Here is the quilt that was photographed on Connie’s table. It’s very easy so let’s draft it and make it – I’m going to!
These are going to be 1″ Squares. Twelve squares per row, two rows per section. There are 5 sections in this quilt.
You will be cutting 120 assorted squares, 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″.
After sewing the two rows of 12 squares together, it should measure 2-1/2″ x -12-1/2″.
Now note that there is a 1″ sashing between the sections. This will be cut 1-1/2″ x 12-1/2″.
Sew 5 of these sections. Sew the five sections together and add another 1-1/2″ x 12-1/2″ to the top.
Cut two side sashing pieces 1-1/2″ x 16-1/2″.
Cut two borders 2-1/2″ x 16-1/2″ and two borders 2-1/2″ x 20-1/2″.
Voila!
What if we wanted to throw in a couple 1″ triangle squares in the rows of twelve? We would cut squares that measure 1-7/8″ x 1-7/8″, cut once diagonally and sewn together for a finished square of 1″ x 1″.
See how easy this is?
Here’s another sample block that finishes 8″x8″.
If you follow these simple rules of drafting, you can piece hundreds of blocks and quilts! Templates are a different game – they are drawn to size and are not rotary cut.
We are finished sewing the quilts for the book – now for the writing and organizing. Here is a UFO I dug out to finish. The blocks come from this book.
I need one more block to finish up a wall quilt.
There’s my next project plus how many quilt tops waiting to be put on the quilting machine! I’m cleaning my sewing room so I can start fresh with a clean surface. I haven’t touched it since last September when we started sewing for the book. It’s snowing today – not stormy, just light snow. Wasn’t that a game last night??? Reed and I sewed yesterday – his blocks are finished and now comes the challenge of putting them together. I’ve heard from many of you who had adult friends as children – and it seems that you all enjoyed it. I know I’m lucky to have Reed to spend time with!
Both parts saved! Thanks for making it clear.
Looking forward to the new book! Thanks so much for the clear instructions.
Growing up, I was an “adopted” granddaughter of two neighbors, neither of whom had grandchildren. One taught me to knit and the other taught me to crochet. My own grandmother, who lived with us, taught me to sew. I was a very lucky girl!
Thanks for the tutorial. Mary. I might make Squeak a flannel quilt just for her, but with your pattern😺😺. I are breakfast with an older couple until I went to first grade. Fun times!!
Thank you for the tutorial. I always get confused when it comes to adding the seam allowances. I, too, am cleaning my sewing space today. My smaller scraps are going into my Bonnie Hunter scrap system. I’m cutting them to size when necessary, so it is a process. Since before Thanksgiving I have been cutting up my precious Thimbleberries scraps into 7 scrap quilts. I finished all but one but have set aside the fabrics I want to use for the Seven Sisters quilt (using Marti Michell templates). She came to our guild a couple of years ago and I took the hexagon class from her and got the first block done. I am hoping all of my colored Thimbleberries scraps that I know where they are will now fit into one tub. Wish me luck!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. I really enjoy your posts, especially the quilts and the animals.
Many thanks Mary for this tutorial. It’s something I have wanted to try. ☺
Thank you, the tutorial is going to be very helpful. Looking forward to your new book as well. Your new projects look delightful too.
Reed is such a delightful young man, and it makes me so happy to see you two together working on projects. Looking forward to your next book. I love your civil war books!
I love that basket quilt! Is it a pattern? Or did you draft it? Lol😀
Anne – the basket blocks come from the book cover I posted.
Oh great! I have all your other books. I will be buying this one too.
Did… I get it… will have to look for the pattern. It is beautiful
My grandson (h s senior) wrote Christmas letters as his presents. One of the things he wrote in mine was about the quilt he made when he was about 9. He always lived far away from us but when he came for a visit that time he made a quilt. I cut it out but he did the rest and I sent it to him after it was quilted.My point is this: Reed will never forget you or the wonderful times you shared. I wish I’d had that much time with my two grandsons. All I can hope is that they remember baking and arty things and card games and things my husband and I tried to do with them when we were together…..so far I think they do. Good for you! You have touched so many lives in memorable ways….
the quilt show in red wing sat. was real nice, as usual, a lot of people there. a lot of pretty quilts to look at. we got more snow yesterday, not a lot but enough to shovel. yes, it’s sure nice reed spends time with you & i’m sure he will always remember it. i learned embroidery but forgot from who. we’re waiting for warmer days, at least a little warmer. but the snow is sure pretty!!! the big game was good sunday night, it was the 1st game we have watched, well, mostly watched just the last 30 minutes. keep warm……
This is useful and welcome info… clear instructions…. without drama or self-promotion….Your posts are always appealing…. thanks.