This month we're making some fun, easy blocks. I made mine using muslin, which adds a little bulk, but not too much. If you prefer to make these using paper (and removing the paper), then by all means, go for it.
Begin with a muslin square and an A5 fabric strip. To make sure that the strip extends just beyond each of the points of the muslin, lay the strip down first (right side up), then place the muslin square on top. You can center yours if you want straight pieces, but I just slightly angled mine for a little more interest.
Flip the pieces over and lay your next piece down, right sides together along one side. Sew all three pieces together with a quarter inch seam.
Open the pieces, finger press the seam, and repeat the process with the other side of the strip.
Finger press that seam open too (you can go ahead and press with the iron if you prefer).
If you prefer straight seams, just continue adding strips to each side lining them up with the edge of the previous strip. I wanted a little bit of variation, so this step, I went ahead and angled mine very slightly. I started with one top strip edge close to the bottom strip edge, and angled in about a quarter inch.
I did the other strip the same way, on the same angle. This should create mirrored blocks when I cut them apart.
The next strips I sewed straight on the edges of the other strips.
And the last pieces I angled again slightly, but in the opposite direction of strip 3. I tested that my strip would cover the muslin by folding back at the approximate 1/4" sewing line. If you don't have enough fabric to cover, you can add another piece of the same or a different fabric.
Here are all the pieces sewn together and pressed.
When you get ready to trim, turn it over so you can see the original muslin square.
If the muslin square shrank any due to sewing or pressing, it should be minimal. Make sure you trim to the size mentioned in the directions, even if that means that some of the strips show over the edge of the muslin.
Square up two sides, then flip it around and square up the other two sides.
And here is the almost-completed block. Now to make it into two half-square triangles.
Mark a straight line your background fabric on the wrong side, corner to corner. When you lay it down, right sides together with your pieced square, make sure that your marked line goes in the same direction as your pieces. This picture shows me checking that the angles are the same.
Now, sew 1/4" on either side of that line.
Then, cut down the line that you marked. Open up the triangles and press your squares. I found it easiest to press toward the background fabric.
Finally, trim off those little bunny ears, and you've got two string-pieced half-square triangles!
And here are my blocks for the three versions:
Original Mystery
Tula Pink
Dark Autumn
I'm making 3 versions of this quilt, so you can see a variety of colorways, and because I'm a glutton for punishment. 😄
- Original Mystery: this version uses the fabrics I referenced in the instructions.
- Tula Pink: this version uses all Tula Pink fabrics, with the exception of the background fabric. I used a larger number of fabrics and mixed all kinds of colors together.
- Dark Autumn: this version uses a Fall-ish palette, with Moda's Grunge fabric in black as the background fabric - it definitely gives a very different effect.
If you're looking for the instructions for this part, check your email. The instructions will be sent out to all of the members of Lebanon Piecemakers, similar to the newsletter.
I will bring these blocks to our next meeting so you can see them in person, since photos often don't quite capture colors accurately. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at
lissylaine@yahoo.com. I look forward to seeing everyone's blocks!
~Melissa
