Patchsmith Sampler Block 22 - Spinning Churn Dash

Block 22 - Spinning Churn Dash

If you have been following along with the sew-along then this week's block introduces nothing new.  It is Block 22 - the Spinning Churn Dash.  The four-square units are created using a quick slice and dice method whilst the four corners make quick work of half-square-triangles (HSTs).

A scrappier version of Block 22

Check out the tutorial for Block 2 'Guiding Star'  which shows how to make and trim HSTs.   

Block 2 - Guiding Star and the HST

If you would like to spin a larger version of this week's block you can grab a copy of my free 12" block pattern by clicking on the freebie tab above or the photo below.

FREE 12" SPINNING CHURN DASH BLOCK PATTERN

I look forward to seeing your blocks over on Instagram (#block22spinningchurndash) or in the Flickr Group.  

If you have any queries you can leave a comment or email me and, if you want to see all the blocks from The Patchsmith's Sampler Blocks pattern book, just click on the tab above.  

Until next time .......

Patchsmith Sampler Block 21 - Acorn

Block 21 - Acorn

We are staying with an autumnal feel this week with Block 21 – the Acorn block.  

This is one of several scrap-happy blocks from the Patchsmith's Sampler Blocks pattern book.  It is also one of a few blocks from the book that is available as a FREE block pattern.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE ACORN BLOCK PATTERN

The Acorn block is a simple design constructed using 1½” squares from you scrap box.  It doesn’t even matter if your seams don’t match exactly – the block still looks good.

But you can make it even simpler by cutting piece E as one 4½” square of fabric.  From there it is a simple case of adding two quick corners onto the bottom corners of the 4½” square. 

Block 21 - Really Simple Acorn

So how about joining me as I squirrel away an Acorn Block or two.

I look forward to seeing your versions over on Instagram (#block21acorn) or in the Flickr Group.  Until then .......

Patchsmith Sampler Block 20 - Orange Pumpkin

Block 20 - Orange Pumpkin

It may be summer outside but in the Patchsmith Sampler Blockssew-along we are turning towards Autumn with the next two blocks.  And we start with Block 20 – Orange Pumpkin.

This week’s block is a beginner block with just one seam to match (and I have a tip to help you match it perfectly).  It is a great block for using up scrappy strips of fabric. 

However, if you want it quicker and simpler then use just one fabric for the pumpkin. 

A simpler version of Block 20

To do this replace the six (A) rectangles with two 3½” x 5½” rectangles in your chosen pumpkin fabric.  

Replace the A stips with two same-fabric rectangles

Then, instead of creating quick corners at the top of two strips of fabric for the stalk core (Step 2 of the pattern), create quick corners on the top inside corners of your two pumpkin rectangles as shown.

Create the stalk core using two quick corners on the inside corners

Next join the two rectangles together to create your main pumpkin rectangle.  And here is the tip for getting the seam to nest perfectly – press one of your quick corners towards the pumpkin fabric and press the other quick corner away from the pumpkin fabric.  This will help you nest those diagonal seams. (This also works if using scrappy strips.)

Press your quick corners in opposite directions

Look how well those points match up. 

Perfect points

Once you have your main pumpkin piece, whether from one fabric or strips, the next step is to turn the rectangle into a pumpkin shape using four background quick corners.

From rectanbgle to pumpkin oval

Create the top leaves and stalk at steps 5 and 6 of the pattern and there you have it - a glorious Orange Pumpkin block.

You can add detailing when you come to quilt the finished project

So I hope this week’s block provides a quick respite from the hot summer sun.  I would love to see your versions on Instagram.  Next week we will continue with the Autumn theme as we make a scrap-happy Acorn Block.   

p.s. If you want to supersize this block to create a 12" (finish size) orange pumpkin pop over to my Scrappy September blog post for the measurements.  Until next time ....

Patchsmith Sampler Block 19 - Everyway

Block 19 - Everyway

This week’s block design dates back to the 1930s.  It is a great sampler block as it can be created using four fabrics used elsewhere in the quilt adding cohesion to any project.  

It can also be created using just two fabrics ....  

Block 19 using two fabrics

If you want to make the block using just two fabrics you will need to cut four B, C and D pieces from each fabric.

Then it is simply a case of following the pattern to create four quick corner squares, and four half-bordered squares from each fabric.

Block 19 - Quick Corner Squares

I recommend laying out the sections on your worktable in the order you will stitch them. 

Lay them out prior to stitching

I love traditional patchwork patterns which can be brought bang up-to-date with modern fabrics.  Block 19 ‘Everyway’ is one such block and I hope you enjoy it too.

I look forward to seeing your blocks over on Instagram (#block19everyway) or in the Flickr Group.  Until then .......

Patchsmith Sampler Block 18 - Fruit Bowl

Block 18 - Fruit Bowl

This week’s block – Fruit Bowl - builds upon the quick corners we learned earlier in the sew-along although the quick corners in this block are quite small. 

Although there is no real matching of seams in this block do take your time when stitching the pear together as you want the top and bottom sections to meet neatly.   I didn’t take care with my ¼” seam allowance and my pear didn’t meet up exactly ......

The top and bottom sections of my pear didn't meet neatly

..... so I restitched it. 

Summer Fruit Bowl

But this is just me being fussy so don’t worry if your pear is a little wonky. The most important thing in this sew-along is to have fun and to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

And just because I used two apples and one pear doesn't mean you have to. You could use purple fabric for the apples and turn them into plums or have a bowl of three pears, or two pears and one apple. This is your fruit bowl - you get to choose.  

I look forward to seeing your fruit bowls over on the Instagram (#block18fruitbowl) or in the Flickr Group.  Until then .......