The Second Block

For my first block, I chose an Ohio Star Variation. I'm sure there's a specific name for thise block, but I don't know what it is. I love star blocks and the Ohio Star is one of my favorite traditional blocks.

Fabric requirements:

Fabric A:  (1) 4 1/2 inch square (center)

Fabric B: (2) 5 inch squares and (1) 5 3/8 inch square

Fabric C: (2) 5 3/8 inch squares (star points)

Background/muslin: (2) 5 inch squares and (1) 5 3/8 inch square

Directions:

1.  Cut out the center block, cut dimensions are 4 1/2 inches square, then set it aside.

2. Cut out the corner pieces next, two of the background and two of Fabric B. All squares should be cut 5 inches. Mark a diagonal line from corner to corner on the background (or light colored) squares.

Press a background square to a B fabric square with right sides together and edges lined up. This helps the fabric stay together without pins.

3. Cut the pieces for the star points. From Fabric C cut two squares, Fabric B one square, and background one square. All the squares should be cut 5 3/8 inches. On Fabric B and background squares, draw a diagonal line (same as before).

Press a background square and C fabric same as above, also press B and C fabrics together. 

4. Sewing time!!There are now 4 pairs of squares pressed together with a diagonal line drawn across the light colored square. Sew a scant 1/4 inch seam allowance on both sides of the line. Repeat for all 4 sets of blocks.

5. With rotary cutter, cut the 5 3/8 inch blocks on the opposite diagonal as the one just sewn. These are the squares with Fabrics C, B, and background.

Yes, cut it the wrong direction. It will turn out, I promise! Next, using scissors, cut along the drawn line.

6. Press open with the seam allowance under the dark fabric. Lay out triangles according to the pattern. Sew along diagonal line. There will be two squares with a right-hand diagonal and two with a left-hand diagonal. Press the new seam to one side. It doesn't matter which side, but try to keep consistent (always press to background or toward the print).

7. Back to the corner squares, the Fabric B and background. Cut those along the drawn diagonal line. I think it's easier to do with scissors rather than rotary cutter. Press the seam allowance under the darker fabric (on my block it's the print).

8. All the squares that we have sewn need to be squared and trimmed. There is a little extra in my measurements to allow for this (about 1/8 inch). I line up the diagonal line and straight edges with the markings on my ruler and trim off the extra. Make sure the squares are 4 1/2 inches!

9. Lay the squares out in the final block design and sew together into rows.

Then sew the rows together and it's done!!!!

Dressed to the Nines

Our venture into the block-of-the-month venue will begin with a series of 12" nine-patch blocks. We're going to call the finished quilt design, "Dressed to the Nines." Rachel and I will take turns choosing the blocks, and we will both sew the block in our own fabric choices so you get to see multiple variations of the finished block. Feel free to ask for more specific directions if ours don't give you the information you need.


The first patch is my choice, and this is the block I picked. One name for it is "Kitchen Woodbox," but with my particular fabric choices, I've renamed it, "Rosy Woodbox." The fabric requirements are listed below.


Fabric needed—

Color A (light):
(2) 4 7/8” squares, cut diagonally to form 4 half-square triangles
(1) 4 ½” square

Color B (medium):
(4) 2 ½” squares
(4) 2 ½ x 4 1/2” rectangles

Color C (dark):
(4) 2 7/8” squares, cut diagonally to form 8 half-square triangles
(4) 2 ½ x 4 ½” rectangles

Directions:

1. Using the 2 ½ x 4 ½” rectangles, sew one of colors B and C together, forming four 4 ½” squares. Press seams towards the dark.










2. Sew one of the previously pieced squares to each side of the 4 ½” square of color A. Press seams away from light fabric. Set aside. This is the center row of the block.








3. Using the 2 ½” squares of color B, and the 2 7/8” half-square triangles of color C, sew one triangle to each square, being careful to attach the right angle edge of the triangle, (not the bias cut edge) to the square. Press seams towards the square. Now sew another triangle to each square to form a 4 7/8” pieced triangle. Repeat until you have 4 units.

































4. Sew each pieced triangle to one 4 7/8” half-square triangle of color A. Four units. Press seams towards the light fabric.












5. Sew one pieced triangle unit to each side of the pieced squares. These are your top and bottom rows.








6. Sew the rows together, matching seams.












7. Press thoroughly.

Here we are!

Our first post, just to see if you can find us. Our first quilt block with directions will be posted later this week....