Thursday, May 4, 2017

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks: Vol 15 Blog Tour

Welcome Blog Tour followers to my little space on the world wide web! I am so excited to introduce you to my first Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks entry: Jubilee.




Here's a quick mock up. I love a block that becomes something more when put into a quilt.

Jubilee is made out of my favorite quilting unit: the good ol" half square triangle. I want to share the only way I make HST. I know there are so many ways you can do them, but this is the only one I have found where I can do them perfectly. While I'm not big on perfectionism, a HST done right, has no boundaries.




To start with I cut my squares a full inch larger that the finished size I want. There is some waste with this method, but not much. In this quick tutorial I am making 5" finished size HST, so I cut my squares at 6".




I draw one line on the diagonal with a mechanical pencil.




When I stitch, I put my 1/4" foot just a bit over the line. This gives me a nice scant 1/4" seam allowance.




Then I turn it and do the same with the next seam. HST are great for chain piecing, you can make quite a few in just a little time.




A quick cut on the drawn line and a press towards the dark side (dang, if only this post went live on the forth) and you have two HST ready for trimming.




There are many rulers out there for trimming HST, but I am just going to use my run of the mill 6 1/2" square Omnigrid (no affiliation). Since I am going for a 5" finished size, I am going to trim these to 5 1/2". Line up your 45° angle on the ruler with your diagonal sewn line as close to the edge as possible. You want to take the smallest cut.







Rotate your HST and now line up the 45° angle with the diagonal, as well as the 5 1/2" mark on the outside. Trim.




You have the perfect HST. Now it's time to play. Putting four of these together will give you a 10" block, which is a nice size to work with. 




The traditional pinwheel block. I do love a good pinwheel.  Here are a few others.










I could play for hours.


There you are. One way to make a perfect half square triangle. Now on to the good stuff. Prizes! I have two giveaways today. 






The first is a copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Vol 15 along with Pinwheel Pizzazz PBJ 101. Look at those lovely HST! Check out the Flashback Friday post bringing Pinwheel Pizzazz into the more modern age.




The second is a copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Vol 15 with Spinning Bow Ties PBJ - 102. Look at those beautiful *larger* HST! Here is the Flashback Friday's new Spinning Bow Ties, made modern. 

How do you win? Just leave a comment! I will choose two random winners. If you need help with a comment, share your favorite quilting unit. **If you are a "no reply" please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. It's so sad when that happens.

First winner is Danette!

The second winner is Diantha!

The winners have been emailed. Congratulations!


While you are here you might like to check out the new Beginners Unite! A beginner's quilting series that is just starting out. 

Thank you for stopping by, enjoy the tour!

Happy Stitching!
Jen

181 comments:

  1. Pinwheels, I love pinwheels. This looks like a fun pattern. I can already picture the colors I can use. Thank you for your block. You can contact me at trachforwiggles@yahoo.com.

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    1. Pamela, thank you so much!! I hope you make a block, or ten. :)

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  2. I love the half square triangles that seem to have endless possibilities. I just need to get better at making them. :)

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    1. Allison, it is such a versatile unit. The great thing about practicing the HST unit, is they build up pretty quickly, and suddenly you have full blocks and then a quilt. Have fun with it!

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  3. Great block--I love pinwheels! I think my favorite building block is the 4 patch.

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  4. I like half square triangles, the possibilities are endless. Love the way your block looks in the mock up. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  5. Pinwheels are my favorite block. thanks for sharing

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    1. There is just something about a pinwheel. :)

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  6. Pinwheels are so versatile. I love the variety you get with HST. Thanks for the tutorial about them also.

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    1. You're welcome, Susan! Thanks for stopping by on the tour!

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  7. I love half square triangles. Lots of possibilities

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  8. Replies
    1. Ooo, that's another good one. Thank you for sharing!

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  9. I use a lot of HST's, you can make so many different designs with them.

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  10. I enjoyed your tutorial. Ending up with HSTs the right size really improves the final outcome/size of the block.I never knew that you could just add an inch and cut the hst down to perfection. Awesome!

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    1. So glad you could learn a little something new! Love it! Thank you for stopping in. :)

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  11. Love the block simple but fun

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  12. That's a great tip for making a HST! Mine always seem to be a little off, so I'll try this--thanks!

