New Quilt Block

[paelthom]

Here is the first block of a new quilt I'm trying to do. It's called Northern Lights. My colors don't show up to well on the pic but they are a deep rose and a light green with small rose flowers on it. The blocks are harder to make than I thought so I expect this might be a small quilt or wall hanging before it's over. Has anyone else used this pattern before? Any suggestions?

[Heather]

Pat, I love it! You did a great job and what a neat pattern!

[Missy]

No suggestions, I love the block, you did a great job!

[homesteadmamma]

Pat you did a wonderful job.

Can you tell me where your having the problem, maybe I can help.

[paelthom]

I think my problem is with the small blocks. They are supposed to be 6.5 inches when finished but the cutting dimensions were too small. I cut them before I really had a chance to think it over and now realize that they are too small. So I went back and made the seams as small as possible to try and get it to work. The instructions said to cut 3.5 x 6.5 strips and then sew them together. That just won't give you a 6.5 sq. finished block. Do you have any idea what size the little squares should be cut to to make them a 6.5 finished block? I know that I can figure this out but today is just not my day. (DD is sick again - stomach bug I think - not a big deal but it's still a bad day). Thanks for any help.

[homesteadmamma]

Is this the pattern your using Pat?

http://www.quiltershop.com/onaroll.htm

Here is another one:
http://www.getcreativeshow.com/semin...john_quilt.htm

[homesteadmamma]

Pat let me make one up and I'll see. I think I know what your doing wrong.

[paelthom]

The top link is the one I'm using and I know I'm just being stupid on this. I'm just having a quilter's duh moment. Thanks CJ.

[homesteadmamma]

Pat here you go.

Take the 2 colors your using and cut strips 3 1/2 inches wide. Sew your 2 - 3 1/2 inch strips together. It doesn't matter how long the strips are.

Once they are sewn together you will now have 1 strip which ends up being 6 1/2 inches wide. Now cut those every 3 1/2 inches.

Take those two (turning one so one color is on top and one color is on bottom) and sew together.

You should now have 6 1/2 inch blocks.

See if that works. If you don't understand it I can make up a few pictures quickly.

[paelthom]

Okay CJ, I think I understand. As soon as I get back home, I'll give this a try. I cut them at 3.5 x 6.5 and I then ended with a block that was not square and too short on one side. Thanks CJ. What in the world would I do without you........

[homesteadmamma]

Pat I edited the top to make it so it makes sense.

Here is a picture. See how the 2 strips sewn together make 6 1/2 inches wide. Where dd has her finger is where you cut at - 3 1/2 inches.

[paelthom]

Your instructions sure do make more sense to me than the other ones. I like the way you break things down and make them really simple. Hugs

[homesteadmamma]

Now see how they measure 3 1/2 inches wide and 6 1/2 inches long. Just flip one over and sew. The seams should fit right into place.

[homesteadmamma]

Pat make sure you double check what I typed because I had to change a bit. Its correct now.

Also for the triangles. When your cutting your 7/8, don't cut on the 7/8's line. Cut just a hair over it. Your block will turn out perfect when you square it.

[paelthom]

I got this printed out and will give it another try as soon as I get home. I really do think the pattern is pretty and would just love this to work. As soon as I get some extra money, I'm going to look for a really easy quilting book that has simple wording and easy to follow pictures. I can do the sewing once I get the measuring and cutting correct