Everyone is home today because it's too cold to go to school. No school tomorrow, either. I had big plans for quilting and writing tutorials, but apparently that is going to have to wait a few more days. In the meantime, I'm sewing as many blocks as I can between playing games, cooking, cleaning and laundry. Inspired by the economy block along on Instagram and fueled by my need for a new project in the new year....here's my latest WIP.
This is a very muted color scheme, but I'm seriously crushing on it! I've already decided that this quilt will be for my brother....so, two birds, one stone. YES! I'm also stash busting, which feels
great!
Rita has a great economy block tutorial
here that measures 5" finished. (That was a little too small for my liking.) I also found some measurements for 12" blocks (too large) and I tried measurements for 8" blocks, but 3 out of 4 of my points got chopped off. (I was starting to feel a little like Goldilocks. Ha!) I made 3 test blocks of my own before I came up with these measurements. I am using a scant 1/4" seam allowance throughout and the only trimming is chopping off the points. I thought I'd share the measurements if you want to try one or 20. (They are FUN!!!)
All measurements are CUT measurements.
Centers: One 4.5" square
Middle: Two 3.75" squares cut into half square triangles
Outer: Two 5" squares, cut into half square triangles
The block is 8.625" unfinished, which is sort of a funky size, but I figured it's the best option. Easy cutting, minimal trimming and no chopped off points. Good enough for me!
Happy Monday to you!
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ReplyDeleteI love the colors here. And thanks for doing the math on this size square!
ReplyDeleteLove the colors!
ReplyDeleteI'm smiling just thinking about you trying different block sizes.....Quiltylocks!
ReplyDeleteSo I want to know...how cold is it?
ReplyDeleteHappy Sewing, keep warm and safe.
Love the colours - a bit wintery don't you think! Have you seen the Blockfab app? It has lots of blocks I vthe library and gives cutting measurements for any size you want. The best bit is that it's free! Makes changing block size a breeze!
ReplyDeleteLove the colours - a bit wintery don't you think! Have you seen the Blockfab app? It has lots of blocks I vthe library and gives cutting measurements for any size you want. The best bit is that it's free! Makes changing block size a breeze!
ReplyDeletei love these blocks! your size is just perfect and the values really pop. I just downloaded Rita's free pattern but the 8" blocks is appealing. Thanks for the directions.
ReplyDeleteI have always loved this block! It is simple, uses squares and offers much interest. I wonder what the fini size would be if I start with a 5 inch charm square? I've been vacationing in Phoenix with my little, just catching up on your blog and feel SO inspired, as usual. One of my new years goals: meet my friend Amanda Jean Nyberg from Minnesota, used to be Wisconsin! :) are you coming west at all!???
ReplyDeleteThanks for the quick tutorial! And I love your color choices - it's going to be wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI tried to calculate for an 8 inch block and even used an excel spreadsheet to do it and the numbers came out really strange.
ReplyDeleteMuted, modern, and beautiful color scheme! Thanks for sharing your measurements :)
ReplyDeleteLove your colors! It's going to be lovely!
ReplyDeleteGreat colors and block size! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteyour color palette is gorgeous. and i am seriously having a hard time resisting....
ReplyDeletePerfect or should I say "just right"?!
ReplyDeleteLovely little blocks. I might need to make some of those too.
ReplyDeleteI had seen this block on another blog and thought it would be perfect for my grand daughter's big girl quilt. I have the Sidewalks fabric by Riley Blake and would fussy cut so that the children are the center of the blocks.
ReplyDeleteGreat quilt, great colors scheme.
ReplyDeleteLove this! I also liked Rita's tutorial but too small for me too and I felt the same way about the other two block sizes. I was struggling with the 8" block too and gave up after 3 so thank you !!
ReplyDeleteI was just working out the measurements in my head for this block when I checked in to see what you are up to. Thanks for getting the math figured with a 4" center. Loving the colors - so unusual for you.
