Hive 2 – August Tutorial - Canyon Beauty Quilt Block

My inspiration for this month is Palo Duro Canyon. Palo Duro Canyon is located in the Texas Panhandle near the cities of Amarillo and Canyon. As one of the largest canyons in the United States, it is roughly 25–40 miles long and has an average width of 6 miles, but reaches a width of 20 miles at places. If you've never been there, here's a photo of me in front of the Lighthouse. It is one of the most iconic formations within the canyon. The Lighthouse is not visible from any of the canyon roads. It is roughly a seven mile round trip hike, but it is very much worth the effort.

You can see below my fabric pulls for this block. We will be using creams and earth toned fabric. For this block you may use 2 1/2" strips or scraps in varying lengths. 

Fabric requirements: 

Creams, and low value tans are preferred, with light/medium contrast.

Earth tones; rust, browns, golds; subtle prints; anything indicative of what could be found in nature. Please use 6 different prints, if at all possible. 

Cutting Directions:

Cream or light cream print  

6 squares 2 1/2" X 2 1/2"

Earth toned prints

2 squares (A) 2 1/2" X 2 1/2" [matching the colors of the (C) strips below]

2 rectangles (B) 2 1/2" X 10 1/2" [Each a different color]

2 rectangles (C) 2 1/2" X 8 1/2" [Each a different color]

2 rectangles (D) 2 1/2" X 4 1/2" [Each a different color]

2 rectangles (E) 2 1/2" X 6 1/2" [Each a different color]

* (A) Earth toned and (C) are sewn on the same rows, thus the colors should match across the row.

* (D) and (E) are sewn on the same rows, thus the colors should match across the row.

* If you have a fabric with an obvious stripe or direction, it should be cut horizontally.

Helpful color information:

The diagram below will help to explain how the block is pieced with corresponding color placement. Note: we will NOT be using the blue or green colors in this example.

Block piecing:

1. Row 1 and row 6 should be of different earth tone colors.
2. Row 2 and row 5 should be different from each other, but using the same color per row.
3. Row 3 and row 4 should be different from each other, but using the same color per row.
4. Please use a scant 1/4" seam so that the block will measure at least 12 1/2" square.
5. Press all seams toward the dark print so that when sewing the rows together you will be able to "nest" the seams together so that they will match perfectly.

I think this block will go together rather quickly. I hope you enjoy making this "Canyon Beauty"!

~ Kathryn