August Color Challenge

Welcome back to the 2018 Monthly Color Challenge!  This month we are playing with yellow orange.  Sometimes I struggle with identifying tertiary colors in my stash.  In fact, this month I’m fairly certain that either my colors are wrong here, or they are wrong for my orange block, because the two blocks are the same colors.

The 2018 Monthly Color Challenged is hosted by Jen Shaffer, of Patterns by Jen.  Check out her blog to see her block design for the month.  Later this month, you can join the linkup and enter the prize drawing.  This month the prize has been donated by the Fat Quarter Shop.  They are giving away a $25 gift card!  To win, all you have to do is make something in yellow orange.  You don’t have to make my block – you can make anything you like, as long as it is the correct color.

Be sure to check out my fellow bloggers.  Some have original patterns, and others have eye candy.  This group is always great for inspiration.

Jen at Patterns by Jen
Sherry at Powered by Quilting
Dione at Clever Chameleon
Jen at A Dream and a Stitch
Joanne at Quilts by Joanne
Nancy at Masterpiece Quilting

Circle Play

This month we are going back to foundation piecing for our circles.  I’m enjoying this little star pattern.

Supplies Needed

6 1/2″ quarter circle ruler – I get mine from Betty Crocker Ass
6 1/2″ or larger square ruler
Add-A-Quarter ruler
4 sheets of paper
Several pieces of yellow orange fabric – some strips, some larger pieces
White fabric for background arcs
Normal sewing supplies – sewing machine, iron, cutting mat, rotary cutter, pins

Construction

 

Trace the Part A template onto the scrap paper.  Make two marks as noted in the image above – one at 4 1/2″ from the corner on one edge, and another at 1 3/4″ on the other edge.  Draw a line connecting the two marks, giving you the triangle that will form your inner star.  Make 4 copies.

Draw straight lines across the piece.  These are to give a reference for lining up your strips.  You may not sew along these lines – it will depend on how wide you cut your strips.

Stash dive!  

Press your fabrics, including your white background pieces.

Cut strips from your yellow orange pieces.  Strips need to be long enough to reach across your arc.  Don’t cut anything smaller than 1″ wide.  Be kind to yourself.  Strips around 1 1/2″ to 2″ wide are best.

Select one fabric that will contrast with your other pieces and cut two rectangles – 3 1/2″ x 5 1/2″.  Cut that rectangle in half on the diagonal.  Cutting it in the direction I show in the photo, or you will be frustrated and cutting it again.

Lay two strips together, right sides together. Line up the edges to be stitched parallel to the edge of the block.  Use your drawn lines to keep the pieces parallel. Stitch them down, press open.

Continue adding strips up the block, until you cover all of it.

Take one of your triangles and line it up along the drawn line.

Stitch down, then, using your Add-A-Quarter ruler, trim the seam allowance.

Press open, and trim your block, using the Part A template.

Press a crease into the middle of each piece, to assist with lining up the pieces.

Pin well, and stitch with the white side up.

Stitch carefully, then press open, pressing seam towards the white piece. Trim the finished section, making sure it measures 6 1/2″ square.

Repeat, making four total blocks. Stitch all four together, pressing seams open.

Tah dah!

I should have used a higher contrast fabric in the middle, because I am having a hard time seeing the star.  I still love it – I can accentuate it with quilting to add to the contrast.

And here are all of my blocks so far.  I feel like it is coming together so nicely.  Now, if you don’t mind, I’m off to whip up the September color challenge block.

Previous Color Challenge Blocks

January Color Challenge
February Color Challenge
March Color Challenge
April Color Challenge
May Color Challenge
June Color Challenge
July Color Challenge