APPLE PIE IN THE SKY QUILT ALONG BLOCK 4

Clay's Choice

This is a wonderful block for Mother's Day week.  Minimal piecing!  Sews up super fast.  I think I spent more time cutting than sewing.

Cutting Instructions:

•  Cut 4 background or white squares 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"
• Cut 4 light color (yellow) squares 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"
• Cut 1 background or white square 5 1/2" x 5 1/2"
• Cut 1 light color (yellow) square 5 1/2" x 5 1/2"
• Cut 2 dark color (red) squares 5 1/2" x 5 1/2

With right sides together, first match up the 5 1/2" light print square with a 5 1/2" dark print square.  Also match up a 5 1/2" dark print square with the 5 1/2" background white square.  Match all outside edges.

Stitch around the outside edges of the matched squares, allowing a 1/4" seam allowance.   Yes, all four sides.  This is a great way to make fast pinwheel blocks.

 Using your rotary cutter, cut through the squares on the diagonal, from corner to corner.  This will create four half-square triangles. Press each of the half-square triangle units open with the seam towards the dark print.

 Sorry for that little glare.  "True up"  or "Square Up"  the half-square triangles to 3 1/2" square.   Line up the diagonal seam with the 45 degree angle marking on the ruler.  Find  3 1/2" measurements on each side and trim.  Make sure those angle seams are centered right to the point of each corner.  There won't be much to trim off.  And trim off those dog ears.   How easy was that?  This is a great way to make half-square triangles.  The only drawback is that your outside edges will be on the bias.  Try not to stretch those seams when you sew.

Arrange the blocks into the Clay's Choice pattern. Sew rows together first.  Press the seams of each row in alternate directions so your seams will nestle when you sew the rows together.  Sew the four rows together matching seams.  Press the 1st and 3rd seams towards the outside of the block - there are less seams.  You can decide which way to press the center seam.  

TIP I make sure that all of the outside squares/patches are on the lengthwise grain.  Do this with all blocks when possible.  This will help the block lay flat with minimal stretching.  Give each square a little tug - the crosswise grain will give a little.  The lengthwise grain will not.  Lay each of the non-pieced squares with the lengthwise grain up/down or vertical. 

And there you have the fun Clay's Choice Block!

Have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Now for fun!    Please remember to send in pictures of your blocks.  Email them to sistersandquilters@gmail.com.  We would love to post them. You could win a $10 Gift Certificate.

Congratualtions to Leisha Farnsworth  

winner of last weeks drawing!  

If you missed Block 3 Broken Wheel, CLICK HERE for the link

Your blocks......

This Broken Wheel block is from Jeanenne Nielsen. Beautiful!  The fabric collection is PB&J by BasicGrey.  Jeanenne - I can't wait to see this quilt finished.  I love this collection.

 Sandra's version with the fabrics from Friendship Collection For a Cause by Howard Marcus.  The red floral is from La Belle Fleur by French General by French General.

A Christmas version with Kate Spain's 12 Days of Christmas.

Colleen Fifield's Broken Wheel block.  Willow mixed with Noteworthy.  Love the soft yellows and grays.

Sandra also finished her Whirlpool Block.  Garden Grove fabrics designed by Kim Diehl.  The center block is from the Friendship for a Cause Collection by Howard Marcus.  Thanks Sandra!  Love your selection.

Colleen sent me her block out of the soft and pretty Willow Collection.  Thank you Colleen!  This is going to be a beautiful quilt.

 Getting caught up on the Christmas blocks.  Here is the Whirlpool.

Send me your pics!  Keep them coming even if you are only beginning!  You will be entered in the drawing if you send me a block pic - any block.  

Happy Sewing!