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    1. Having HST come out the right size was a game changer for me. Enjoy!

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  13. Great job!! My favorite quilting unit to play with right now is the Triangle in a Square!!

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    1. Oh, that one is fun, too! Thank you for popping over!

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  14. I like making flying geese units!

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    1. These might be my second favorite, which will be apparent in a couple of patterns coming out at the end of summer. My testers might start thinking I'm crazy. ;) Thank you for stopping in!

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  15. Thanks for the giveaway. I too love the versatility of HSTs and their many arrangements.

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  16. I think it's cool to recreate some of the "older looking" patterns. I have some older patterns that I want to do that with. Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net

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    1. You should have received an email, just a bit ago. Congratulations, you are a winner!

      Oh, that is a fun idea to recreate an older looking pattern. That opens up a lot of quilts to work with!

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  17. I love how HST can become so many different patterns.

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    1. They are so versatile, aren't they? Thank you for dropping by!

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  18. You have a mighty fun block considering this is your first. Can't go wrong with pinwheels. I, too, also love a block that becomes something more when put into a quilt. Only way to go. Thank you for being a part of QM's 100 Block Blog Tour and giving me this opportunity to try and win a copy and other quilty goodies from you. It is so neat to find a package in your mailbox knowing that you have become a QM winner.

    Sandi Timmons
    sandit1@sbcglobal.net

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    1. Thank you so much, Sandra! I do love my little block. :)

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  19. Beautiful block. I really like this block. I am a big fan of pinwheels. I make my HST's the same way you do. That way they always come out the right size. Thank you for sharing and for the giveaway.

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    1. Thank you, Joyce! I hope you make one and share it with us. :)

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  20. Replies
    1. Girl after my own heart! Thank you for visiting. :)

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  21. congratulations. your block is wonderful. I love how it makes different designs. I have found that making my hst's this way are the easiest and fastest.

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    1. Thank you, Lori. I have found that to be true, as well. When the HST is correct, everything else fits together so smoothly.

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  22. Perfect HST's! I love your block!

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  23. I love making HSTS. They are so versatile.

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    1. Me, too! Thank you for dropping by and taking the time to comment!

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  24. I agree that the HST's are great. You can do so many things with them. I also like flying geese, they make great star points and stars are my favorite.

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  25. HSTs are a challenge for me. I really like Flying Geese. I'm working on a HST block (composted of 16 HST units) for a Gypsy Wife quilt at the moment.

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    1. Oooo, getting all of those little pieces together can be challenging. Good luck! Don't forget to enjoy the process. :)

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  26. Great block idea and speed method to make the HST's. I also like 9 patch quilt ideas.
    rozz01 at cox dot net

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  27. You are a woman after my own heart. I love HST's and chain piecing. Will definitely make your block.

    Pat K
    yfg3749@yahoo.com

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  28. Great block and great quilt.

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  29. Thanks for the pictures to remind me how versatile half square triangles can be!

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  30. I like the half square triangle also--so many ways to use it!
    bjkaup(at)(abbnebraska)(dot)(com)

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    1. They really are fabulous units, aren't they?!

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  31. Congrats on your first 100 Blocks block - love it. My favorite unit is the 9-patch - it can go with anything. Thanks.

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    1. Thank you, Joyce! I love a good 9-patch. I'm finding there really isn't a unit I don't love. Such a problem to have. :)

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  32. That's awesome that you got your first block included! Keep designing. Would love to be your prize winner!

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  33. What a nice little block. I love flying geese and really love to do them with 1/2 square triangles.

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    1. I, too, love flying geese. So many awesome units, so little time. :)

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  34. I like your method for HST. I also cut my squares 1" bigger and then trim, because I was always running into a few finished HSTs that were not quite up to size.
    Congratulations on having your first block in the 100 Block series!

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    1. You should check your email, you are a winner! :)

      I hate when I have a piece that doesn't fit in well. Trimming really, really helps with that.

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  35. Your block is so cute. Thank you for sharing. I like simple blocks, the old fashioned four square one is the best...it made a great beginning for a wonderful block.

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    1. The four square is a great little unit. It goes with everything, like a great little black dress. :)

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  36. I like a block that I can change the colors from one block to the next. Triangles can be tricky the smaller they are.

