Friday, September 19, 2014

Marcus Fabrics Friends & Companions Designer Sew-Along Continues


Welcome back to the Marcus Fabrics Friends & Companions Designer Sew-Along. This week, we're featuring the block made by Dolores Smith, one of the owners of Homestead Hearth.

Dolores loves classic, simple quilt blocks, reproduction fabrics, plaids and Japanese taupes. Working with wool is also a passion.

Let's get started with Dolores' block! Here are her instructions:
  
Cutting instructions:
Background print (1038-0188)
*  Cut (4) 2 ½” x 2 ½” squares
*  Cut (4) 2 7/8” x 2 7/8” squares, cut once on the diagonal

Red print (1034-0111)
*  Cut (2) 2 7/8” x 2 7/8” squares, cut once on the diagonal

Blue print
*  Cut (2) 2 7/8 x 2 7/8” squares, cut once on the diagonal

Black print (1035-0112)
*  Cut (2) 2 7/8” x 2 7/8” squares, cut once on the diagonal

Green print (1702-0116)
*  Cut (1) 2 7/8” x 2 7/8” square, cut once on the diagonal

Cheddar print  (1033-0128)
* Cut (1) 2 7/8” x 2 7/8” square, cut once on the diagonal

Sewing instructions:
As you probably noticed, this block is all about half-square triangles again!  Sarah and I seem to always do more hst than normal.  What I like to do is match all the hst up in pairs and sew them all at once.  As Sarah mentioned in her blog post a few weeks ago, the Judy Martin point trimmer is one way we ensure accurate points.  Just want to let you know, it is a must--we both use it.  I have Sarah to thank for showing me this tool. When you use it, your triangles end up looking like this with no pointy ends to worry about:



All HST will be 2 ½” unfinished

*  Sew background and red print triangles together to make HST.  Make 2.





*  Sew background and black print triangles together to make HST.  Make 2.


*  Sew background and blue print triangles together to make HST.  Make 4.



*  Sew red and green print triangles together to make HST.  Make 2.



*  Sew black and cheddar print triangles together to make HST.  Make 2






Watch the placement of the prints and how the hst are turned to form the design!

Row #1
Sew hst and squares together and press seams to the left.



Row #2
Sew hst and square together and press seams to the right.




Row #3
Sew hst and square together and press seams to the left.



Row #4
Sew hst and square together and press seams to the right.





After all rows are made sew together in order as above.  Another favorite I like to use are fork pins to join my seam intersections.



Block is 8 ½” unfinished



For a downloadable version of the pattern, click here.

 What's a sewalong without giveaways? Please post a comment right here for a chance to win.  If you're stumped for a comment topic, tell us favorite style of fabrics--is it repros, 1930s, plaids, brights, etc?  I'll choose a winner the morning of August September 22nd.  (Please do not email your comments as only comments left on the blog will be eligible.)


70 comments:

Cammi said...

I am usually drawn to the darker fabrics, I do like Civil War Reproductions. Just enjoying this Sew Along so much! Thank you for posting your block so early, now I can make mine before I go to work today!
Getting excited about the finished quilt!
Thanks,
Camille

Jo said...

I do not have a favourite fabric range or theme. I am in a year of dealing with scraps.
That's what I am doing with these blocks.
But I do not like retro.....

Unknown said...

I love reproduction fabrics. Totally enjoying this sew-along. Thanks.

Mary Ann said...

This continues to be a fantastic journey. Your block is lovely. Reproduction fabrics are my favorites. They make me feel like I am connecting to my quilting sisters of the past. Thank you for the opportunity to win.

Patti S. said...

I like all fabrics - but especially Civil War reproductions! I live in Virginia, but have been able to visit your shop a few times when I travel to see my mom, who lives in Missouri. Love your shop!!!

Unknown said...

Wow Sarah, I see you posted your block a minute after midnight! I am amused to see all the very early comments posted. Do we quilters ever sleep? I seem to gravitate toward 1930's fabric. Love your block! I love designs made with all HST's.

Connie M said...

I love civil war reproduction fabrics! I am enjoying this sew-a-long. Looking forward to seeing the finished quilt.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Since I am a scrap quilter, I love all fabrics. Now off to sew my block.

Susan said...

I love most fabrics except the most "modern." From 30's, to civil war, to homespun, to bright happy ginghams and florals, I enjoy using a variety and love changing up my projects so I don't get bored with a certain color way. I am usually drawn to traditional patterns with lots of background. I have really enjoyed this sew-along! Thanks for this block!

