Today, I am showing the Fifty-Four Forty or Fight quilt block from Nancy Martin’s Perpetual Calendar collection of blocks.
Fifty-Four Forty or Fight is drafted from a 6 x 6 grid.
Clicking on any of the photos will show a larger view.
Here is the what the Fifty-Four Forty or Fight quilt block looks like in a basic straight set with borders.
The following design alternates Fifty-Four Forty or Fight with the Snowball block. I love using the Snowball quilt block in designs because it gives the illusion of curves.
Next, I’ve designed with another alternate block, the Basic 4X.
And this design uses a big half-square triangle block as an alternate. With a little simple rotation, large stars can be seen in the background.
It is worth the little extra time to try out a few simple alternate blocks, rather than just putting a quilt top together with one main block.
Have a look at the Fifty-Four Forty and Fight blocks placed on point:
Sashing and cornerstones separate the blocks, making it easier to see them. The sashing also adds another design element. Sashing can be filled with other blocks to create a new design, but I’m keeping it simple here.
And again, using the Snowball quilt block as an alternate:
This last one uses a simple plain block as an alternate. And I like it.
Which is your favorite?
LC's Cottage 