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    1. Definitely trickier the smaller they get! I've found if I make my squares even more than 1" bigger, that the trimming goes much smoother. That is for another post. ;)

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  37. congrats on having your block in the magazine -- hst's are so useful,, and I like the idea of cutting 1" wider,, gives enough room for trimming to the exact size. Thanks for sharing!

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  38. I do love triangles! Thank you for sharing. tacdah at gmail (dot)com

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  39. I am a huge fan of the HST myself. So versatile. Congrats on publishing your block! I need to submit one soon. :)

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  40. Love pinwheels, the quilt top I finished this week had pinwheels.. drhodes9@cox.net

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    1. I bet it is gorgeous! Thank you for visiting :)

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  41. Got to be HST's, so many options. I often just make many of them from scraps and put them in a box...when a need comes - prefabrication is king!

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    1. I have quite a box myself. It's good to be prepared. :)

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  42. I like Flying Geese and recently took a class to learn how to make them in curves. Now I am hooked! Love the fabrics you chose for Jubilee.

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    1. Oh wow. What class was that? It sounds fabulous!

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  43. HST can be used in so many ways to make interesting blocks.

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    1. The possibilities are endless! Thank you for stopping in. :)

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  44. Love making half sq and you r right there r so may ways, I use most of them depending on how many I have to make.. Magshandlin@verizon.net

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    1. I'm so glad you stopped by and took time to comment. Thank you! :)

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  45. I love the nine patch unit - plain ole squares!! :0 mumbird3(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Yes, plain squares can be an awesome, awesome thing. :D

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  46. Love these pinwheels-I picture them in different bright colors, whirring around-how pretty! Thank you, Susan

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    1. Now I have windmills going through my mind, in spring colors of course. :)

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  47. so glad you joined the "hop"...I always enjoy this so much and it's because of people like you willing to share your expertise! My fave unit would be any star....

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    1. I so love a good star! I appreciate YOU for following the hop. Awesome hoppers are what keeps us all connected to this awesome craft. :)

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  48. I've made a million HSTs and I do them just like you. Always a favorite.

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    1. I refuse to count how many I have made, hehehe. Thank you for stopping by! :)

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  49. I like to make my HST's a bit large and cut back as well. Thanks for the wonderful photos.

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    1. Thank you for stopping in an joining the hop!

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  50. Love the block.. good ol HST indeed.

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  51. I love triangles too! I make mine the same way as you!

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    1. I'm so glad to see so many say this! It really does make things easier.

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  52. HST's are one of my favorite units to make. Really like your block, thanks for sharing. Diane

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    1. I'm so glad you like the block, Diane. Thank you for taking the time to visit!

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  53. Like you, I love a block that becomes something more when put into a quilt. Your block looks great!

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    1. It's amazing what designs pop out sometimes. Thank you for hopping over!

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  54. Nancy A: rangerer@sbcglobal.netMay 5, 2017 at 2:37 PM

    I love the block and love the illusion made when placed together in a quilt.

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  55. You don't need much more that a HST, they are so versatile

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    1. Truer words have not been spoken. ;) Thank you for visiting!

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  56. I do love flying geese-ever since I found the right technique and ruler have been a fan of them.

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    1. Technique makes such a difference, doesn't it? So glad you found one that you love!

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  57. I love the pinwheel and I use the same technique as You do

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    1. Thank you for taking the time to stop and "visit"!

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  58. What a great block! I love half square triangles, because they are so versatile. bhometchko(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  59. I make my HSTs the same way. Definitely my favorite component of a block!
    allisonpogany at gmail.com

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    1. Thank you for hopping and taking a moment to comment. HST lovers abound, it's awesome!

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  60. Hst's are so useful. I just hate making them.

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    1. They can be a chore, especially when there are a lot of them, but worth it in the end. I think. ;)

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  61. HST's are used in so many beautiful designs!

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  62. HST are so versatile, love them...marta...martamanole@yahoo.com

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  63. I do like to use HST units as they can be the component of so many other designs as you have illustrated here. I love the Friendship star, and pinwheels, you have combined them so nicely here. Thanks for the great block. Nancy Noah njjnoah@comcast.net

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    1. Thank you! I stray a little in my designs, but always come back to the HST.

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  64. I like using HSTs. They are very versatile and I love pinwheel blocks. Great block!

