The Third Block

I apologize for the tardiness of this block. The original plan was to have blocks ready to go in advance, but we haven't gotten them done yet. I confess, I tend to do things when I feel inspired, which is usually pretty close to the deadline.

I'm calling the block Late in Pink. I don't know what the block is really called, feel free to comment if you know. Here's what it looks like:

You will need:

Color A (floral in center): 1 - 4 1/2 inch square for center, 4 - 3 3/8 inch squares (set on point)

Color B (darker fabric in corners): 2 - 4 7/8 inch squares

Contrast (muslin): 4 - 2 7/8 inch squares

Background (light pink floral): 2 - 4 7/8 inch squares, 4 - 2 7/8 inch squares

After you cut all that out, then you can start the block.

1. Draw a diagonal line on the back of the 4 7/8 inch squares in background fabric. Sew 1/4" from line on both sides of the line and cut apart along the line. Press toward the darker fabric. Note: You can skip this and simply cut 4 - 4 1/2" squares of either the background or Color B for the corner squares.

2. Take all the 2 7/8" squares (should be 8, 4 contrast and 4 background) and cut in half on the diagonal.

3. Now sew those triangles onto the 3 3/8" squares. Sew a background to one side and sew a contrast on the opposite side. Press toward the triangle tips, away from the square.

Now if you are using a directional print (like my floral) it gets tricky. You need to lay out the squares like they will be in the final block, remember that they are on point. Then sew on the remaining background and contrast triangles so the contrast triangles will be in the middle. If you don't have a directional print, it doesn't matter how you sew the next two triangles.

Press the seams out toward the triangles.

4. Now you're ready to assemble the block. Layout the nine squares according to the picture and sew them together.

Congratulations! You have finished the third block!