EEZY PEEZY MODULAR BLOCK - TUTORIAL

Let me begin by saying..........this is my very first tutorial so I am open to any advice or criticism.

Begin with  5 or 6 different fabrics, plus an accent color or colors for this retro looking 9 1/2" block. I used 5 fabrics for this set of blocks, although in this photo you can see only 4. Iron and stack neatly. With rotary cutter, square off 2 sides, then cut remaining two sides so that you have 5  8" X 9" stacked blocks.

Measure 1 1/2" inches in on the 8" side and cut with rotary cutter. Separate stack,(fig 2) remove top strip and transfer to the bottom of the pile. (fig 3)

(fig 1) Stack of 5 squared  fabrics  (8"X9")

  

(fig 2) First cut 1 1/2" inches wide.  Can be cut up to 2" inches

 (fig 3) Remove top fabric and relocate to bottom of stack


Cut 5 strips of contrasting color. 2 1/2 inches wide by 9 inches long. Sew strip to cut sides of block. Block will now be 10" wide. (not 8) Press and restack all blocks, place on mat and prepare to make a second cut.

Completed first cut and strip
Second Cut begins with figure 4

(fig 4) Now make second cut 2 1/4"  down from the top

(fig 5) Reverse stack

(Fig 6) Remove top 2 strips and place on the bottom of the stack

(Fig 7)  Completed cut and re stacked

Now cut a final contrasting strip 1 1/2" wide by 9 1/2" long, sew strip onto  block for a completed 9 1/2" X 9 1/2" block. Square up if necessary.

completed block

                Another view of a completed block

Full set of 4 blocks. Arrange at will, have fun with it!

 More to come............. 

 

Sock Monkey's and more - The Griddle Cake Caper

Quilt # 1 - Griddle cakes 

Thought I found the perfect design for this quilt. However, I am still learning with each quilt I make. I soon discovered that the brown fabric with bananas was like using red.  It overpowered the other colors on the quilt. In the case of this fabric...........less is more!   

I continued to assemble the quilt. However, once completed I found it to be OK, but not a love affair for me.  So, I began the task of seeking another design for the this adorable sock monkey fabric.

See below for a very different view of this fabric.  It is amazing that the quilt below is the same fabrics, with a few additions

Sock Monkeys - Same Fabric Different Quilt

So this is the second quilt.  I chose to not use the brown with bananas on the second quilt and tried to think outside the box in terms of color, so I brought it some fabrics that were compatible, but not part of the sock monkey companion fabrics

 

Quilt was a big hit.  Photo is Kristen (mother to be) holding the quilt.  Below is the awesome cake her Mother Barbara made for the shower.  Barbara is a very talented cake decorator. Our very own "Cake Boss"!