Courtyard Blocks

 I have been working on the Courtyard blocks, which I still love. I drew up the block in EQ8 to see how I could arrange them, without the hassle of sewing them edge to edge.

This was the one I really liked.

70 " x 84"

But this was nice too.

67" square

I really like the idea of a 1" frame around all the blocks, so that sent me back to the cutting table to find the original fabrics and see if I could get enough 1.5" strips. Some of the fabrics were completely used up by this, and I felt a pang. I know the aim of the game is to get rid of every last scrap, but some fabrics are hard to let go of.  Oh well, it's done now.

I'm laying out the larger design, even though it will be awkward for me to finish. Those big triangles and borders will need a sizeable chunk of fabric, and I would love to use up 2 of my longer lengths. I'm great at scraps and nibbling away at FQs, but it would be wonderful to use actual yardage for a change. Even though the triangles only require three quarters of a yard, and a yard for the borders, it will still be a chunk of fabric.

EQ8 puts the total yardage at 7.45 yards, which is gratifying; that's quite a lot out of the scrap bags once and for all.

Little Cross Blocks

I've been concentrating on the Little Cross blocks, needing to see some progress there. 

I don't want to make a big quilt from these blocks, it's just a way to use up some of the blocks I've already made. I was on the verge of not cutting any more, but it's such a good way to use up partial strips that I've reconsidered.

A 9.5" strip will make the cross; it needs a 5" x 2" rectangle and 2 2" squares. 

To make it even more scrappy, you can use different fabrics for the cross.

The background needs a 14.5" strip cut into 4 2" squares and 4 triangles cut with  a triangle ruler such as an Easy Angle.

The cross is made with the 2" squares flanking that rectangle.

The triangles are added over the arms of the cross. They are way too big, but that means they don't need any careful positioning. The point of the triangle should be roughly in the centre of the blue piece. I can sew these on really quickly chain piecing style. 

The triangles are pressed outwards, and the block trimmed to 4 3/4". I usually just trim it to a quarter inch past the points of the cross, which is nearly always the right measurement. That tiny length of bias in every side means it can be finessed to fit the 1.5" strip around the block.

I added the 1.5" strip round the block by cutting 4 3/4" rectangles and 1.5" squares from contrasting fabric. I'm trying very hard not to be too be picky about what I put where.

 I'm using pale fabric for the light crosses because white seemed too big a contrast. This lets me use up even more of the 2" strips, which makes me happy.

I have more than enough of the dark crosses, so I need to concentrate on the light crosses for a while. I'm quite happy to stockpile them with the rest until I come up with a new way to use them.