Phyllis said...

I love reproduction fabrics and seem to be happiest with that look. I am having a lot of fun making these blocks. Thank you for all of the work you have done for us.

Denise said...

Repros are my first love followed by batiks, enjoying this Sew-Along love the fack that it is a mystery.

Quilter Kathy said...

Thanks for another great block pattern! I love all fabrics, which is a problem since my stash has to include so much variety!! LOL

quiltgrannie said...

I lean towards the darker fabrics. I love civil war reproduction fabrics.

Gloria said...

My most favorite fabric is Civil War Reproductions and especially any red. It seems that everything I am working on this year is in Civil War Repro range!

Gloria
gyates625@bellsouth.net

Barbara said...

Great looking block Dolores! My favorite fabrics are Kansas Troubles and Civil War reproduction fabrics.

Rachael Ferrera said...

Civil War prints and Kaffe Fasset are my two favorite fabrics!

quilter000 said...

Oh I am so happy to be a part of this sew along. what great blocks and fun.
As for favorite fabrics reproductions seem to be calling me at this time.
thanks

Unknown said...

This is my 1st on-line sew-along and I am really enjoying it!
Reproductions are my true love but I frequently work in modern fabrics (Kaffe and the Freesprirt gang) for gift quilts. Am beginning my first Japanese taupe project and am very excited about that!

Sandy D said...

I too like the darker colors and love The civil War Fabrics. I am a little behind in my blocks but am planning on catching up this weekend. I now need to do 3 blocks.

Jacque Wright said...

1800s repros are absolutely my faves, but there's really not too many fabrics I haven't used at one time or another.

Sally said...

1800's are my favorite but I also love 30's and batiks. Great Sew along

Unknown said...

I was surprised that I love repro fabrics, but I do. But then I love most fabrics - I'm just sucked in by color! I'm having a blast with this sew along! Can't wait to see the finished product!

Karen in Breezy Point said...

I love all fabrics, but mostly purchase the 1800"s repro fabrics. Fun block!

Unknown said...

l love all fabrics...never deny any scraps that are rescued to be in my scraps bins! My favorite is the CW prints....if I have to buy yardage that is what I find myself looking at first...can't believe we're on 8 with 1 to go..how the weeks flew by...
mish in NJ

Anonymous said...

I love to work with reproduction prints. I love to make quilts that look like they could be antique.

sewpatsy1 said...

I can't wait to see how they are put together. I am thinking mine might be a Bed Runner as I have been wanting to make one and this seems the perfect opportunity. Love this sew along. Patsy Pirnat

Patti Cardona said...

Absolutely lovely block! Thanks for sharing.

EllenB said...

My tastes in fabrics change every couple of years and currently I've been drawn to those with metallic highlights.

glassbylindi.blogspot.com said...

I love Batiks, so bright and and Happy!

Ruth said...

I finally have my fabrics, and can get started on the blocks. I'm heading out for a week-long retreat on Sunday, so I will have ample time to play "catch-up"! Love the blocks -each week they seem to get prettier!
I'm eager to get going!






















Sarah said...

I adore Civil War reproductions. I had lots of fabric but a few years ago I went through it and had a quilters garage sale and got rid of 99% that was not reproductions. My heart lies in the traditional look, fabrics and patterns. Sarah

temarikwilter@gmail.com

Unknown said...

So enjoying this sew along, was 'on schedule' until last week so now I get to do two blocks this week. Thanks!

Cathie in Everett

Kathi said...

This has been such a wonderful experience! All the blocks are beautiful! Thank you!
Kathi

Unknown said...

I like civil war repros and paper piecing so I have tons of very little scraps.

Unknown said...

Love the color placement, am enjoying this sew along and love the reproduction fabrics choices. Reminds me of a time gone by and connects me to our past.
Thanks so much.
Michaela

Rosa said...

Another stunning block.I love all fabrics!

heathquilter said...

I've had so much fun making these squares! I'm using Civil War scraps on this, but I really love all styles of fabric! Thanks for the chance!!

Unknown said...

Nice simple block. Favorite fabrics have changed over the years. Enjoying Civil War fabrics more and more, but I have never met a batik, I did not like.

Unknown said...

Thank you for the lovely block. It would be a good one to make into a quilt because it would create secondary patterns. I love all kinds of fabrics though I must admit that prints with 3 or more colors always get my attention. Ursula Y.

Vic in NH said...

