February Color Challenge

February
This month I am dipping into my blue stash to play with my friends in the 2018 Monthly Color Challenge.  My blue stash is way better than my red stash.
Check out my fellow bloggers this month and see what they are up to.

Joanne of Quilts By Joanne
The Prize
Fat Quarter gift cert.jpg
This month’s giveaway has been generously donated by Fat Quarter Shop.  They will be giving the winner of the linkup drawing  a $25 gift certificate!  The linkup happens at Patterns by Jen at the end of the month.  So, you have three weeks to make a blue block of your choice – get crackin’!
[This post uses affiliate links, marked with an *.  If you make a purchase using my link, I will make a small commission.  Thank you!]

Circle Play

IMG_5612.jpgThis month I decided to stick with the foundation piecing in my arc sections, but I’ve changed it up by adjusting the angles of the lines.
IMG_5571.jpgI did a stash dive, and pulled out my favorite blues.  I have an itty bitty stash problem.  I can tell you from experience, I could crank out a whole quilt from the bin, and the bin will look EXACTLY the same.  So, I will just use this little bit and stuff the rest back into the bin.
IMG_5573.jpgThe first step is the same as last month.  Take the circle template of your choice, and trace 4 circle portions onto scrap paper.  I’m using the 6 1/2″ quarter circle template from Betty Crocker Ass.  Feel free to use the template of your choice, or make one yourself.
IMG_5572.jpgI cut my 4 background sections out of white fabric again this month, to keep a consistent look across my quilt. I use the smaller diameter rotary cutter for curves.  It isn’t required, but does do a nicer job cutting smooth curves.
IMG_5595.jpgFold them in half, pinching to create a crease in the middle of the arc.
img_5575.jpgCut your strips for your arc.  You will need 16 – 2 1/2″ wide strips.  You can cut all of them at 7 1/2″ long, or, if you are more conservative with your fabric, cut the following:

  • 4 – 2 1/2″ x 7 1/2″ – Dark
  • 4 – 2 1/2″ x 7″ – Medium dark
  • 4 – 2 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ – Medium light
  • 4 – 2 1/2″ x 5″ – Light

IMG_5574.jpgWith my 4 arc foundations, I fold them in half, then in half again.  I am looking for 4 sections of equal width, aligned vertically on the arc.  For this photo I have marked the fold lines, but that is only so you can see the divisions in the photo.
Lay out 4 strips for each ark. I chose to make mine start with the darker strip on the longest edge, lightening as it gets shorter.
img_5576-e1517486770443.jpgTake your darkest strip, lay it down wrong side against the paper.
img_5577.jpgPlace your next strip on top of it, right sides together.  Flip your paper over, and stitch along the fold line.
IMG_5581.jpgTake your block to your cutting mat, and using an add a quarter ruler*, trim off any excess seam allowance.
IMG_5583
Press your fabric open.
IMG_5584Add your third strip, right sides together with the second strip.  Flip the piece over, and stitch along your fold line.  Trim up your seam allowance, and press open.
IMG_5588.jpgAdd your fourth strip, right sides together with the third strip.  Flip the piece over, and stitch along your fold line. Trim up your seam allowance, and press open.
IMG_5592.jpg
Using the arc template, trim your piece.
IMG_5593.jpgRemove the paper, being gentle and not putting too much stress on your stitches.
IMG_5594.jpgFold the arc in half, pinching to make a crease midway along the curve.
Use the creases you made to line up an arc with a background piece.  Pin the center and both ends.  I also like to add two more pins in each section.  I’m an over-pinner.
Stitch carefully along the curve, easing in any fullness.
IMG_5600.jpgPress your piece open.
IMG_5602Lay out your four blocks, making sure you like the color interaction.
IMG_5603.jpgStitch them together in pairs, being sure to pin at the spot where edge of the circle meets.  Press seams open.
IMG_5607Pin the two halves of the circle together.  Stitch, then press seams open.
IMG_5610.jpgUsing a 12 1/2″ ruler, square up your block.
IMG_5611.jpgStand back, admire your lovely block.
img_5613.jpgPut it next to your red block.  Aren’t they lovely together?
 
Be sure to tag me on Instagram @JenStrauser or on Facebook @Dizzy Quilter.  And, be sure to go to Pattern’s by Jen’s website and register for the giveaway February 24th.
 
 

15 thoughts on “February Color Challenge

  1. Ok. I am going to have to come back to these and give them a go. So pretty! And a great way to use up “Some” of my scraps. 😀 I too have an abundance that fills a bin or two.

  2. I love that block. I am going to have to try it. I have always loved “circle” quilts. Thank you for the inspiration

  3. Great project, I like it even more now you have two blocks. I am so scared of set in circles. But this is fabulous….. maybe we should make a pact….. you make the teddies, I make the circles?! Who’s going to blink first?! 🙂 lol

  4. Love your block and the tutorial was great! Thank you! Watched the video from January as well. My block didn’t turn out as planned (tried to make my own template and also sewed one of the arcs on the wrong side of the foundation paper) so instead went with kind of wonky. Nevertheless, I like it!

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