Block of the Month Tutorial For Aug

So the block of the month on flicker is under way we have our first block which will be for the month of August. You can join the group at any time but sign ups for the swaps are always the 1-5 of each month. Sorry it is a rainy dark day so my photos are not the best but will work. Below are the basic rules and layout of the group.

RULES

If you sign up in an individual month's block exchange you will be required to make 1 quilt block, it must be 10-1/2" x 10-1/2", and send to your partner for that month.

I will suggest a block to make but you can always choose your own, any style or color.
Then, when you have enough blocks, you can make a quilt and post the photos on the photo pool.

TIME LINE

1st of every month I will post a photo of the suggested block (please note you do not have to make this block, it is only an idea). You may make any type of block you choose as long as it is the right size and agreed color of your partner.

1 - 5 of the month sign ups post on thread also flickr mail me please.

5- 10 contact partner to see if there is a color theme or not and to get mailing address.

5 - 20 of the month make your block.

20 - 30 of the month, post/mail out to your partner.

Post your blocks in the pool before you mail to your partner.

Now that you know that, on to the block:

Aug 2007 Tutorial for Pinwheel
finished size 10 inches unfinished size 10 1/2 inches

Supplies:

• Minimum 3 different fabrics (1 is the background, the other 2 colors make up the pinwheel if you want a scrappy look you can have as many colors as there are pieces to the block)
• A way to sew the block, either a sewing machine and supplies for it, or needle and thread for hand sewing
• Scissors or rotary cutter and mat
• Iron
• Here is the pattern: PDF file, plain SVG file and Inkscape SVG file. I cut mine using measurement, but you can download these files and use templates if you are more comfortable.
  

Directions:

1. Cut three stripes of fabric 4 1/2 inches by 9 inches; set aside 'till step 5.
2. Cut one piece of fabric 4 inches by 10 inches.
3. Cut in half so you have 2 pieces of fabric that are 2 inches by 10 inches.
4. Stack neatly and cut at an angle so one side is 4 inches and the other is 6 inches. You will now have 4 pieces of fabric (before making this last cut, make sure you have the angle facing the right way for the block) set aside.
5. Stack all 3 pieces neatly (from step 1) and cut in half, so now you have 2 squares that are 4 1/2 by 4 1/2.
6. Stack squares neatly and cut from corner to corner and set aside.
7. You now have 12 triangles and 4 edge pieces for a total of 16 pieces.
8. Match up first seam for all blocks, short side of edge with short side of triangle, and then two short side of triangle. To help with this, lay out the block as if done and flip the pieces over on top of the piece they will be sewn to and make two neat stacks.
9. Take to machine and sew. Use the chaining method when sewing; that means, do not cut threads between blocks. This is faster, neater, and easier to manage; use a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Continue in this manner of chain stitching through the triangles and the triangle with boarder pieces.
10. When sewing the triangle to boarder, note the little dog ears at the end where the two blocks cross; your stitches should go right through that intersection. If done correctly there will be a smooth edge when flipped and pressed.
11. Cut apart blocks and press seam to one side.
12. Match next set of seams for blocks; lay right sides together and sew in chain method again.
13. Press seams to one side and match up next seam and chain stitch again; continue in this fashion 'till done with the block.

DO NOT USE THIS PATTERN TO MAKE THINGS TO SELL FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY!!!!