Hive 3 - August Tutorial - Bear's Paw Block for Maree

Hi Everyone.

Hard to believe it is August already. Here in New Zealand it is winter and recently we have had a lot of foggy, wet days in the Waikato area where I live. Hopefully most of you will be experiencing much nicer weather. I have been really busy at work, but would have loved to be able to make the most of this weather to stay home by the fire and sew. 

For my blocks this month I have chosen a Halloween themed Bear's Paw Block. I have a Glow-in-the-dark Skeleton panel which I bought years ago and thought it was time I used it. A lot of you said you did have Halloween fabric so that is great. For those of you that don't have specific Halloween fabrics I am happy for you to use fabrics that include bugs, moths, cats, black and whites, trees, etc and colours that give a bit of a Halloween vibe. I have included some of these in my blocks. If you are concerned about not having enough Halloween type fabric, I am happy for you to make the 4 individual paw blocks and send them to me without your sashing attached. That way I will be able to add in some of my fabrics and mix up the blocks. So please feel free to repeat fabrics if necessary. 

The tutorial I used is a Free Tutorial by Generations Quilt Patterns. Here is the link Bears Paw Quilt Block Pattern: Instructions in 3 Sizes (generations-quilt-patterns.com) 

They have 3 different size options and the one we will use is the 14" Finished Block with some variations. They have a great tutorial, although there are a lot of ads which make it a bit harder to read. They also have great instructions for making 8-at-a-time half square triangles which is a big time saver. You do need to refer back to the size chart as they use measurement for a smaller block when teaching this method.  

I was not so keen on the wider sashing, and wanted a mix of little squares and large squares for the paw blocks, so please refer to the cutting instructions below. Our unfinished block size will be 13.25" square. My blocks both ended up about 1/8" smaller so don't worry if your block varies a little bit also.

Here are the blocks I have made and also a photo of the skeleton panel.

And my fabric pull. I joined a Coffin Hexie swap a number of years ago and had forgotten that I had purchased a number of different prints for that. Some I also received from an Instagram friend who lives in Washington State, USA.

Fabrics and Cutting Instructions

Piece	Fabric	Qty
1	A	1			1¼" x 1¼"
2	B	4 8			4½" x 4½" 2½" x 2½"
3**	C	2			6¼" x 6¼"
4**	Backgrnd	2			6¼" x 6¼"
5	Backgrnd	4			1¼" x 6½"
6	Backgrnd	4			2½" x 2½"
Unfinished Block Size					13¼"

**These are the oversizes patches that will be trimmed to perfection AFTER stitching.

To make cutting out easier I have adjusted the chart to show only what you will need to cut for my version of this block.

Fabrics 

1. Fabric A is a small square which can be coloured or black n white
2. Fabric B - Halloween Fabric (or other fabrics as suggested)
3. Fabric C - Black n White, Black, or Black n Grey
4. Background - White or Off White Low volume fabric - with interesting black or grey details if you have it.

Pressing Instructions

I am not too worried about how you press your blocks, however in saying that the tutorial does give good instructions for pressing. I found that I did not need to press any of the seams open. I much prefer to press to the side unless there is way too much bulk.

Half Square Triangles (HSTs)

The HSTs that make up the claws (position 3 in diagram) are made using the 6.25" squares. You make 8 at a time and they come together quite quickly. I used directional fabric for one of my backgrounds and this method works perfectly in making sure the fabrics all end up the correct way.

Here are a few photos showing the stitching lines and cutting lines.

You need to join a background square and a Fabric C square with right sides together. Mark the 2 diagonal lines so that you have an X. Sew 1/4 inch either side of both of these lines. You will then cut down the centre top to the bottom, and centre left to right (like a +). You also need to cut along the diagonal lines which you drew initially. Repeat for the other set of squares and you will end up with 16 HSTs. These need to be trimmed down to 2.5" squares.

One of my favourite rulers is my Bloc Loc square which makes trimming these HSTs to size so much easier. I am also lucky enough to have a little rotating cutting mat which is also a favourite tool.

