Monthly Archives: October 2016

#jensfillerblocks Butterfly Charm

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Butterfly Charm

I am so sad that this will be my last #jensfillerblocks. This has been such a growing experience for me. I have learned SO much and gained so much confidence as a quilter by working through these 6″ blocks. Today’s block is from the ever so talented Nicole Young (aka Lillyella). It finishes at 5.5″ so you’ll need to add a small border to make it fit in your quilt. She has provided 3 different styles of butterflies and the paper piecing PDF’s are all free on her site, Lillyella.com. Keep tagging me on instagram and using the #jensfillerblocks hashtag. It truly brings a big smile to my face any time I see one of these blocks.

Star Sashing Tutorial

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Star Sashing

I have known for months and months that this is how I wanted to finish my Simple Star blocks from a swap in which I was participating. Adding those 9 cute, little stars in my sashing totally MADE this quilt for me. It took it from a cute, simple top to an adorable, fun top. I apologize for a lack of photos. It was raining all morning long so I couldn’t get any decent photos. I felt a need to get this top ready as I’m looking at my schedule for the next few months and panicking a bit.

Before you begin, you’ll need to draw out a very rough, simple diagram of your quilt so you can count out how many pieces of sashing you’ll need. I needed 24.

Cut your sashing 2-1/2″ x the length of your quilt blocks. Mine here were 12-1/2″ so my sashing was cut at 2-1/2″ x 12-1/2″.

For the star pieces, cut your squares at 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ for the star points and 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ for the star center.

Star Sashing 1

If you look at my finished quilt, you’ll notice that some of the sashing pieces end up with star points on just one side while others end up with star points on two sides. Count up how many need just one side and how many need them on two sides. I ended up needing 12 of each type. Do some simple math to figure out how many 1-1/2″ squares you’ll need.

12 single sided x 2 star points = 24 squares

12 double sided x 4 star points = 48 squares.

I ended up needing (72) 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ squares for my star points. Draw a line down the center diagonally, then attach one square at a time to each piece of sashing, trim, press, and repeat with the second square. Repeat this process for the sashing pieces requiring two sides. You are now ready to layout your quilt and sash it. Add in the 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ squares in the centers of the sashing pieces and assemble your top.

I love, love, love how this turned out and I know I’ll be using this method again soon. I have also seen a friendship star sashing, which you can easily find on Missouri Star Quilt Company’s blog.

Star Sashing 2

So now I’m interested to know, are you pro sashing or is it just one more step you dread before finishing your quilt? I can wholeheartedly tell you that I do NOT like sashing or borders. I find the process to be painful, but having such a fun outcome as these cute stars has made that extra work seem worth the effort!

#jensfillerblocks Duck Tracks

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Duck Tracks

 

I am so sad that my #jensfillerblocks series is coming to an end. I have one, maybe two more posts planned and them I’ll be sad every Friday that I don’t have a need to share 6″ blocks any more. I just finished up the last of my 144 6″ blocks for my mega sampler quilt yesterday!! This duck tracks block for today is another fun traditional block that can be changed and made to look more modern just based on fabric choice. It comes together rather quickly as well. Win win for everyone.

White:

(8) 2″ x 2″

(2) 2-3/8″ x 2-3/8″

Pink:

(2) 2″ x 3-1/2″

Aqua:

(2) 2″ x 3-1/2″

Black:

(2) 2-3/8″ x 2-3/8″

Start by drawing a line down the diagonal center of (4) 2″ x 2″ white squares and (2) 2-3/8″ x 2-3/8″ white squares. Pair these (4) 2″ x 2″ squares with the 2 aqua and 2 pink 2″ x 3-1/2″ rectangles, making sure the line is oriented in the correct direction using the above finished block for reference. Sew down the drawn line, trim off the excess, and press.

Pair up the white 2-3/8″ squares with the black 2-3/8″ squares. Sew 1/4″ away on both sides of the drawn line. Cut down the line, press the pieces and it will yield 8 half square triangles (HSTs). Trim these to 2″ if necessary.

Lay out each quarter of the block, sew the quarters together. They should measure 3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ at this point. Sew together into halves, then into your complete block.