Layer Cake Blocks for 2011!!!

I hope you haven’t given up on me!  I finished the December Layer Cake blocks some time ago but just got to taking pictures this morning.  I also put all the blocks up together on my design wall using two basic settings.  I think they will still go through several changes before I settle on the final versions.  So, here's what I've got:

December Block:  Ladies Wreath

For this block I chose to use just 2 fabrics.  It's composed of half-square triangle units and squares of background.  It uses most of the layer cake square for each.  You could choose to use scraps from previous months if you like. 

Cut:

Layer Cake December Block

From background (light):

(4) 2 1/2" squares

(6) 2 7/8" squares, cut in half once diagonally

From dark:

(6) 2 7/8" squares, cut in half once diagonally

Pink and Brown Test Block-December

To save time when you cut the squares for the HalfSquareTriangle (HST) units, layer the fabrics RightSidesTogether (RST) and cut them at the same time.  Take them to the sewing machine as they are now perfectly matched, stacked and ready to go!  Piece them all, press seams open and then lay the units out as shown in the block picture.  Pay attention to the direction of the HST units so it looks like a wreath/circle.

Now for more fun stuff.  Get all your blocks out and let's see how they look together.

14 blocks set straight with sashing

If you made all the blocks you should have 14.  You need to make one more if you like this setting.  (I'll post another one later this month just in case you choose this one.)  That would make a small wall quilt about 36 x 56. 

If you like this setting you'll need: 1 1/2 yards of border/sashing fabric cut as follows:  Cut longest pieces first along the length of fabric.

(10) sashing strips 8 1/2 x 2 1/2

4 sashing strips 28 1/2" x 2 1/2"

2 border strips 48 1/2" x 4 1/2"

2 border strips 36 1/2" x 4 1/2"

Diagonal Set with Alternate Squares

Perhaps you would like something a little larger.  If you do then you could set the blocks on point and alternate them with a plain block like this.  Using the same fabric for setting triangles and the border makes the blocks look like they are floating.  I used only 12 of the 14 blocks.  That would give you a quilt that measures about 42 1/2" x 54 1/2.

From 1 1/2 yards border fabric cut:
(4) 4 1/2" border strips x length of fabric.

From remaining border fabric cut:

(6) 8 1/2" alternate squares

(3) 10" squares and cut twice on the diagonal for a total of 12 setting triangles (2 extra)

(2) 9 3/8" squares and cut once for a total of 4 corner triangles.

After inner quilt top is complete, cut border strips to length by measuring through the body of the quilt top and cut the side borders to that measurement (approximately 46 1/2").  Measure again from side to side for the top and bottom borders and cut the borders to that measurement (approximately 35").

Medallion Setting

 Here's a medallion setting for the blocks which would also be good for a wall hanging.  This one would measure about 40" square.  This arrangement uses 13 blocks. 

I'll give cutting numbers for this one at another time.

I have some other ideas in mind as well.  I'll post those as soon as I can. 

Until next time, happy sewing!

Stephanie