Cloud 9 New Block Blog Hop

Welcome to the Cloud9 New Block Blog Hop, hosted by Cheryl of Meadow Mist Designs, Yvonne of Quilting Jetgirl and Stephanie of Late Night Quilter. Using the Organic Cirrus fabrics from Cloud 9 (shown here in one of the Christmas gifts my daughter made me, Mom brag!) designers from all over the globe designed a 12" finished block to share with you. 

You are in for a treat!

PBJ is just one stop on this amazing blog hop, so please make sure you stop by the other blogs that will be listed at the end of this tutorial. You will kick yourself if you don't!

My block, Lassi, derived it's name from the first letters of the colors used (yes, I totally copped out on the naming of this block, and I'm not afraid to admit it), Lilac, Amazon, Sky, Shadow and Iris.

This was really fun to design and make, I hope you enjoy it.
To get the PDF version click here.

CUTTING

Shadow - Cut two 4 1/2" squares, cut twice on the diagonal

Amazon (darker blue)- Cut four 4 1/2" squares, cut once on the diagonal

Sky - Cut four 2 5/8" squares

Iris (darker purple) - Cut sixteen 2 3/4" squares

Lilac - Cut eight 3 1/2" squares

INSTRUCTIONS - note: tutorial is in a different order then the PDF file. 

I am using fat quarters for this block. I folded them so that they measured 18 x 11. 

First, I cut a straight edge along the 18" top.

Then I cut a straight edge along the 11" left side ( I am right handed).

All of the fat quarters get squared off like this, and then I cut all my pieces starting from the left.

We are going to start by making the flying geese units. These units will be over sized and we will trim them down when they are pieced.

After I have cut my 4 1/2" squares of Shadow, I need to cut them on the diagonal twice. 

This is my first cut:

Second cut:

When separated you should have four triangles:

For the Amazon square, I will only cut once on the diagonal:

The last piece needed for the flying geese blocks are the Sky squares:

Your first step is to add the Shadow triangles to your Sky squares.

Press towards the triangle.

Add the next Shadow triangle, paying close attention to which way it is turned this should look like a large right triangle. 

Press towards the triangle.

You should have a nice straight edge where the triangles meet.

Next we are gong to add the Amazon triangles.

Flip the pieced triangle over the Amazon triangle, remember these are over sized, so you should have extra fabric on either side. Just eyeball the center, it doesn't need to be exact.

Stitch and press towards triangle.

Add second Amazon triangle.

Next we will trim them down to 3 1/2" x 6 1/2". I use the Wing Clipper. (LOVE IT!) Excuse the freaky reflection, I hope you don't have nightmares!

Next we have our "diamond" blocks. These use the Iris.

We will be marking the diagonal on the wrong side of each square.

We will also be using our Iris blocks.

Sew an Iris square to an Lilac square, stitching just inside the drawn line (so you are closer to the corner then the middle).

If you are interested in using up those extra corners we will be trimming off, follow the next set of instructions, otherwise, press towards the triangle and trim off excess.

Mark a second line 1/2" from the line you just stitched.

Stitch just next to that drawn line, this time closer to the center then the corner.

Cut 1/4" from the seam.

Now you have an extra half square triangle. 

Remember, this is EXTRA. You can use it in another project, or I like to piece a block to add to the back of the quilt.

Repeat with a second Lilac square. Here you can either draw the extra line to get more half square triangles, or just press towards the triangle and trim the excess.

Your diamond block.

Next we will make the block.

The center comes first, and you will use four of your diamond blocks.

Position as shown, you will need two of these.

Stitch down the center and press to the side.

*Hint* Slow your stitching down as you go over this seam. The seams should be going the same direction, so there is a lot of fabric there, but I have found just slowing down allows the machine to walk over it fairly easily.

Stitch the center seam. 

I completely forgot to take pictures as I put my rows together. Whoops! I stitch my block top, middle, bottom and then stitch those rows together. Rows 1 and 3 I pressed out, Row 2 I pressed towards the center. You can do it however you prefer.

LASSI

Don't forget to check out the hosts, because there were blocks shared yesterday, and there are more blocks coming tomorrow!  It's like Christmas, your birthday, my birthday and Santa Claus' birthday all wrapped up in a big fat quilt! Did I mention there are prizes? I told you it's your birthday.

Happy Stitching!

Jen  

Check out today's featured blogs:

Miranda @I Have Purple Hair

Jennifer @The Inquiring Quilter

Sarah @123 Quilt

Leanne @Devoted Quilter

Jennifer @RV Quilting

Amanda @Quiltologie

Sharon @Yellow Cat Quilt Designs

Jen @A Dream and a Stitch

Jen @Faith and Fabric

Carole @Carole Lyles Shaw

Stephanie @Quilt'n Party

Susan @Sevenoaks Street Quilts

Katrin @Now What Puppilalla

Amista @Hilltop Custom Designs

Nicole @Handwrought Quilts

Marla @Penny Lane Quilts

Silvia @A Stranger View

Sarah @Smiles Too Loudly

Carrie @the zen quilter

Mary @Quilting is in My Blood

Velda @GRANNYcanQUILT