{"id":3085,"date":"2016-09-13T23:59:42","date_gmt":"2016-09-14T06:59:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orchidowlquilts.com\/?p=3085"},"modified":"2017-02-24T19:52:34","modified_gmt":"2017-02-25T03:52:34","slug":"cloud-9-new-block-blog-hop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orchidowlquilts.com\/2016\/09\/cloud-9-new-block-blog-hop.html","title":{"rendered":"Cloud 9 New Block Blog Hop"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to my stop on the Cloud 9 New Block Blog Hop\u00a0featuring my Improv Star Block. \u00a0If this is your first time stopping, Hello! \u00a0I hope you’ll have a look around my blog and come back often. \u00a0I used to be a very good blogger but now…not so much. \u00a0You can also find me on Instagram \u00a0(@OrchidOwlQuilts) where I’m very active.<\/p>\n

I wanted to do something outside my comfort zone for this block so I decided to play around with a little improv piecing {thank you Curley\u00a0for the idea}. \u00a0 My friends who know me best know this is way outside my comfort zone. \u00a0No, I didn’t fall down and hit my head. \u00a0No, I wasn’t drunk. \u00a0I was being brave and trying new things. \u00a0My bestie, Ida, will\u00a0be so proud.<\/p>\n

Here’s a look at my improv\u00a0star block.<\/p>\n

\"Improv<\/p>\n

As you can see, I improv pieced some strips of fabric and then made 4 quarter square triangle (QST) blocks. \u00a0I’m pretty happy with my first real attempt at improv piecing.<\/p>\n

Now the fun part…how to make one for yourself.<\/p>\n

This block finishes at 12″ and all seams are 1\/4.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Cutting directions:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

{4} 4.5″ squares of background fabric (grey)<\/p>\n

{1} 4.5″ square for center (teal)<\/p>\n

{2} 6″ squares of background fabric (grey)<\/p>\n

{2} 6″ squares from improv striped fabric (you’ll make this)<\/p>\n

Cut multiple strips of different fabrics for the improv section. \u00a0You need enough to make a 6.5″ x 12.5″ rectangle. \u00a0I cut strips that ranged from 3\/4″ to 1.5″ in width. \u00a0I also cut my strips at angles and not perfectly straight. \u00a0That part is up to you…improv. \u00a0Do what makes you happy.<\/p>\n

\"Fabric<\/p>\n

Piecing Instructions:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Piece the strips of fabric and make a 6.5″ x 12.5″ rectangle. \u00a0I didn’t even worry about my seams going a little wonky. \u00a0I pressed my seams all to the side. \u00a0Cut two 6″ squares from this.<\/p>\n

\"Improv<\/p>\n

You can see my strips aren’t perfectly lined up at the ends. \u00a0That’s ok. \u00a0Just make sure you have enough length to cut two 6″ squares.<\/p>\n

Pair up each improv square with a 6″ square of background fabric to make 4 half square triangles (HST).<\/p>\n

\"HST<\/p>\n

Place the squares right sides together and draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the background fabric. \u00a0I used a chalk pencil. \u00a0You can use anything that you can see.<\/p>\n

\"MakingSew a line 1\/4″ away from the drawn line. \u00a0Repeat on the other side. \u00a0Then cut the squares apart on the drawn line.<\/p>\n

\"Cut<\/p>\n

This makes 4 HSTs. \u00a0Press toward the background fabric. \u00a0Don’t worry about trimming yet.<\/p>\n

The 4 HSTs will be paired up to make 4 QSTs. \u00a0Pair 2\u00a0HSTs and layer them right sides together with the fabrics opposite, background fabric will be touching improv fabric. \u00a0Make 2. \u00a0In the picture below, I have turned back a corner to show this.<\/p>\n

\"QST\"Repeat all of the HST steps to create 4 QSTs, draw the diagonal line, sew on each side, cut apart, and press. \u00a0The seams are a bit bulky, starch is your best friend. \u00a0It will help the block lay flat.<\/p>\n

Square up the QST blocks to 4.5.” \u00a0It’s important to line up the ruler so\u00a0the 2.25″ diagonal mark is on the center of your block (you can see that in my picture below). \u00a0In the picture, the 2.25″ is a little black dot that I placed in the very center of my block. \u00a0Trim the right side and the top. \u00a0Rotate the block and trim the other two sides.<\/p>\n

\"Squaring<\/p>\n

Assembling the block:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Refer to the picture below for the correct layout of your block. \u00a0 \u00a0Sew the blocks into rows and then sew the rows together.<\/p>\n

\"Star<\/p>\n

All done!<\/p>\n

\"ImprovI hope you like this simple improv star and you’ll give it a try. \u00a0It was lots of fun to make.<\/p>\n

Make sure to check out the other stops on the blog hop to see all the great blocks.<\/p>\n

Host:\u00a0<\/strong>Stephanie @Late Night Quilter<\/a><\/p>\n

Kathy @Kathys Kwilts and More<\/a><\/p>\n

Paige @Quilted Blooms<\/a><\/p>\n

Mary @Strip Quilts Pass it On<\/a><\/p>\n

Allison @Woodberry Way<\/a><\/p>\n

Seven @The Concerned Craft<\/a><\/p>\n

Olusola @Alice Samuel\u2019s Quilt Co.<\/a><\/p>\n

Ann @Brown Paws Quilting<\/a><\/p>\n

Jodie @Persimmon + Pear<\/a><\/p>\n

Vicki @Orchid Owl Quilts<\/a><\/p>\n

Kitty @Night Quilter<\/a><\/p>\n

Francine @Mochawildchild<\/a><\/p>\n

Shelley @The Carpenter\u2019s Daughter who Quilts<\/a><\/p>\n

Jayne @Twiggy and Opal<\/a><\/p>\n

Geraldine @Living Water Quilter<\/a><\/p>\n

Shannon @Shannon Fraser Designs<\/a><\/p>\n

Lisa @Sunlight In Winter Quilts<\/a><\/p>\n

Jessica @Quilty Habit<\/a><\/p>\n

Cassandra @The (not so) Dramatic Life<\/a><\/p>\n

Deanna @Stitches Quilting<\/a><\/p>\n

Denise @Craft Traditions<\/a><\/p>\n

Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions. \u00a0Now go get busy and make some blocks!<\/p>\n

Vicki