July 24, 2017

Stone Tiles quilt block

The Stone Tiles quilt block is perfect for a new quilter, since it contains only squares and rectangles -- no pesky triangles to worry about!

Stone Tiles quilt block image © Wendy Russell
STONE TILES quilt block

This easy quilt block is constructed as an uneven nine patch, even though it is technically a seven patch block (as it is designed on a 7 x 7 grid).

This quilt block is also one that could be used in a two block quilt -- since the "stepping stones" in the four corners would lead the eye on a diagonal line. You would place it as an alternate block to just about any other block you want to feature in your quilt.

Depending on the layout of the blocks into your own quilt, you can have two totally different looks, as illustrated in the sample quilt images shown below.

Quilts designed using the STONE TILES quilt block - image © Wendy Russell
Quilts designed using the STONE TILES quilt block

All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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July 22, 2017

Best of All quilt block

The Best of All quilt block is one designed to give you lots of practice with various patches. (Okay -- perhaps that was not the reason for the design, but it is a block with interesting components.)

Best of All quilt block image © Wendy Russell
Best of All quilt block

Half square triangle patches and flying geese units are pretty common in hundreds (and probably thousands) of quilt blocks. But, the interest in this block (from a sewing perspective) is the unit that is sitting adjacent to the centre patch, on all four sides. You get to add quarter square triangles to two sides of a square (the small peach square) and then finish off the patch with larger half square triangles (dark grey) on each end. (Hard to explain, but if you look closely at the block you will understand what I mean.)


The two sample quilts shown are both designed on point with sashing strips separating the blocks. By simply changing up the placement of the pieced blocks and the blank blocks, you get two totally different looks.


Quilts designed using the BEST OF ALL quilt block - images © Wendy Russell
Quilts designed using the BEST OF ALL quilt block

All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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July 11, 2017

Peony and Forget Me Not quilt block

This is not a common quilt block -- at least I have not seen it before, but I saw that it made a pretty block and so decided I should share it.

Peony and Forget Me Not quilt block image © Wendy Russell
Peony and Forget Me Not quilt block


Most people would be familiar with the Forget Me Not flower with petals in a variety of blue colours, but there are some around in a pink-burgundy colour too -- and so that is what I went for here. Peonies come in all sorts of lovely colours. Check out this Peony Nine Patch quilt block.

A little trivia:  Forget Me Not flowers are often given and planted as a remembrance of one dear to the heart and you can read more about this beautiful flower at Flowerinfo.org. Be sure to check out the other colour variations shown in the images on that website.



This eight patch block is constructed as an uneven nine patch, mainly due to the specific patches used in the block. You will find half square triangles, quarter square triangles as well as a patch using both of these cut pieces to form what is known as a three quarter square triangle patch. The centre of the block is comprised of the square in a square patch. So all in all, this is a choice you might use to practice your sewing skills in your quiltmaking journey.

The sample quilts illustrated are quite different even though both quilts use on point block settings.

Quilts designed using the Peony and Forget Me Not quilt block - images © Wendy Russell
Quilts designed using the Peony and Forget Me Not quilt block

All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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July 06, 2017

Sun, Sand and Surf

Who doesn't think about getting wet and lying on a beach when the name San Diego is mentioned? This will explain my choice of colours for this quilt block.

San Diego quilt block image © Wendy Russell
San Diego quilt block
The San Diego quilt block could be a teaching tool for quilting instructors as the block contains half square triangles, flying geese units and the block is constructed in "chunks" to make the process simpler. An added bonus, is that the centre is comprised of its own quilt block -- called a Sawtooth Star. So you get two blocks in one!

The two sample quilts illustrated are both designed using an on point setting. The difference lies in just a simple change-up of the fabrics for the blank blocks -- which is a great spot to showcase your quilting skills.

Quilts designed using the San Diego quilt block - images © Wendy Russell
Quilts designed using the San Diego quilt block

All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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July 04, 2017

Fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July

One of the biggest days in the United States is the 4th of July. Celebrations are everywhere -- not to mention the mouth-watering scent of meat sizzling on the barbeques.

One thing for sure is that there will be fireworks once darkness sets in -- and so, here is a quilt block worthy of that event!
Starglow quilt block image © Wendy Russell
Starglow quilt block


This Starglow quilt block is not for the beginner quilter -- unless you are confident in the sewing of an accurate quarter inch allowance. That is the only difficulty due to the number of seams in the block. Other than that, none of the individual patches are difficult -- there are just lots of them.


I changed it up a little in this version of a sample quilt -- by simply swapping the placement of some of the fabrics -- to make a sort of reverse image of the block. By alternating these blocks with the original block, you can achieve all sorts of interesting variations when you design your own quilt. Have fun!

Quilts designed using variations of the STARGLOW quilt block - image © Wendy Russell
Quilt designed using variations of the STARGLOW quilt block


All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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July 01, 2017

It's Canada Day!!

Today is Canada Day and not just any Canada Day! It's the 150th anniversary of Confederation of this great country and there are lots of celebrations planned all across the land.

The title of today's quilt block -- Love in the Mist -- doesn't bring Canada to mind, but the reds and white just screamed to me that I had to post it today.

Love in the Mist quilt block image © Wendy Russell
Love in the Mist quilt block

This quilt block uses simple shapes and patches -- squares and half square triangles and also features one of my favourite patches -- the square in a square.



Whether the star in the centre is what grabs your attention or maybe (like me), red is your favourite colour -- this easy nine patch block is a fun one to make.

The two sample quilts illustrated feature blocks set side by side or on point. Both quilts give you ample opportunities to showcase your quilting designs.

More Canadiana quilt blocks:
~ Maple Leaf
~ Simple Maple Leaf

Sample quilts using the Love in the Mist quilt block - images © Wendy Russell
Sample quilts using the Love in the Mist quilt block

All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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June 28, 2017

My Fancy quilt block

I don't know why quilt blocks get their specific names, but the My Fancy block does not strike me as particularly "fancy". So, I chose to make it monochromatic and that is my contribution to being fancy.

My Fancy quilt block image © Wendy Russell
My Fancy quilt block

The block falls into two different categories -- a four patch (the centre section) and then the complete block is constructed as an uneven nine patch. With half square triangles and flying geese units making up the block, this is a complete learning experience for a new quiltmaker.


The two sample quilts illustrated look like they were done with totally different blocks -- simply because of how the blocks were set into the quilt. So, now it is over to you to create a stunning heirloom.

Sample quilt designed using the My Fancy quilt block - images © Wendy Russell
Sample quilts designed using the My Fancy quilt block

All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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June 21, 2017

Peony Nine Patch quilt block

Flowers are everywhere now (in the northern hemisphere where I live). And my friend Lisa recently posted a picture of her beautiful watercolour of a vase of peonies from her garden. This then, inspired me to create the pattern for the Peony Nine Patch quilt block. I tried to stay true to the colours I had seen in these beautiful blooms in nature.

Peony Nine Patch quilt block image © Wendy Russell
Peony Nine Patch quilt block

This nine patch block gives you practice using half square triangles and quarter square triangles as individual cut pieces -- rather than creating the usual square patch.




This quilt block can join my most recent floral offering -- Magnolia -- to add to your collection of Flower quilt blocks.

The two sample quilts illustrated surprised me in that they both looked like I intended to design some "plaid" quilts. (I'm a sucker for plaid at any time.) So what do you think?

Quilts designed using Peony Nine Patch quilt block - image © Wendy Russell
Quilts designed using Peony Nine Patch quilt block

All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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