in pairs to form the four sides of the center square as below.

I used reverse applique for the center star.  I'm not sure this was the best method.  I'm having a really hard time getting the points sharp, but here's how I did it:
Cut a 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" square out of main block fabric.
Cut a 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" square out of background fabric.
Print or trace the center star onto the dull side of freezer paper and cut out the inside of the star.  Be sure to mark the seam lines of the center section on the freezer paper for resizing the square when you finish your applique.
Iron the freezer paper to the right side of the main block fabric square.

Cut out the inside of the star, leaving a small seam allowance for turning under when you applique.
Place the background fabric square right side up on the table.  Place the main fabric square right side up on top of it.  Baste securely through all layers.

Turning the seam allowance under and clipping where necessary, reverse applique the star.
Trim the square to 3" x 3".  Remove the freezer paper.

Sew the four pieced sections to the sides of the center appliqued section.

I decided to use "freezer paper on top" for the other star to see if the points would turn out any better, but you can, of course, reverse applique this one too.
Mark the position of the other star, as well as the seam lines of the block section, onto a piece of background fabric. Applique.
Cut out the block section.  Don't forget to add the seam allowance.

Cut the remaining shapes out of background fabric.
Also out of background fabric, cut
1 strip 7/8" x 6"
1 strip 7/8" x 7"

Referring to the block diagram, sew the shapes to the block.

Sew the 6" strip to the top and the 7"strip to the side of the block and trim to align with the block edges.

Sew the appliqued triangle to the bottom of the block.

M-1

This one turned out better than expected. It's hard to keep lines straight on blocks this little.

Print or trace the block diagram onto foundation paper, number, and cut out the center sections as in the photo. (I had some focus issues but I think the numbering is clear-ish.)

Foundation piece each numbered section and trim the seam allowances to 1/4".

Sew the three center sections together.

Sew a triangular section to each of two opposite ends of the center section.

Attach the other two triangles.
Out of background fabric, cut:
1 strip 1" x 3 1/4"
2 strips 1" x 3 3/4"
1 strip 1" x 4 1/4"

Sew these strips to the center block section log-cabin style. Be sure to refer to the block diagram for the sequence.

Out of main block fabric, cut:
1 strip 7/8" x 4 1/4"
2 strips 7/8" x 4 5/8"
1 strip 7/8" x 5"

Sew these strips to the block log-cabin style. Be sure to refer to the block diagram for the sequence.

BR-2

Simple foundation piecing.

Print or trace the block diagram onto foundation paper, number, and cut out as in the photo.
Remember to change the block size to 5"x 8" if you're printing.
This block also has to be mirrored if you want the little top piece to point the right way.

Foundation piece all sections and trim seam allowances to 1/4".

Sew together the two bottom block sections.

Referring to the block diagram, assemble the block, starting from the bottom and checking the alignment after every seam. This way you won't realize you have a wonky block after sewing all the sections together.

J-13

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

Foundation piece each section, following the numbers.
Trim the seam allowances to 1/4".

Sew the side sections to the center section.
Sew the top and bottom sections to the block.

Applique the tear shapes into position.
I used the "freezer paper inside" method.

Is it art?

I've spent this week writing instructions for the new Rainbow Jane session.
I love drawing the little diagrams, although it takes ages.
This month, we're making our first corner kite.
Can you guess which one it is?

(And yes, we will be making our first corner kite over here this month as well.)

M-7

Applique fun.

Print or trace the block diagram onto the dull side of freezer paper, and cut out the "frame" as in the photo below.
Out of main block fabric, cut a 6" x 6" square.  I like to cut the fabric bigger and trim it down later because with applique there is sometimes a bit of "shrinkage".
Iron the freezer paper frame onto the right side of the fabric square.

Using the freezer paper as a guide, applique the four background fabric melons into position.
I like the "freezer paper inside" method for melons.

Carefully remove the freezer paper.
Out of background fabric, cut a 6"x 6" square.
If the freezer paper frame will still stick, iron it to the right side of the background fabric square.
If not, you'll have to retrace/reprint the block.
Cut out the inside of the frame, leaving a scant 1/4" seam allowance.  Clip the curves.

Place the background fabric square right side up on top of the appliqued main fabric section, carefully positioning the melons in relation to the frame.
Baste through all layers.

Reverse applique along the freezer paper edge.
Remove the freezer paper and trim away any excess main block fabric from the back of the block.

Lastly, applique the four main fabric melons onto the block.

L-2

I really like this block.

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

(The little triangle sections do have numbers in them.  If you click on the photo, you may be able to see them more clearly.)

Important!  You have to mirror this diagram.

Foundation piece all the sections and trim the seam allowances to 1/4".

Sew the small squares to the small rectangles as below.

Sew together the five block sections as in the photo.

Attach the two side triangular sections.

Voila!

The First Four Rows!

Woohoo!
I've had these sewn together for about a week but haven't had time to snap a photo or two.
Many of these little blocks are far from perfect but I'm really happy with the big picture.
You can see the trip-around-the-world layout and the teenie little setting squares.

I had to take three photos while standing on the garden bench and patch them together in Photoshop.
This one proves that the blocks are really all sewn together.

If you'd like to see a little more detail, click on the photos or visit my Flickr Set.

E-8

This block will complete row E.  Woohoo!

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

Foundation piece all the numbered sections and trim the seam allowances to 1/4".

Sew the three center sections together.

Attach two side sections to each side.

Sew the final two sections to the top and bottom.

E-7

Back to the (very enjoyable) grindstone we go!

Print or trace the block onto foundation paper, cut out, and number the sections as below.  Note that some lines were extended.

Foundation piece both sections and trim the seam allowances to 1/4".

Sew the two pieced sections together.

Print or trace the block diagram onto the dull side of freezer paper and cut out as in the photo.
Iron the freezer paper onto the right side of the block section, lining up the seam lines.  Clip the inner corners.

Out of background fabric, cut a 5" square and lay it right side up on the table.
Place the block right side up on top of the square and baste through all layers.

Applique the diagonal edges.
Trim the block section to 4" x 4".
Applique the vertical strips.
The strips are 1/4" wide.  I drew two lines 1/4" apart on the right side of the fabric using a disappearing marker and cut the strip out, leaving a little more than 1/8" seam allowance on either side of the lines.
I then finger pressed along the lines, pressed with the iron, basted the strips to the block and appliqued them.
Not perfect, but done.

Out of background fabric, cut
   one strip 1" x 4"
   two strips 1" x 4.5"
   one strip 1" x 5"

Referring to the block diagram, sew the strips to the edges of the block log cabin style.