This year the national guild has challenged all individual guilds to create a 65” x 85” quilt (twin-sized) by creating curves and using a specific palette of oranges and blues. (There was also white, but we decided not to include that.)
So, the plan is to create the following blocks to be put together either in a pattern like this below with an improv border or in some way as yet to be determined. I have this idea, but if someone or a group of people is inspired and wants to play with the blocks and colors that would be fun too. That is what improv is for! And we really want as many people as possible to participate and give this a try. We do need all the blocks back no later than the October meeting in order to work on that next phase.
The blocks are as follows:
Very Dark Blue and Medium Blue unfinished at 10 ½ by 6 ½
Medium Blue and Light Blue unfinished at 5 ½ by 3 ½
Dark Orange and Light Orange unfinished at 3 ½ by 2 ½
First, take two same-sized pieces together from the packet and lay one directly on top of the other with the longest length running top to bottom.
Cut a freestyle gentle curve from bottom to top using a rotary cutter.
Match up the opposite colored halves.
Flip one cut piece (half) over on top of the other. The seams will not look like they are matching up. But as you start to sew them together using a ¼ inch seam, just go slowly and gently pull the fabrics together so that they are aligned.
Once you finish sewing the seam, flip the block over and on the backside carefully make small snips towards the back seam without actually cutting into that seam at about ¾ of an inch apart. This will help make the block flat when pressing.
The idea for doing this block was inspired by learning to create a curves block that Debbie Jeske offered in her workshop here a few years ago. Her fabric pieces were overlapping to create one block. By layering the fabrics directly here, you can create two.
Ellyn and I will both have a space on our porches with packets and a sign-up sheet so that you can stop by in Allen or McKinney at your convenience to pick them up. Also we are both readily available to drop a packet at your house if you need that. Each packet will have 1 each of the large block colors, 2 each of the medium, and 3 each of the small. So you will end up with 12 blocks from one packet.
And that’s it! Hope you have fun with it, and please email Ellyn and me at ellynzins@gmail.com and chrisbakerdavies@yahoo.com and I can answer any questions and will let you know where to pick up the blocks.
Chris Davies, Community Service Chair