Thank you for such easy-to-follow instructions and I especially appreciate the unfinished measurements of the units to be able to check them for accuracy. Civil War reproductions are my favorite passion!

Unknown said...

I love the reproduction fabrics, and it has been fun finding out what the next block is going to be each week.

Julie said...

I love purple. So I am drawn to quilts made with purple fabrics.

The Prairie Stitcher said...

These blocks are really beautiful. I love working with reproduction fabrics.
Jan

Joyful Quilter said...

I like them all...my favorite pastime is petting fabric...brights, batiks, reproductions, solids, stripes, flannel...all so pretty. ;o)

Chantal said...

Oh I love this block. Might do an entire quilt with this block since I have a HST fixation lately. I love traditional quilt whether pieced or appliqué. I do scrappy quilts so I love all fabric. Sometimes I buy a piece of fabric because it is lovely but then I don't know how to use it, like Kaffe' fabric. Would love to do a plaid quilt. I tend to gravitate around the blues.

Dorothy said...

I tend to lean towards the brighter, lighter colors than the darker ones. I do like the reproductions fabrics. this block is great! Thanks for the opportunity.

Unknown said...

For some reason I have only been able to download p1 of the 9/19 pattern. Nancy: rangerer@sbcglobal.net

Rosemary Youngs said...

Thank you for your block and your great instructions. I love the block and I am using my favorite fabrics, reproduction fabrics.

I always love going on the website to see the wonderful opportunities you give quilters to do your block of the month programs. Thank you for that.

Meredith said...

Love all fabrics, reproductions especially, and am drawn to some of the brighter modern ones..your block is wonderful, love the colors, thank you!

Patti said...

I really do love all fabric, but my favorite are the reproductions. Thanks for a chance.

Maureeneh said...

I like Civil War fabrics, but enjoy mostly making scrap quilts with lots of variations of fabric types.

kristie said...

I love repros!! But I do make quilts with other fabric types too. Homestead Hearth rocks their BOMs and customer service. I tell all my quilting friends about HH's boms and how I am addicted to them.

Unknown said...

Love the scrappy, darker fabrics. They always seem to warm up the room. Thanks for the block.

Linda said...

I like your color choices for the block. I like small prints in primitive colors and am a particular fan of cheddar!5444

Barbara said...

Thank you for another wonderful block. Thus sewalong is so much fun. My favourite fabrics are repros, civil war and Japanese taupes.

susan said...

my absolute favorite is civil war repros but when I 'm feeling dangerous i enjoy aboriginal prints.
thanks for the giveaway and the block

~Kris~ said...

I like this block very much. The HST's make it quick and very doable. I like using Civil War fabrics best.

Unknown said...

I love this block, I was hoping there would be another block with all the colors!
I go through "seasons" on fabrics, however my all time favorite are primary colors.

Cindy in Kansas said...

I see a lot of friends on here! It's going to be fun seeing the finished quilts. I love the reproductions and I'm making the blocks at 4" finished. These are really nice blocks.

Unknown said...

I seem to have two favorite categories of fabrics: Civil War and Batiks. I do not use them in the same projects, though. I love them both and enjoy going from one collection to the other depending upon my mood. Am loving this Block of the Week, thanks designers. As of today I am all caught up and ready for the next block!

Heather said...

Fabric? I love any fabric! I do love the Civil War Repros, though...especially the double pinks and poison greens!!! Heaven!!!!

iowatallgirl said...

My favorite fabrics are the darker Civil War fabrics with a little yellow thrown in. I also like all the fabrics from Kansas Troubles.

Sharon said...

There are so many ways to do half square triangles, I use the tucker trimmer

Unknown said...

I love Civil War fabrics also, but I love the fabrics in this quilt very much. I also love the block you have designed. I just got home from a weekend quilt retreat where I finished a quilt I started a week ago. I can hardly wait to see what this quilt is going to look like.

Mary said...

Civil war fabrics, especially the browns and pinks, are my favorite! Thanks for a fun block - HST are my favorite - and the chance to win.

Jeanne said...

Another pretty block!! I am enjoying making these blocks each week. Thanks you!

Jeanne said...

Forgot...civil war fabrics are my favorite!

cityquilter grace said...

i love this block, the whole sew along in fact....

dottie bishaw said...

I love civil war fabrics! I really am enjoying all these blocks. Thank-you so much!

Janet R said...

Civil war fabrics are wonderful, as well as brights. Just depends what mood I'm in or what I'm making. Thank you for the block.