APPLE PIE IN THE SKY QUILT ALONG BLOCK 6

THE BEAR'S PAW

One of my favorite traditional blocks.  And much easier than it looks.  You will enjoy sewing this block.  This block is considered a 7 Patch block - we are going to tweak the center patch just a bit to create a 12" block.  

We are going to learn a new way to make half-square triangles.  This is a better method than the one we used in Clay's Choice - we made a seam all around the outside of a square remember?  This method is best because the cut squares are not on the bias and you get 8 half-square triangles from two squares.  If you need several half-square triangles - this is the method you want to use.  Let's get started.

Cutting Instructions:

• Cut 4 white squares 2 1/4" x 2 1/4"  (I know I left them out of the picture)
• Cut 2 white squares 5 1/4" x 5 1/4"
• Cut 4 white rectangles 2" x 5 3/4"
• Cut 2 red/print squares 5 1/4" x 5 1/4"
• Cut 4 yellow (or your print) squares 4" x 4"
• Cut 1 red  (or your print) patch for the very center square 2" x 2"

More drawing :)  This time draw two diagonal lines on the wrong side of the white 5 1/4" squares, crossing in the center.  

 Match up the 2 white 5 1/4" squares with the 2 red/print 5 1/4" squares, right sides together.

 Stitch a 1/4" seam along each side of the two pencil lines.  Press flat. Click on the picture for a better view.

First cut the square into four squares.   With your rotary cutter and ruler, make a vertical cut right down the center (at the 2 5/8 mark) of the square.  Then without moving the squares, make another cut horizontally through the center - again at the 2 5/8" mark.  You should have four 2 5/8" squares.  DON'T SEPARATE THEM.  I pulled them apart just a little so that you could see the cuts.

 Next make diagonal cuts RIGHT ON the pencil lines that you made. Walaaaa!  You now have 8 half-square triangles per large square.  Press each half-square triangle open, with the seam towards the print. Trim the dog ears.  Each half-square triangle should measure 2 1/4" square.

 Assemble the "paw" first.  Make sure the triangles are in the correct direction.
 Stitch one white 2 1/4" square to a half-square triangle.  Add another half-square triangle.  Just like row one. Press seams towards the white square.
Next sew two half-square triangles together making a vertical row as seen in the lower left.  Press the seams towards the top.

 Sew the vertical row of two half-square triangles to the 4" print square.  Press the seam to the print square.

 Add the top row.   Press the seams towards the larger print square.  Each "Paw" patch should measure 5 3/4" square.

 It is a brave girl that lets you see the back of her quilt square.    Sew 3 more "Paw" patches.  Make sure you watch the placement of the half-square triangles.  It is easy to turn them around.

Arrange the "Paw" patches into the Bear's Paw block.  Add the white rectangles and center square.

 Stitch the units together in rows matching center seams.  Press the seams towards the rectangle patches.  note - The center print square seams are pressed towards the top of the block and the bottom.

And there you have it..... THE BEARS' PAW
 So what did you think?  Much easier than it looks?   I love this block!

 Now for the fun

Congratualtions to Ansje in Oregon

winner of a $10 gift certificate to Sisters & Quilters!  

Thank you all for sending me your pictures during the week.  It was so fun to receive them.  Keep them coming.  I know we have some new quilters that just joined up.  Send your pictures to sistersandquilters@gmail.com

I use the Random Number Generator to pick the winner each week.  This week the number was 3 and Sandra and I don't count. 

Your blocks....last week's Yankee Puzzle

 Colleen's Willow block - love the grey dots.  Yellow and grey has been really big this year.

 Jeanenne's from the PB&J Collection.  One of these week's we need to take a picture of all of our blocks we have made so far.  I can't wait to see these blocks in a quilt.  So fun.

Sandra's block with a little La Belle Fleur with those reproduction prints.  Beautiful.

 Ansje in Oregon is joining us.  Welcome Ansje!  Her blocks are from Mary Englebreit prints.  Love love this Apple Pie Block.  

 Ansje's Broken Wheel

  Clay's Choice

And Yankee Puzzle.  Thank you Ansje for sharing these with us.  It was so fun to receive pictures throughout the week.  Love these.  Such cheerful prints.  

Have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend!  Happy Sewing!