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    1. Thank you so much! This is for you then, LOL!

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  65. I have always loved HSTs the many things you can do with them.

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  66. Love your block! It has my favorites in it. HST's and Pinwheels!!!!

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  67. You can do so much with a hst. Change the size, change the look.

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    1. Exactly! It's an awesome little unit. Thank you for visiting!

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  68. Love HSTs! Love making pinwheels.
    Thanks.
    kinderpam@gmail.com

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    1. So glad you took the time to stop by! Thank you!

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  69. I make HSTs the same way. I've tried triangles and the easy angle ruler and my HSTs that way are always, always, ALWAYS off. As long as I can trim my HSTs down, I'm golden!

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    1. I need that little extra to trim off. I just do, and it is so worth it. :)

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  70. bethdaniels@cox.netMay 5, 2017 at 5:18 PM

    My favorite quilt unit is four patch unit

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    1. You aren't alone in that! It is a great little unit!

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  71. I love half square triangles & the way you make them is my favorite method too.
    auntie.clark@gmail.com

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    1. I've tried others, this is the one that gets results, though. Thanks for stopping in!

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  72. Making HST that way is so much better, no worries about making them to small. Wonderful block, easy to play with. Thanks for giveaway.
    Sure like your two color bow ties.
    djcutting2(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thank you so much! I love that little quilt. :)

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  73. Once I started making over-sized HST's and trimming them down, they became my favorite because of their versatility. Have you tried the Bloc Loc ruler? I love them--they make trimming extremely quick and accurate!

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    1. I haven't, but it is on my list to try. I currently use the Tucker Trimmer from Deb Tucker Studio 180 Designs. It's so nice to have choices. :)

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  74. My favorite blocks are the half square triangle and the nine-patch.

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    1. Those two units go together so nicely, too! Great choices. :)

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  75. You have a great block. I love pinwheels.

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  76. I love making the 3 dimensional bowtie block. Easy to make and it looks awesome.

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  77. Pinwheels are one of my favorite blocks! Love your block. Thanks for a chance to win.

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  78. Stars are my favorite blocks. I really like the quilt layout with your block.

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    1. Thank you! I love a good star block as well.

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  79. I like the clarity and close-up pictures of the tutorial in the post--very helpful. Thanks.

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  80. Jen, I love both those patterns. I love HST and actually have a chart with over 25 layouts. One of my first quilts was HST (scrappy blue and white) .

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    1. Where did you find this chart of goodness? Please share. :) Thank you for visiting!

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  81. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  82. Well girl, you,ve got my attention- my favorite unit is HST's!!!!! Bar all I can't look at a pattern without automatically breaking it into HST(some resist but not many). I think it was the first "quick shortcut" I learned. yeeHaw! rjc2cam(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Yes! If you look hard enough, you can find HST :)

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  83. My favorite block is broken dishes...guess what it is made up of...Yup, HST!

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  84. HST are so versatile! And the more I make, the better I get at it! This year I am really improving my cutting skills and my HSTs are much better now.

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    1. As with everything, it gets better with practice. I know it's true for all things, but I feel it's especially true when it comes to accuracy in quilting. Love that you are seeing improvement! Keep quilting!!

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  85. I always use an inch as 7/8" always results in a few that are a bit shy. But I still don't love making lots of them. I'd rather play with hexagons. pjrquilter(at)msn(dot)com

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    1. I have a Grandmother's Garden started. I need to find time to get back at it. It's so neglected right now.

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  86. HST's are not hard to make, and it is so much fun to use them to make the pinwheel. I made a quilt that had 50 pinwheels and thought "grrrr". But once I made a couple of them, it got to be fun. They went together so fast, I wanted to make another quilt just like it!

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  87. Love your block! The tutorial was so helpful!
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

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  88. I like your block. I think it would make a good Quilt of Valor. I like to make 4-patches and Hourglass blocks.

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  89. I like your block. So many ways it could be set.

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  90. Replies
    1. Another great block!! Thank you for stopping by!

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  91. Fantastic block. Thanks for sharing with us.

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I love to get your comments and hear your ideas. I always respond to comments (though it may take me a few days), if you haven't heard from me it might mean you are a no reply commenter. If you haven't heard back from me, check back here, because I will reply to the comment.