For the paw I have used 2 x 4.5" squares and in the other 2 squares I have used 4 x 2.5" squares. I like the scrappiness of this to add extra fussy cuts or even just to add a touch of colour. So if you don't have any prints to cut, I am happy if you just use plain or textured colours here.

I feel like I could just continue to have fun making these blocks and exploring other fabric placement options. I have asked for some sort of black fabric for the claws (3) part of the blocks. However when I was making one of the above blocks I trialed (and rejected) these coloured claws. I have a lot of black prints so I think I will try using the coloured claws with those.

Hopefully you can all have fun making these blocks. I have not had the chance to just play with fabrics like this in a very long time and actually really enjoyed making these as they are not my usual fabric of choice. 

Thank you.

Maree

 

     

Hive 4 - August Tutorial - Tic Tac Toe block for Lisa

Hi All

August Queen here and after those difficult angles, this block is easy, peasy!!  This is the same block I have done before as I'm needing a few more blocks to make it king size and get one of my WIP completed.  The block tutorial is really good on The Blossom Heart Quilts site, so I am linking to it, Tic Tac Toe block. 

The MOST IMPORTANT part of this block is choosing the fabrics that fit the Americana colors that I am using so that your blocks meld together with all the others already collected. The colors are Americana red, white and blue. The x in the middle is darker dusty red, the outer corners are darker dusty blue and the connectors are cream off white lean towards tan - no white. Americana colors are not real bright, pure colors but more of the dusty, aged, muted tones. I know there are international members of our hive and these colors may be more of a challenge.  Let me know if you have any questions on the fabrics you have chosen.  

Refer to Tic Tac Toe for the full tutorial. 

X is Muted Red 

Corners are muted Blues
Connectors are Cream/Off White


Here is my fabric pull - keep away from fabrics that register as "light" for the Red and Blue.

And here is a pic of the blocks I have so far. I only need about 10 more blocks! Look at the photo to see the line of blocks that are too bright or light and I won't be able to use those.  

Always good to take a pic!  Yes, I have removed the blocks that were made with cream in the corners.  Be sure your placements are correct.  

Looking forward to adding more blocks and getting closer to king size!
Lisa...

Hive 1: Crumbs on a Drunkard's Path for Leah

 

Hi Leah! What a great way to use up some of my crumbs! I feel like my crumb pile increases in size more often than it decreases :)

Apologies for coming in right at the buzzer this month. Hoping to mail these out by the end of the week.

Hive 1: Crumbs on the Drunkard's Path for Leah!

 Hello!!

This was a fun time! I'm glad Rita softened us up. I hope the wonkiness and...festive colors are okay!! 🎄 I can't wait to see all of the blocks together!

They'll be on their way ASAP.

Hive 5- August Tutorial- Ornament Block

I live in Eastern North Carolina, and this time of year, it's always hot and humid. I tend to do Christmas in July to not only get a jump on Christmas projects, but also to try and pretend it's not 100 degrees outside. Along that vein, I've chosen an ornament block. It's super easy and fun to make. It goes together very quickly and is a great way to use up scraps.

There is a great tutorial at: https://www.scrapish.com/ornament-quilt-block.html#Top

 

For fabrics, anything Christmas is welcome; fun, whimsical, classic, ornate. If you don't have any holiday fabrics, think holiday colors in solids or small prints, with gold and silver. I'm using charm squares I had left over from a project.

For the background, I chose white on white prints with snowflakes, trees, holly, and an off white with red polka dots. I'm good with the white or off white with small prints as long as they read christmas-y. Also, I'd like the background to be one fabric.

 There is also a small gray rectangle needed for the top of the ornament.

 There are two sizes for the block in the tutorial. I did both. You can do one 12 inch or 4 6inch, they'll both equal 12 inches and I'm using both sizes in the quilt. They sew up very quickly, I did all five in less than an hour. 

