Block of the Month April 2017

RED and BLUE DIAMONDS

These striking blocks are going to make lots of gorgeous quilts for our Aussie Heroes.

I hope you enjoy making them.  If you would like to make just one block, you can choose either colour way.  If you're making several blocks, could you make 

approximately equal numbers of each colour way please?

As you can see, this month it's all about RED and BLUE.

The BLUE fabrics can be any blue (but please no AQUA) and RED, well it's just red!  The fabrics can patterned,  geometric, spotted, striped or plain.  They just need to be obviously blue and red.

As bundles of blocks arrive in my post day after day, I am amazed at just how 

generous and wonderful AHQ supporters are.

THANK YOU

SO MUCH

for your participation in this project.

The instructions show the blue background/red centre block.  When cutting and sewing the red background/blue centre block, reverse the colours.

Use 1/4 inch seam allowances

NOTE - Please do not trim the blocks even if there are uneven edges, 

as ALL blocks will be cut back to a uniform size.

CUTTING

Cut one centre square 4 x 4 inch

Cut a strip of fabric approx. 21 inch x 1 1/4 inch

Cut two pieces 4 inch long

Cut two pieces 5 1/2 inch long

Cut a strip of fabric approx. 30 inch x 2 inch

Cut two pieces 5 1/2 inch long

Cut two pieces 8 1/2 inch long

Cut two squares 9 x 9 inch

Cut diagonally  

SEWING THE BLOCK

Lay the first two strips on opposite sides of the centre square and stitch, then press the seam allowances away from the centre and onto the strips

Lay the second two strips on the remaining sides of the centre square and stitch, then press the seam allowances away from the centre and onto the strips

Repeat the process for the next set of strips

Adding the background triangles

Fold the diamond in half and place a pin exactly half way along the edge.  Fold the triangle in half with WRONG SIDES TOGETHER and place that fold on the right side of the diamond matching the pin and the fold. 

Open out the triangle that will now be right sides together with the diamond.  This is a s.t.r.e.t.c.h.e.y bias edge, so it is best to leave it laying flat as you pin the two fabrics together.  Then sew the seam.

Repeat for the second triangle on the opposite side of the diamond.  Then press the seam allowances into the triangles.

Repeat the process for the last two triangles but before pressing the seam allowances the little triangles that are excess can be cut away as shown in the second picture.  This is optional.

Press the last 2 seam allowances into the triangles.  Remember, DO NOT TRIM the block even if there are odd little pieces midway along the sides.  All blocks will be trimmed to a uniform size.

Please send your finished blocks to

Sandy Corry

9 Wendouree Court

North Boambee Valley   NSW   2450

I look forward to hearing from you and receiving your blocks.  

If you include your email address, I will write when I receive them.  

Thank you again for your efforts for our Aussie Heroes.  

Until next time...happy sewing.

Sandy

A PDF of the tutorial can be found by clicking HERE