Wednesday, January 21, 2009

B-11

The book's diagram of this block differs quite significantly from Jane's so I took the liberty of redrafting the center square for foundation piecing.

To print my version, you'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is free. You can download it here if you don't have it. Click here for the file and print it onto your foundation paper. I recommend centering the image on your page to make it easier to cut out. I used freezer paper because I'm really in love with the freezer paper method right now.

But before we do the foundation piecing, we'll make the corner triangles. For this you can use the diagram in the book or the CD.

Cut two 3 ¼" squares from your background fabric and cut each in half diagonally.
Trace or print the four semi-circles from the diagram onto freezer paper and iron onto the right side of your main fabric.
Cut them out, leaving a seam allowance all the way around.
IMPORTANT: The seam allowance on the straight edge HAS TO BE exactly ¼".

Place each semi-circle on a triangle, centering it and making sure the straight edges align. Baste.

Applique along the curved edge.


Now we'll foundation piece.
Cut the foundation pattern into sections as follows.
Be sure to use the numbering on the pattern because this will allow you to have your seams lay in opposite directions when assembling and thus avoid bulk.

Using your desired foundation piecing method, piece the first three sections. Remember to leave a &#188" seam allowance when squaring up the edges.

Sew the three pieces together, making sure the seams fall in opposite directions to reduce bulk.

Attach the four outside strips in the order given. You can rotary cut these if you prefer.

Attach an appliqued triangle to each side of the square. Make sure to center these carefully.
Press, and trim the block to 5".
This is still not an exact replica of Jane's block, but a lot closer than Brenda's version, I think.

On Thursday we'll make our first triangle.

1 comment:

  1. I redrafted this block also. For details, visit this posting on my blog: http://minkasstudio.blogspot.com/2008/05/drafting-melissas-cross.html

    ReplyDelete