 Cutting:

6 inch block

Background-

A. (2) 3 1/2 x 1 1/2

B. (1) 1 1/2 x 1

D. (2) 4 1/2 x 1 1/2

E. (4) 1 1/2 square

F. (1) 6 1/2 x 1 1/2

 Gray-

C. (1) 1 1/2 x 1

Print or color-

G. (2) 4 1/2 x 1 1/2

H. (2) 4 1/2 x 1 1/2

I. (1) 4 1/2 x 1 1/2 

12 inch block

Background-

A. (2) 5 1/2 x 2 1/2

B. (1) 2 1/2 x 1 1/2

D. (2) 8 1/2 x 2 1/2

E. (4) 2 1/2 square

F. (1) 12 1/2 x 2 1/2

Gray-

C. (1) 2 1/2 x 1 1/2

Print or color- 

G. (2) 8 1/2 x 2 1/2

H. (2) 8 1/2 x 1 1/2

I. (1) 8 1/2 x 2 1/2

As I used charm squares, for the 12 inch block, I cut the charms and pieced them to get the required size, then cut them down as the tutorial shows in strip piecing. Pieces G, H, I

Sewn and trimmed to 8 1/2 by 8 1/2.

 

 

 

 

Next I snowballed the corners of the block with the 2 1/2 inch squares. Piece E

 

Next I pieced the gray ornament top and top of the block. Pieces B, C

Pieces B/C, A

Next, sew the sides on. Pieces D

And lastly, sew the top and bottom on. Pieces B/C/A and F

The smaller 6 inch blocks go together exactly the same. I know this is a brief, bullet point tutorial, but the tutorial at the link is very detailed.

Thank you so much and happy Sewing!

Tara

Hive One - Crumbs on A Drunkard's Path - Grace’s version

 Hope you enjoy! It is being posted in the mail tomorrow. 

Hive 1 July Block Crumbs on a Drunkard’s Path for Leah

 First time doing a crumb block, hope you like it!  Will mail out next week. 

Chris

Hive 1 July Block

This month’s blocks were fun! I enjoy seeing curves and I appreciated getting some orphan blocks out of my stash!

~ Megan

Hive 1 - June Changing Squares for Jennifer

 Jennifer, I’m SO sorry my post and send off was delayed and I hope that by sending 2 blocks, you’ll allow grace to me!

Can’t wait to see what this quilt will look like once you’re finished. 

Chris

Hive 1 July Crumbs on the Drunkard's Path for Leah

 

Royal colors for our July Queen. I hope you like them, Leah. They'll be in the mail soon.

Drunkard's Path and crumbs for Leah

Hi Leah,

Here is my contribution to your quilt. I aimed for complementary purple and yellow. Crumbs are crumbs so other colors were added, but I still hope in the end that everything will fit well in you plan!

Happy quilting!

Marie

Hive1, July, Crumbs on the Drunkard's Path Block for Leah

Hi Leah,

Great Block for using up scraps!

Easy-peasy Block, they came together quickly and will go on their merry way to you today.

Happy quilting,

Rita

Hive 6 - July tutorial - Old Missouri block

 For my July block, I wanted to remake an antique block called Old Missouri. I originally found this pattern in my box of saved patterns from the Kansas City Star.  I grew up in Missouri, and I still live here. I have a great love for my state. I want to make a red white and blue quilt. 

The Fabrics: You can use solids, patterns, or blenders for any of these fabrics as long as they read red, white, or blue. Kitschy or patriotic fabrics are welcomed.

Finished practice block


This is the 1932 newspaper template that inspired this block

• 3 blues: Line them up from darkest to lightest. The darkest for the corner triangles, second darkest for the bars, and lightest for the center piece. 
• Red: Any red for the two quarter circles.
• Background: white, white-on-white, or off-white

Here is a picture of the fabrics I am considering.  I love a scrappy quilt, so you will notice that my sample block uses cats and flowers. If it's red, white, and blue, it works!

Cutting:

1. Print out the templates I've created and cut them out. I have modified the original pattern to include seam allowances. Once it is printed, check to make sure the templates match the measurements. I realized that I had to download the pdf document to get the right sizes instead of printing from the web. (Note: the measurements I've written of the template reflect the original pattern, without seam allowances)
2. Use template piece 1 to cut a 4 1/2 x 4 3/4 a rectangle in the lightest blue for the center piece. You could also just cut this without the template.
3. Use template piece 2 to cut a 2 3/4 x 4/14 TWO medium blue bars.  You could also just cut this without the template.
4. Use template 3 to cut two tringles in the darkest blue, or cut a 4 1/4 x 4 1/4 inch square and cut it on the diagonal.
5. Fold your background fabric in half and use template # 4 twice to cut four background arches, two facing each direction.
6. Use template piece 5 to cut two red quarter circles. 

