Square Sky Block
This summer I signed on to participate in the Fabri-Quilt New Block Blog Hop. We were challenged to design a quilt block using a collection of fabric from Fabri-Quilt, called "Watermelon Summer". We were asked to use a minimum of three of the fabrics in our design. I played with the fabric for a few days (don't all quilters "play" with fabric?) and decided to use what I was drawn to... the blue colour palette.
I pulled out my graph paper, pencil, eraser and pencil crayons - I am not tech savvy in my design technique but I was very happy with how easy and pretty it turned out on graph paper. This block is perfect for a beginner quilter but also perfect for when you are using fabric you want to show off (especially for the centre square).
Instructions for the Square Sky Block design:
Choose 4 fat-eighths of fabric. I think this design looks good when all fabrics are from the same colour family plus a white but none of this is necessary. Choose what you love!
Cutting:
Centre Block (lapis blue): 1 - 6.5" x 6.5"
Corner Squares (white): 4 - 3.5" x 3.5"
Rectangles: 4 - 2" x 6.5" (aqua)
4 - 2" x 6.5" (turquoise)
Putting It Altogether:
Set your stitch length to 2.5 when piecing this block. |
1. Begin with the 2" x 6.5" rectangles, right sides together, sew along the long edge of the rectangles: 1/4 inch seam allowance is best. This will make 4 units:
Press seam allowance towards darker fabric.
Just a little side note: I love using starch when piecing my quilts... it makes sewing so much easier! |
2. When I sew a block together, I like to see what I need to do and this block is easy to visualize how it should be put together.
Sew two rectangle units to the sides of the lapis blue square. Sew two white squares to the ends of each of the remaining rectangle units.
Sew two rectangle units to the sides of the lapis blue square. Sew two white squares to the ends of each of the remaining rectangle units.
Press towards the large lapis blue square and towards the white for each unit. This makes it easy to match up seams in the final stage.
Another little side note:
I was moving along quite quickly sewing this block together (it is simple) but then realized I made a mistake... no sewing project is complete without pulling out the seam-ripper.
3. Sew all three units together. It should look just like this when finished:
I love it when my seams line up so nicely. |
Block: Square Sky |
I would like to thank the four hosts of our blog hop:
Yvonne of Quilting Jetgirl
Cheryl of Meadow Mist Designs
Stephanie of Late Night Quilter
Terri Ann of Childlike Fascination
I am also sending a big HELLO out to my fellow block designers that are also sharing today:
Robyn of Hoops & Thimbles
Helen of Midget Gem Quilts
Jinger of Trials of a Newbie Quilter
Anja of Anja Quilts
Kathryn of Upitis Quilts
Mary of Quilting is in my Blood
Emma of My Handmade Home
Francine of Mocha Wild Child
Dina of Living Water Quilter
Lori of SewPsyched!
Amy of 13 Spools
Denise of CrafTraditions
Sandra of The Bias Edge
Sandra of One Million Stitches
Love your block, great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteI like the one on the best too. Great block and instructions.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It was much more difficult than I thought it would be to put together a tutorial and mine was simple!
DeleteYour choice of colours is so soothing. Your block is on my to-do list. Simple elegance. :)
ReplyDeleteSandra
Thank you so much. Kind words for sure!
DeleteI like the one on the left, too, because of the great transition in color. Both blocks are great, though, and it is a lovely tutorial. Thanks so much for joining us!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy I did join... even though it took a lot more time than I anticipated. I am trying to push myself a bit though so this was a good thing for me.
DeleteWonderful design. I could actually make this one.
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear - thanks!
DeleteI love both of your blocks and the simplicity of them. Great job on your tutorial!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for reading my blog.
DeleteI think this is gorgeous! Love the block in the blues!
ReplyDeleteMe to... blue is my favourite colour if you asked my kids!
DeleteThese are great blocks! Your instructions were easy to follow. I also love the curtain rod idea for displaying your blocks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for you compliment. I have those rods up for my kid's art work but my sewing tables are right underneath so I am taking them for myself.
DeleteSeeing the two together makes me think that these would make a lovely cross-the-quilt secondary pattern! Love the colour combination too.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I agree it would look nice.
DeleteLove the beach colors and switching the colors in each block will make a very sharp looking quilt.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your compliment and for reading my blog.
DeleteVery pretty blocks. Varying the colors sure makes them striking!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
DeleteI love it. The two blocks look so different, just by changing the layout of of the side pieces.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anja - I agree.
Deletesuch a pretty block! I bet you could combine them to make a stunning quilt! Blues are my favorite!
ReplyDeleteXX!
Thanks. I was drawn the blues, like a always do.
DeleteSquare Sky will make a nice graphic and modern quilt. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThank you - I am finding myself drawn to the modern look!
DeleteI like both blocks. Alternating them in a quilt layout would look really good.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog and reading my tutorial.
DeleteBoth blocks are lovely. I agree with Diana that alternating them in a layout would look really good. Glad to read I'm not the only one that needs to keep my seam ripper handy!
ReplyDeleteOh boy it's always out and makes me so frustrated. I just need to pay more attention but I seem to always be distracted. At least it was a quick fix.
DeleteI will be making this block soon. Thank you so much. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com
ReplyDeleteThat's very nice to hear. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteSuch a great block and tutorial! Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful creative day!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading my blog - you to!
DeleteGreat job and block.Happy sewing!
ReplyDeleteThanks - you to!
DeleteThank you Deb for your block and the steps of making it. This is an achievable one for me.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear you like it - makes me happy I did this tutorial.
DeleteThanks for the great block! I love the simplicity of this one, I have been on a slow sewing kick and need some quick ideas. Putting this one on the list :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much - sometimes all we need is simple.
DeleteTwo fun variations, but what a difference color makes in regard to the sizing of the middle square! This I have to Pin! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWow thanks - I was worried it was a bit too simple but I really loved how it looked and there is nothing wrong with an easy, simple block, right?
DeleteThe simplicity of this block is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks for ready my blog post.
DeleteLove this block! Beautiful! The color variations are great, it would look amazing on a whole quilt top.
ReplyDeleteI love this block and it's simple elegance but then I would because it's similar to my graduated cross block. It must be the water in Ontario. Your pictures are really good as well. I also found the process to be challenging but really glad I did it. Needed the push to get out of the comfort zone.
ReplyDelete