something stitched

Hope you got the first step done so you’re ready to go on Step Two of Mystery Quilt 2018. It will be important to make sure you get the placement of your half square triangles going in the same direction around the block.  However, if you get them all sewed and then see that one block is going a different direction don’t panic.  I did that and actually left it because it gave a little interest. I confess, I also did not want to rip out twenty HST’s.  Have fun!

If you missed the first step look at February 5 post for the fabric requirements, cutting instructions and directions for making half square triangles (my way!!)

Step two construction:

All construction uses ¼” seam allowance.

Using the photo as guide arrange the 2 ½” pieced squares in the direction indicated with the four solid blocks in each corner. Sew 4 pieced squares to make a strip for the top of the 8 ½” block and repeat for the bottom of the block. I press these seams open also.

Sew the strips to the top and bottom of the 8 ½” block (fabric 2) and press toward the block.

Repeat for the sides adding a solid 2 ½” at each end of strip and sew to each side of the block. Press seams toward the block.

Make 3 blocks.

 

The same process will be used for the 6 ½” x 20 ½” rectangle of fabric (fabric 1).

Using the photo as a guide arrange the 2 ½” pieced squares in the direction indicated with four solid blocks in each corner.  See how they march so nicely around the solid block!

Sew 10 pieced squares to make a strip for the top and repeat for the bottom of the rectangle. Press seams open.

Sew each strip to the top and the bottom of the rectangle. Press seam toward the center.

Sew 3 pieced squares to make a strip and add a solid square at each end of the strip. Press seams open.

Sew strips to each side of the rectangle and press seams toward the center of the block.

Make 3 rectangular blocks. Check the photo to make sure your triangle squares are all going the same direction.

Feb 5, 2018

Mystery Quilt 2018

46” x 50”

 

Are we ready to begin? Please, if you have any questions or need clarification email me. I don’t want people to be frustrated because they need more clarity than I have given. We all learn differently and I hope that photos and words together will work.

 

I will refer to fabrics by number as identified below:

Fabric #1, focus fabric

Fabric #2, second focus fabric

Fabric #3, frame for #2 fabric

Fabric #4, frame for #1 fabric

Fabric #5, frame work with #3 and #4

Fabric #6, background

Fabric #7, border and binding

 

Cutting instructions:

Fabric #1, cut 3 pieces 6 ½” x 20 ½” ;

Fabric #2, cut 3 pieces 8 ½” square;

Fabric #3, cut 24- 3” squares and 12- 2 ½” squares;

Fabric #4, cut 39- 3” squares and 12- 2 ½” squares;

Fabric #5, cut 63- 3” squares;

Fabric #6, cut 3- 2 ½” x 12 ½” rectangles, 3- 2 ½” x 14 ½” rectangles,

3- 4 ½” x 24 ½” rectangles;

Fabric # 7, (I suggest waiting to cut until ready to sew borders and measure to be sure these measurements meet the measurements of your finished project.)

cut 2- 38 ½” x 4 ½” strips for top and bottom of finished project, cut 2- 50 ½” x 4 ½” strips for sides.

 

First step construction:

All construction uses ¼” seam allowance.

Match fabric 5 squares with 3” squares from fabric 3 and 4. You will be making half square triangles—my way. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner and stitch ¼ inch on either side of the line. Cut on the drawn line and press seam open very carefully to avoid stretching. I press these seams open to reduce bulk later. Trim finished squares to 2 ½” square. Note the photos. HST are made this way to insure you have accurate squares with reduced bulk for later use. Organize trimmed squares into fabric 3 stack of 48 and fabric 4 stack of 78. Whew! That’s a lot of triangle squares but the worst is over. Get ready for step two next week.

 

I’m offering a simple, graphic mystery quilt that measures 46” x 50” this year. No registration is required but to insure you receive weekly instructions subscribe to my website by entering your email address in the upper right corner of the home page. You will then get an email when I post the instructions for each of 5-6 weeks. This is simply a fun opportunity with no pressure to finish or report to anyone. However, I love to see your photos and hope you will share them on your favored social media outlet or with your quilting friends. Cutting instructions coming February 5 but here are the fabric requirements:

Seven fabrics coordinated in style or in color, print or solid or both.

Fabric #1, a focus fabric, 3/8 yard

Fabric #2, a second focus (or more of number one), ¼ yard

Fabric #3, frame for #2, ¼ yard

Fabric #4, frame for #1, 3/8 yard

Fabric #5, frame for #1 and #2, ½ yard

Fabric #6, background, 5/8 yard

Fabric #7, border and binding, 1 ½ yard

I have made this quilt three times with prints but am going with near solid and one print in southwest colors so I can feature some quilting designs I’ve wanted to try. Remember, if you don’t like your finished project at the end, you can always donate it to a local shelter or a favorite humanitarian effort.

If you have questions let me know.