Sewing: 

1. Sew two opposite facing background arches together on the short straight seam, right sides together. Then, sew the other two opposite pieces together, right sides together. You will end up with two of these.
   
   
   
2. Fold the quarter circles in half and finger press them to find the center. Line up the center of the quarter circle with the center seam of the arch. Using a quarter-inch seam, carefully stitch the arch to the quarter circle. Here is a video you can watch about how to sew this drunkard's path. Repeat for the second drunkard's path. This was my first time sewing curves on a quilt block. Mine practice block is not perfect, so I am not expecting perfect blocks from you guys either.
3. Next sew the two medium blues (pieces # 2) on to both sides of the center piece (piece #1). Press toward the darker blues. Press toward the red. 
4. Find the center of both dark blue triangles by folding them in half. Align this crease with the center of the medium blue bar stitch a triangle onto both medium blue bars. Your path now has light center (piece 1), bookended by two medium blue bars (pieces 2). These are bookended by two dark blue triangles (pieces three) that form the corners of the block. Press toward the darker blues.
5. Sew one drunkards path on to both sides of the path. I pressed to the white to reduce bulk. You can press toward the blues. 

Hive 1 July Tutorial: Crumbs on the Drunkard's Path for Leah

This is my first time participating in Stash Bee, and I'm so excited to get to be the Queen Bee this month! Thank you in advance for humoring me here, and please let me know if anything is unclear. 

I recently participated in another swap for crumb blocks, and have an awful lot of crumbs left. So I've put together a somewhat more structured use for the crumbs I still have hanging around. I'm sure I didn't actually invent this block, but for our purposes I've taken the liberty of naming it "Crumbs on the Drunkard's Path"--this will have some similarities to Rita's block from April, so feel free to refer back if her directions for curves work better for you.

I'm asking for a finished product of two squares, approximately 10" apiece. 

Start with one 10.5" square of solid fabric (or print! But one solid piece.) A second 10.5" square should be a crumb block, an orphan block, or if you don't want to bother with crumbs, just a busy print that contrasts with the other block's calmer color/print. I'm happy with any color, as long as the two squares contrast. Please keep the most prevalent colors in one square on the opposite side of the color wheel from the most prevalent colors in the second square. I'd like them to be complementary colors as demonstrated on this color wheel image, or near to complimentary.

In the photos I've used a mostly greens and blues print with a crumb block pieced from mostly reds. A block made from a pile of scraps might be very multicolored--just go with whatever overall impression you get if you squint at it when determining what color to pair it with.

Stack the pieced block on top of the solid so you can plan your cut to avoid any areas with lots of seams, and cut a curve freehand from midway across one side to midway across an adjacent side, the same through both blocks. (The cut is hard to see in this photo. It's a curve from roughly the center of the right side down to roughly the center of the bottom edge.)

Spread them out and swap the inner and outer pieces so you have two squares each composed of a solid piece and a crumb piece.

Fold an inner wedge in half along the curve, finger pressing along the center to create a crease.

Make a matching fold on the outer piece and then line the two centers up together. Then unfold both and match the right side the fabric of both center folds, pinning all the way to one edge or finger walking your way to find where you should start sewing the curve. 

Pin the whole thing if you prefer, or fly by the seat of your pants while trying to keep the edges where you aligned them. (That's my usual method when not trying to plan a tutorial--perfect for when a very small person has been playing with and hidden a pincushion.)

The two pieces won't match exactly; the outer piece will extend a bit further than the inner piece.

Sew the two pieces together with a 1/4" seam. If you choose not to pin, try to match the center folds as you ease the edges around.

Press the seam to one side. If you sewed through seams on your crumb block, you'll have an easier time pressing toward the single piece of fabric side, which means toward the center of the wedge on one block and away on the other. 

Square up the edges, but don't worry too much about size. It may vary depending on your curve. I'll make it work!

Thank you so much! I can't wait to see what you all do!