Tag Archives: quilt blocks

Almanizer Quilt Block Part 1

Posted on July 27, 2013 | 1 comment

The Almanizer block is simply four square-in-a-square blocks sewn together.

But I drew this one in Electric Quilt with a 2 x 2 grid. You could also draw it with a 4 x 4 grid if you want to.

Here is how the Almanizer looks in a straight set:

And with a splash of yellow and sashing added:

I deleted a few lines to come up with an alternate crossing block:

If you aren’t interested in a two color quilt you could liven it up with another color:

The next design is simple, and yet, bold. I like it!

By adding a few lines to the Almanizer quilt block, and paying attention to color placement, one comes up with the popular star.

The very same design, but a bold red replaces the baby blue:

How about moving those stars around?

Feeling quiet, or feeling bold?

Add even more lines to the Almanizer block, and it can get complicated, but you might come up with fun little pinwheels like I did:

The only difference between these last two examples is the outer border. You might be the type that needs a visual look before you can decide what you like the best. I am.

I didn’t have time to play with this block in on point settings, so that will be next week.

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Tagged Almanizer, Electric Quilt, EQ7, LCsCottage, Nancy Martin Perpetual Calendar Blocks, patchwork, quilt blocks, quilt design, quilting

Alpine Cross Quilt Block Part 2

Posted on July 19, 2013 | 5 comments

This is the Alpine Cross quilt block that I introduced last week:

Last week, I showed the block in straight settings. This week, I am showing the block in on point settings.

With sashing and cornerstones:

Opening up the design a bit with an alternate block:

And even more space (I should try this one in green, red and white):

How about introducing another block into the design:

Same blocks; just moving them around to see what happens:

Which one do you like?

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Tagged Alpine Cross, Electric Quilt, LCsCottage, Nancy Martin calendar blocks, patchwork, quilt blocks, quilt design, quilting

Alpine Cross Quilt Block Part 1

Posted on July 12, 2013 | 7 comments

Using Electric Quilt , I am playing with the Alpine Cross quilt block this week.

It is drawn with a 5 x 5 grid.

For the practice, I prefer to draw it myself, but if you have BlockBase, then search for #1876a.

Here is what Alpine Cross looks like in a straight set:

I thought I added a great border. Now I think it is too distracting. I’d change that if I were going to make this quilt design. LOL!

Next, I added sashing and cornerstones.

I like it much better.

What if I move the color around?

Take the time to play with color and value placement. I should’ve changed the color of those cornerstones. Sometimes moving color and value around makes all the difference between an okay design, a good design, and a great design. And more often, it is simply a matter of personal taste.

You can change the color scheme altogether too. I tried to choose a woodsy, masculine theme for this exercise. The pink is really needed to create the contrast (although a very light beige or white would’ve worked very well). Keep contrast in mind when you are choosing color and value.

I also kept the fabric choices to a minimum, just for simplicity’s sake. One could certainly get very scrappy if one wanted to.

I deleted some lines in the Alpine Cross block, to come up with an alternate block. It simplified the design and I like it. Some of the blocks are rotated too.