Stash Buster BOM Questions and update.

I get questions.  Lots of questions.

This BOM was created as a benefit for the members of Just Us Quilters.  JUQ is a quilt group on facebook created by my friend Joie Holcomb.  If you are a quilter, it is open to you to join.  I designed the quilt to be perfect for using our scraps.

 

The BOM is also open to everyone - you don't even have to be a member of the group to take part.  Each month two more blocks will be posted here on my blog so it is pretty easy to keep up with.  In about a year you will have a queen size quilt top done. The premise is to use fabric in your stash (if you have one) and scrappy is the word of the day!  ☺

 

Here are the blocks so far.

 

This block is the connector/cornerstone for the sashing and was given as a bonus block. 

All the blocks finish to 12" and the quilt will be a queen size when completed.

 

You can find all of the blocks posted here on my blog, all you have to do is search older posts.  Also the fabric requirements and examples of my fabrics are here as well. 

Hope that answers some of the questions you may have about the BOM and who can join or participate.  Come join the fun!!!

Kind regards,  

Linda T.

 

BOM...What a name! Block #7

Love the block, the name, well not so much ~ Old Maid's Puzzle.

Wouldn't it be fun to know how this nice block got it's name?  Was it only made by Old Maid's?  Or if you got it right were you sure to never become one?  I don't know.  But what I do know is it makes a pretty nice addition to our BOM!

 

 

More triangles and squares in this block. Nice and scrappy too!

Finished size of the block is 12"

Cutting

  A) Cut 3 7/8" x 3 7/8" square (do not cut on the diagonal)

Cut 5 squares gold print (background).  Two of these squares WILL be cut in half on the diagonal before sewing.  The other three will be made into half square triangles - see below.

 

Cut 3 squares of tan print  (scraps)

 

Pair one of each of three tan squares (A) with the gold squares, right sides together.  Sew 1/4" on both sides of the diagonal line to yield 6 half square triangles once they are cut apart.  Please refer to earlier posts for instructions if you are not sure how to do this.  Cut the remaining background squares in half on the diagonal.

 

B) Cut 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" square

Cut 2 squares of brown print (scraps)

Cut 2 squares of gold print (background)

 

C) Cut 6 7/8" x 6 7/8" square (cut on the diagonal)

Cut 1 square of red print (scraps).  Cut on the diagonal and follow above diagram for piecing.

 

 

 Make the half square triangle units.

 Press to the dark.

 

 

 

Lay out all the units and pieces for the block and pay attentional to any directional fabric you are using.  My red fabric had an obvious diagonal stripe and I wanted both pieces to be going the same direction.

 Sew a background triangle to the half square unit you made. Press to the dark/background. Pay close attention to the layout as it is easy to sew to the wrong side. 

Next lay another background triangle on top of the pieced unit and sew a 1/4" seam.  Take care to orient the triangle the correct way.

Press all seams to the dark (background) as this will ensure that you can see the intersection of the seam which will be important in the next step.  No points get cut off if you can see this and sew it correctly.

Check the layout with the supervisor and make sure you have the approval to proceed.  Once you do, you can start sewing the block together. 

 

Be aware if you don't have the full buy in of the supervisor there may be consequences.

Pair the unit you just completed with one of the large triangles and sew along the seam making sure that the pieced unit is on top so you can see that intersection.

I like to pin.  I am all about accuracy!

Take care when you come to that intersection that you don't cross over that line and cut the points off.  This is why it is important to make sure the pieced unit is facing up.

Press to the triangle - this may not be the dark.  There are exceptions to the rule. 

Next up sew two more of the half square triangle units to the squares.  It's basically a four patch.

 

Press after each step and then once you have the 4 units made you can lay out the block.

Chain sew the units together on one of the seams.  

 

Press so you will be able to see the intersection I talk about so much.  You will have two seams that are alternating which will make is super easy to nest them together and sew the final seam.

 

Pin, taking care to match the center seams so the block is aligned properly.  Sew and press again!

Ta Dah!!!  Block #7 Old Maid's Puzzle is complete!

 

All that sewing wore Winston (aka Winnie) right out!!!

Hope you enjoy this block - see you next month!!!

Hugs ~ Linda T.

 

BOM...More fun with Block #6

Next up:  #6 - Road to California

 

This is a pretty easy block.  Just some 4-patch units and some half-square triangle units.

Cutting  (note colors are from pic above)

A)  Cut 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" square

Cut 10 squares of red print (scraps)

Cut 10 squares of gold print (background)

B) 4 7/8" x 4 7/8" square (do not cut on diagonal)

Cut 2 squares gold print (background)

Cut 2 squares green print (scraps)

 Half square triangle units.  Take one each of background and scrap print and draw a line down the middle, sew a 1/4" seam on either side. (or use any method you prefer - I show how to make them using other methods in the early blocks of the BOM) Do this with both sets of squares you cut.

Cut on the line to make 4 half square units and press to the dark.

 4-Patch units

Sew a background square to a scrap square along one edge.  These are perfect for chain piecing.  If you alternate the fabric on the top as you piece they will be perfectly set up for sewing the next step.  Keep them together in pairs and press to the dark.

 Still chained together.

 Lay out the half square units and the 4-patch units following the block picture.  Make sure you orient the 4 patch units the correct direction.  What you basically have here is a 9 patch block.

I like to take the center row and lay them on top of the left - put a pin in to hold them together in the correct way and take them to the machine.  Take time to make sure the edges are aligned.  Sew along the right hand edge. 

 

I like to press the seam before I add the other row but that is up to you.  I find it easier to get the pressing going the correct way without having to fight with the other seam.

 

 This intersection is the one you want to see - pay attention to the pressing so this is not covered up.  This really helps when you sew the rows together and is what helps keep you from cutting off the points when you sew that next seam.

 Keeping the same layout, I repeat the process.  Lay the right hand row on top of the middle row and pin.  At this point the first blocks are chained together.  I don't cut them apart. Take to the machine and sew along that right hand edge.

Pressing is key here.  Make sure you can see that intersection marked by my pencils - very important. You will note that I have alternated the seams when pressing.  This makes it very easy to nest them together nicely which makes your piecing more precise.

 Closer view.  When you go to join the rows you will want to be able to see this so you don't cross the intersecting line.  This is shown in great detail in the early blocks here on my blog.

Ta Dah!  Road to California block is done!!!

Stash Buster BOM - Independence Day Bonus Block

Happy 4th of July - Independence Day!!!

 

Bonus Block - 4 Patch

Since I will be off celebrating the Independence Day holiday I thought I would give you an extra block this month - super easy but you need 17 of them.  

 

 Please refer to the original fabric guide to choose your fabrics.  The fabrics  in these 4 patch cornerstone blocks  will be the same throughout—but remember, as with all the blocks, you can make them scrappy or whatever you like—it’s your quilt. 

Note: The sashing fabrics touch these cornerstone fabrics—so plan accordingly.  The sashing is a two pieced sashing—two different fabrics that coordinate with these four patches.  Important to note: the “chain blocks” (not yet released) use these two fabrics to tie the quilt together as well.  Please refer to the original fabric requirements document if you are unsure about choosing these fabrics. My fabrics are posted and will give you an idea about color and value.

Super simple to make.  For A, cut two 2" squares of each of your two fabrics and sew them together as shown in the picture above.  You can also strip piece them if you like since you need 17 of them.  

 Have fun making these.  The regular July blocks will be posted on Saturday July 13th. 

 

Let the sewing begin!!!