A finished quilt top!

Have you been to the flickr pool today? Have you seen Jen's finished quilt top? I'm completely in awe (and completely jealous!) I have to stop talking now or I'll never stop talking about how much I love this quilt top.

Modify Tradition Quilt Top
Originally uploaded by jennewby71

Stop by Jen's blog to read more about it.

Old Maid's Puzzle

Alright everyone...this is the last block of our quilt-along! This week we'll share some ideas for modern quilt layouts but for now, I hope you enjoy making this block.

Card Trick

Card Trick relies heavily on the use of light, medium, and dark fabrics. Be sure to choose fabrics with obvious contrast, otherwise you'll just have a lot of triangles.


As the name suggests, this is an extremely tricky block. We'll be piecing this block using actual triangles instead of our easy cut-squares method. I tried to figure out how to do this using the easy method, but because of the necessary light-dark combinations, it doesn't work. Don't try it! Trust me.

Mosaic

We're almost finished with our quilt along...just two blocks left to go after today's tutorial. As you can see, the blocks are getting more complicated but not harder. This block has a lot of pieces and steps but you've done them all before if you've been quilting along with us.

Lady of the Lake

Contrast is key with the Lady of the Lake block.  Since the center blocks are so big, choose fabrics that you would like to showcase.  Here's a great resource on making Lady of the Lake and, of course, some inspiration

Lady of the Lake has a beautiful name but is kind of a pain to make.  If you're worried about your half-square triangles coming out perfect, bump measurements up to an even 3" and 9" then trim after sewing and pressing.

Antique Tile

This is one of my favorite blocks so far and in general. This is a great block for directional prints since there aren't any triangles to mess it up.

This tutorial will show you the fastest way to make this block using strips of fabric. You also have the option to cut individual pieces if you're trying to manipulate the direction of the print. This is a fun block and I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Courthouse Steps

This block is a Log Cabin variation.  It's very simple and intuitive to put together.   I, of course, think it is modern in its simplicity.  We'll see if you agree!

Dutchman's Puzzle

Dutchman's Puzzle blocks are really fun because there are lots of variations. Basically, we're making eight flying geese blocks and then sewing them together. This tutorial uses four fabrics plus a background fabric. You could use from one to eight fabrics plus a background fabric (or many background fabrics). It's up to you.

There is also more than one way to make a flying geese block. My tutorial will leave you with lots of leftover triangles. I like this method because it makes an accurate "goose" and I can make four bonus pinwheel blocks from the leftover pieces.

If you want to make these blocks without the "wasted" fabric, try this tutorial. I've never made flying geese this way it so I don't know how well it works...it looks pretty cool, though and I'd like to give it a try someday.

Ohio Star

The Ohio Star block is probably one of the most common and well-known traditional quilt blocks.  You can find many variations, including the Maverick Star, which is currently all the rage around the internets.

This block is easy to make, so long as you pay attention to the details.  It's built on a simple nine-patch block, with quarter-square triangles thrown in.

Amish Diamond Tutorial

Churn Dash

I first saw the Churn Dash block as a tiny thumbnail picture in the novel Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood.  The block seemed especially simple and traditional then, and I still feel that way today.  Like the Bow Tie block, the Churn Dash has subtle elegance.  This block can have many personalities, depending on which fabrics you choose.

Starflower Block Tutorial

Bow Tie Variations

Feeling lonely without a modern border on your Bow Tie block?


No worries. Follow the steps in our Bow Tie Block tutorial using these specifications. At the end, just add your borders!


Fabric A (bow tie): cut two 5.5" x 5.5", cut two 2" x 2"
Fabric B (background): cut two 5.5" x 5.5"
Fabric C (border): cut two 1.5" x 12.5", cut two 1.5" x 10.5"





Or, you could create a block made of four smaller bowties, just like this one.  Follow the same steps in the Bow Tie block tutorial using these cutting instructions.


Fabric A (bow tie): cut eight 3.5" x 3.5"
Fabric B (background): cut eight 3.5" x 3.5", cut eight 1.5" x 1.5"

Bow Tie Block

Depending on your fabric choices, this block can have an elegantly modern look. I chose not to make any changes in the layout because I love the simplicity of this block. Plus, it gives me a great chance to show off some beautiful fabrics!

Pinwheel Block Tutorial

Skinny Nine Patch

Want something a little different?  Follow this tutorial to make a Nine Patch variation 

Nine Patch

Can you believe this is the first Nine Patch block I have ever made? Now is your chance to stop neglecting this classic quilt block!