APPLE PIE IN THE SKY QUILT ALONG BLOCK 12

Garden Patch

 This is one of my favorite blocks.  I love the white space in the center.  This block reminds me of tulips and spring.  You could make 4 blocks for a fabulous table topper.  Another option is to use a print for the white center squares, forming two complete tulips.  Read through the cutting options for the center triangle patches.  I have give you two options.

 Cutting Instructions:

• Cut 10 white/background squares measuring 2 1/2" square
• Cut 4 print (green) corner squares measuring 2 1/2" square
• Cut 2 print (yellow) squares measuring 2 1/2" square
• Cut 2 print (yellow) rectangles measuring 2 3/4" x 5 1/4"
• Cut 4 print (red) squares measuring 2 1/2" square
• Cut 2 print (red) rectangles measuring  2 3/4" x 5 1/4"
• Cut 4 White/background 4 3/4" squares OR 1 strip 4 3/4" x 13"  for white triangles- read below for instructions of each

 First stitch those 2 1/2" squares together in units of two.   Match up one print square with one white/background square.  Press seams towards the dark print.  Then nestling seams together, sew the units together creating the four patches as shown above.  As you can see only the center patch has the same prints in the square. The other four patches will have one corner square print and one flower print.  It might help you to scroll up and review the entire block picture. Press seams to the side.  4 patch units should be 4 1/2" square. Set aside.

Option 1 for the large white/background triangles.  You may cut these separately out of one square or you may cut a row of them as shown below.  For a triangle from each square, mark the center point (2 3/8") at the top of a 4 3/4" square.  Draw a line to each corner.  Cut along this line.  Discard or save sides for another project. Cut 4 triangles.

For much less waste, cut the triangles all from one strip.   Align the 4 3/4" strip with the measurements on your cutting mat.  Make sure the left side is cut straight.  Draw a marking line at the base of the strip  at the 4 3/4" point.  

 At the top of the strip mark the center point of the first triangle which will be 2 3/8" across from the left.

Draw the sides for the first triangle.  First connect the bottom corner with top center and then bottom 4 3/4" mark with the center mark.   

Next draw the remaining 3 triangles.  Use your ruler for the next markings not your mat.  Note that my strip shifted.  Do not follow the markings on my mat! 

Begin with the first triangle top center marking and measure across 4 3/4". Mark with a pencil.  Measure across another 4 3/4" from the second marking. Mark again.  On the bottom of the strip, measure across 4 3/4" from the first triangle right corner marking.  Mark.  Draw diagonal lines connecting the markings, forming four triangles.  Remember measure twice cut once  :)  Cut directly on the lines. 

 Place the same print 2 3/4" x 5 1/4" rectangles across from each other on your mat.   Cut each rectangle on the diagonal exactly as shown using your rotary cutter and ruler.  Notice that each rectangle must be cut in opposite directions.

Match up the cut rectangles with the large triangles.  The wide top of the cut rectangles should be even with the top of the triangles.  Let the narrow points of the cut rectangles extend below the triangles. 

Sew one cut rectangle to the side of the triangle, matching the top points.  Use that 1/4" scant seam!  Just let the "tails" extend below the triangles.  Press the seams towards the dark print. 

When sewing the second cut rectangle, match up the points at the top first.  Sew.  Press the seams again towards the outside.  

 Trim off the dog ears.  This patch should measure 4 1/2" square.  Trim of any edges to square it up, making sure that the white triangle is centered in the square.  And you should have the 1/4" seam at the top - above the white triangle point!

 Arrange the squares into the Garden Patch Block.

 Sew the block together in rows first.  Press the 1st and 3rd row's seams towards the four patch squares.  Press the center row seams towards the center.   Sew the rows together.  Press the seams towards the center for less bulk.  The block should measure 12 1/2" square. HINT When I am matching triangle points and seams, I first pin where I want them to match,  and then baste in place with a long machine stitch - just an inch or to to hold it in place.  If it doesn't match, then I only have to unpick the inch of stitches and try again. 

The beautiful Garden Patch Block

Now for the fun

Congratulations again to  Leisha

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

(Winner picked using the Random Number generator!)

 Leisha's Pin Wheels.  I love the soft beige floral in the plain squares.  It really makes the white and navy pop in the pin wheels.

Ansje's wonderful Pin Wheels Block.  Love the black pin wheels!  Very striking!

 Welcome to Michelle who is just joining us.   Beautiful fabrics.  We would love to see some of your other blocks!  Please send them in!

Leisha created an additional block.  Can you see all the squares and half-square triangles?  You should all know how to make this block. This block is a great alternative.  This is a 12 1/2" unfinished block (will be 12" finished).  Can you see there are 6 squares across? That means those half-square triangles will be 2 1/2" unfinished - so cut the squares 2 7/8".   Have I taught you how to measure those?  It is easy.  When you want to make two half-square triangle out of two squares, just add 3/8" inch to your measurement.   So if you need a 2 1/2" unfinished square for a block (that is 2" finished/completed) -  just add 3/8" to 2 1/2" = 2 7/8" square.

If you are just joining us CLICK HERE for the beginning Apple Pie Block!

Happy Sewing!