Blocks 1 and 2 of the Quilt Along!

Yay!  2013 is here and with it, the first two blocks of our quilt along!  If you are making the larger quilt, you will make 2 of each block for a total of 4 blocks this week.  If you want the smaller quilt, make just one of each block.

Here is Block 1

I call it Spinning Star.

For this block you will be using 3 & 7/8 inch squares. Also cut one 2 & 1/2 inch strip x width of fabric- of navy and set aside in a Ziploc bag.  You will be adding a strip or two with each block to use at a later date. 
Each block will use 4 navy squares, 6 gold squares, 4 red squares, and 2 neutral squares.
So, for 2 blocks you will need 8 navy squares, 12 gold squares, 8 red squares, and 4 neutral squares, all cut 3 & 7/8 inches.
Draw diagonal lines on the back of all the gold and neutral squares like this:

Pair up the following:
for 1 block: 4 navy to gold, 2 red to gold, 2 red to neutral
or, for 2 blocks: 8 navy to gold, 4 red to gold, and 4 red to neutral

Sew 1/4 inch on each side of the line like this:

Cut them apart on the drawn line, iron them open, ironing the seam towards the darker fabric.  Note;  Seams will be very bulky and I tend to turn them which ever way seems like less bulk while sewing.  You can even sew them open as you are putting the block together, as long as you plan on using a high quality cotton batting, this will not be a problem.

Lay the blocks out according to pattern and sew the rows together and then sew each row to the next.  I use pins so that my points match perfectly but many people just hold the point together and sew- whichever works for you!

Block 2-Square in a square in a...

For this block, you will also be using squares that measure 3 & 7/8. 
For 1 block cut 4 navy squares, 6 green, 2 red, and 4 neutral.
For 2 blocks cut 8 navy, 12 green, 4 red, and 8 neutral.
Also cut two 2 & 1/2 inch green strips by Width of Fabric and add to your Ziploc bag.  
 Draw a diagonal line on the back of the navy and neutral squares.  Like this:

 Pair up the following:
For 1 block-2 navy to red, 4 green to neutral, and 2 navy to green.
For 2 blocks-4 navy to red, 8 green to neutral, and 4 navy to green
Sew in 1/4 inch seam on each side of the square like this:

Cut on the drawn line and iron towards the darker fabric.
Lay the squares out in the block design:

See my mistake?  Gotta fix those first, that is why you lay it out and look carefully!

Sew the rows together and then each row to the next so that you come out with this:

Note:  these instructions assume that you are an established quilter- If you need more assistance, please email me or leave a comment here!  I am happy to help!
I would love to see your creations and even share them on my blog if you are willing! 
Blocks 3 and 4 will be posted January 8th.
Happy New Year!