Patchiqué Blocks 24 and 69

This week I found myself with two blocks that looked interesting but didn’t turn out that way.  Firstly the patched Block 24 ‘Hira izutsu ni kugi’ (translated as ‘flat well curb nail’ - which might as well be Japanese because I still haven't got a clue!).

Block 24 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

The book constructs the center square unit of Block 24 using triangles and trapezoids (templates provided in the book).  But I hate sewing fabric cut on the diagonal so instead I made four half-square-triangles from two green and two beige 3½” squares before trimming them to 3”. 

 

I then placed a 1¾” green square on the inner corner of each block (right sides together) and stitched across the diagonal. 

The corner square was then trimmed and pressed to create the middle block.   It was quick and painless and I'm pleased with how it turned out.  But if I'm honest it was a little dull to make - I'm not sure why as it went together well and all the seams matched up. 

Patchiqué Block 24 - Patchsmith Style

As for the appliqué block – Block 69 ‘Kawari kazaguruma’ (translation ‘Windmill variation’) – this was a fiddly block to make and I didn’t enjoy it at all. 

Block 69 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

Susan has rated it as ‘easy’ in the book using the turned-appliqué method.  She is either a glutton for punishment or very, very skilled (I would go with the latter looking at her work).  I would rate this block a medium difficulty and that is using quick-fuse appliqué. 

Note, if using fusible webbing - the measurements given include a ¼” for turned appliqué so you need to deduct ½” from each of the squares with the smallest square cut at just ½”.  Thankfully the placement of the pieces was easy enough once the background square has the vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines marked.   

Patchiqué Block 69 - Patchsmith Style

The block looks better in real life and reminds me of a snowflake but it was not enjoyable to make and my handwritten notes in the book read “awful, fiddly and not worth it”.  It is something of nothing - maybe it is the fabric I chose - I don't know but it is not one I intend to make again so it stays.  But be warned - you need to be fairly patient making this block, whatever appliqué method you use. 

So there you have it.  Another two blocks on the Patchiqué trail.  Check out the Flickr group for some of the other blocks.   Some of them would make a great table runner if you are joining in with the Across the Pond Sew Along this month.

Until next time ......