Tag Archives: patchwork

Art Square Quilt Block

Let’s take a look at the Art Square quilt block this week.

Art Square Quilt Block

It is easily drawn with a 4 x 4 grid.

Here is how Art Square looks when set side by side in a straight set:

Art Square Straight Set

The temps are hovering around zero degrees.  Perhaps that is what has influenced me to design with blue and white.  You could certainly use any color scheme to suit your purposes.

I added an icy blue to the next design; otherwise the two designs are the same.  Now I really do feel cold.  Color makes a difference!

Art Square Straight Set

I created a new block by dividing the corner squares of Art Square into halves, and adding a four patch to the center square.  Here is how it looks when alternated with the Art Square.

Art Square Straight Set

Perhaps you would prefer a pinwheel in the center of the Art Square block.  It certainly gives a sense of motion.

Art Square Straight Set

Or maybe a nine-patch:

Art Square Straight Set

You could play with the proportions of the blocks.  By that I mean, you do not have to simply alternate the blocks.  You can use more of one than the other, and come up with all sorts of designs.

Art Square Straight Set

Throw in plain blocks too.  They are great for creating space.  The space is restful for the eye, and wonderful for showing off quilting (or adding applique if you want to dress up your design).

Art Square Straight Set

Change the mood of the quilt by moving color around.

Art Square Straight Set

I don’t feel so cold when I darken the design up.  The white centers show up much more too; even better for showing off the quilting.

Art Square Straight Set

Don’t be afraid to play!  You will have fun and gain confidence in your own design abilities.

Sitting Pretty

These days sewing is a rare treat for me. So I pulled out a pattern from my long list of ‘somedays’, and I’ve been sneaking in some enjoyable hand work.

Sitting Pretty

I bought the pattern, Sitting Pretty by Cynthia Thomaszewski, many moons ago.

This sweet little number can be done entirely by machine of course, but I’ve chosen to embroider the raw edges of the applique pieces by hand.

Sitting Pretty

It is a serene event for me. It wouldn’t take very long, except I don’t have a lot of time.  No matter.

Sitting Pretty

It is the process that brings me pleasure.

How about you?  Is it the process, or the finished product that you enjoy the most?

It is okay to have unfinished projects.  I give you permission.

Arkansas Crossroads Quilt Block Part 2

Last week, I played with the Arkansas Crossroads quilt block in straight set designs.

Arkansas Crossroads Quilt Block

Let’s see how it looks on point.

Arkansas Crossroads On Point Set

The next four on point designs are the same layout (Some of the blocks from the above design were rotated to get this new layout.)  They look different simply because the color was moved around (the actual colors used remain the same).

Arkansas Crossroads On Point Set

Arkansas Crossroads On Point Set

Arkansas Crossroads On Point Set

Arkansas Crossroads On Point Set

The following on point design still features the Arkansas Crossroads quilt block, but also has a block called the Frayed Four Patch.   This block can be made by deleting lines from the Arkansas Crossroads quilt block.  However, I found it in  Electric Quilt’s library.

Arkansas Crossroads On Point Set

Both blocks are used in the next design too.  I like it better.

Arkansas Crossroads On Point Set