July

Churn Dash

Tips & Hints

This block is a 10" block. (That is - 10 1/2" unfinished.) Use "Americana" colors. Americana colors are barn red, navy or colonial blue (french blue), forest green, gold and tan or beige. These colors are not bright primary colors, but are muted and duller than primary colors. You may use any combination of colors, but please use a tan or gold for the background so there is good contrast with the pattern. Refer to the quilt graphic below for block layout ideas. These are only suggestions. Use your creativity. If you hate tan you may substitute gold. Think Fourth of July!!

This block is very easy to construct, because it consists of only two different shapes. The square is 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" unfinished. The unit consisting of two triangles is 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" unfinished. You may use 4" triangle paper or your favorite method for making half-square triangles.

For a fast method for sewing the square units together, cut two strips 2 1/2" by 12" (I added extra length just in case), one light, one dark. Sew the strips together and press toward the dark fabric. Cut in 2 1/2" wide units, there will be four with a little left over. There you have your two square units almost painlessly. You should have four half-square triangle units, one triangle light, one triangle dark. Assemble the first and last rows by sewing a half square triangle unit to each side of a two-square unit, following the block graphic for correct placement. Press seams toward the center. Assemble the center row by sewing a contrasting 2 1/2" by 2 1/2" square between the ends of two two-square units, following the block graphic for correct placement. Press seams toward the outside. Sew the three rows together again following the block graphic for placement. Press seams toward the center. Your block should measure 10 1/2" by 10 1/2" unfinished. Measure often as you assemble the block to assure you have 1/4" seams.

If you have questions or comments, post a note to the bulletin board or email Squirrel or Azpatch . Blocks will be due by July 23rd.