ReplyDeleteThat makes my fingers itch to start a new project!
ReplyDeleteLove the fabric, love the block!! You`r good!!:-) Anne
ReplyDeletegreat quilt for your brother, thanks for the measurements, will make a note of them. Hope the weather improves soon for you all but hear on the news today it is expected to be even colder
ReplyDeletegreat combo. some of the very colorful are way to busy for my eye but this one is looking good.
ReplyDeleteThat's a GREAT size - thanks for doing the maths for it! I'm excited that it used 5" squares; I have a charm pack that I just didn't know what to do with until now.
ReplyDeleteLove your color scheme, I'm totally jumping in on these when I get home!
ReplyDeleteThis is so serendipitous! I stated at Svetlana's blog and cruised all over and then ended up at Rita's blog. I stumbled up on her economy blocks and read all about them. Now I see you at it too! I love when you can double (and triple) dip with a single project and hit several goals on your list: scraps, brother, gift quilt.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to do this quilt but not quite so small ~ thanks for doing the math and figuring out a larger square! I'm on it!
ReplyDeleteI am very happy about this larger size. I do not know about doing a scant quarter, being a newbie but I love that the sizes are posted. Thank you so much!! Have fun with the kids. I am going back to warm CA. from Texas. I have spent a wonderful 12 days with my grandkids.
ReplyDeleteI've had this quilt on my list to make for a while, but your version may have moved it up a little. Love the bigger blocks!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful simplicity! I like the color scheme, too!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! What a lucky brother. I went with the 12" block size and while it's big, I plan on 64 blocks and figure the large quilt size will help with the scale.
ReplyDeleteThanks--a big help. I like this size option. This block offers so many design possibilities!
ReplyDeleteGreat size option - thanks!
ReplyDeletePattern and fabric choice make this a classic. Lucky brother! Thanks for the cypherin'...it looks addicting. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the sizes! I am in love with this block, but couldn't see myself making enough of the 5" ones to make a decent sized quilt! 8" will be so much more doable.
ReplyDeleteThese blocks are so pretty. I have to try them tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteYour size is just right! I love the colors too.
ReplyDeleteGreat timing! Thanks for sharing htis! I really want to try these and play along, but hav been dreading figuring out the math to use a pie of 4.5's I already have waiting to be centers of something. They are really pretty, and I think the size is perfect!
ReplyDeleteI really like the colors you have chosen. I have had a hard time choosing what size to make (eventually....) because I have other things to finish, and start. But I like this size block. Thanks for doing the hard part of figuring it out!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your measurements...I'm all about easy cutting :)
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ReplyDeleteI've seen this great tutorial on how to quickly piece these blocks without all the calculating:
ReplyDeletehttp://beyondsockmonkeys.wordpress.com/tutorials-2/tutorials/
This is one of my favorite blocks to make... It looks beautiful! Hang in there during this super cold spell!
ReplyDeleteI may need your help. I'm putting together the Tree of Life quilt and the measurements given weren't exactly right, so I'm changing it some. I'll call...
ReplyDeleteYesterday it was 40 degrees and overcast here in coastal Alaska. There are happy swans, ducks and geese in the river behind our house. Wierd! You are getting the kind of weather we are supposed to have this time of year. This morning it is 32 and clear skies. The sun just peaked above the horizon (10:00 A.M.). Happy New Year from Kodiak. N
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your measurements...love the muted colors of this quilt! I'm sure your brother will love it!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking 8.625 inches is a perfect sized block. 😃
ReplyDeleteThank you for doing the math. I am wanting to use up some of my 5" charms. Now I don't have to keep putting this off because I'm avoiding the math.
ReplyDeleteLove this..I am planning a back/White wall hanging, my colour scheme in my flat is black/white/cream and touches of silver your choice of colour
ReplyDeletehas given me ideas so start tomorrow! Thanks for sharing, Marlene