Easter was a rather different kind of celebration for many of us this year. We had a Zoom meeting with several church friends to start the day, then it was just Ken and I worshipping as we watched the online video. I think our duets as we sing along are starting to sound better. I decided for this day I wanted to represent my faith so a cross seemed perfect. I wanted something to represent new life, which the flowers in the purple print do nicely, to remind me of the new life I have in Christ. I chose a econdary light purple to try to represent the fabric that is often drapped over our crosses on Easter Sunday. I am not sure, but for me it represents the cloths that Jesus set aside in the tomb when He was raised from the dead. This one breaks my nine-patch mode. But after playing with the idea a bit I think I came up with something that works out pretty well. My family has often referred to me as "Bargain Betty". I look for deals, and I am very concious about waste. I could have used the no-waste method to make these Flying Geese, but this method wasted less fabric. Which kind of makes me laugh because the pieces are small enough the waste is very minimal. But I was already having to use methods that gave me leftovers sooo...I just have to laugh at my frugal ways sometimes. So, I made Flying Geese out of Half-square Triangles. It's good to have multiple options in your repetoire, right? I am glad I pressed these so that the seams locked together. That really helped to get some pretty perfect points. Next I used triangles to make the Split Corner Squares. Again, I could have used the quick method and just had a leftover but I did some carefeul cutting of my triangles and actually saved myself some fabric by trimming the large and small triangles from the same large square cut in half for the quarter size I needed and then trimming the remaining half to size. So I got my E and H triangles out of the square I cut for E and my F and G triangles from the larger F square as well. (I do not tell you how to do that in the pdf however.) ![]() I need to trim these units just a bit. It is hard to see, but the diagonal line on my ruler is right along the long seam line. I have the 1 1/4" mark at the intersection of all three seams which is the exact middle of the finished size of this square. There are a few seams that happen to lay the same direction rather than locking together nicely. The best tip I have for when that happens is to use a water soluble glue stick at those seams. It does not take much to hold them and I have found the tacky glue works better than a pin. It will hold them together nicely so that you still get sharp points in the end. For today's block I made a Puss in the Corner Block. We are having another sunny day here which made me think of kitties sitting in windows soaking up the sun's rays. We had a gray tabby named Bailey which inspired the use of a gray print. It is actually of snowy trees, but I decided it would work for fur too. This is an old photo of Bailey, who adopted us as a stray kitty after being found by some college students. He was my special sewing buddy and is still greatly missed. ![]() I did find it helpful to fan the seams on the 4-patch units. I have done this with the one on the right and you can see how much flatter it wants to lay. Fanning a seam simply involves using your fingers to open up that middle intersection so that the seams fall in opposite directions. Notice you will get a little miniature version of the block in the middle. Well, to get your pdf copies of the blocks be sure and click on the link below:
Passing the Days Blocks Be sure you also have a copy of the General Instructions handy. Now, I am going to ask a favor. If you are sewing along with me in any way would you leave a comment to let me know, or drop me an email if you prefer. I put a lot of time into what I provide for you and when I don't get any feedback I begin to wonder if anybody actually is out there who cares. For the most part the only time I hear from people is when they are having some sort of problem-which I am always glad to help them with-but it would be nice to hear a hello once in a while too. Maybe it is just the Covid-19 isolation getting to me, but I really want to hear from you! I hope you have a wondeful day and Happy Quilting!!
Diane Beesmer
4/13/2020 03:45:16 pm
I'm enjoying work on these blocks. I have the first 20 done I usually cut everything out on Fridays and I sew all day Saturday and part of Sunday. I ready appreciated that you are doing these blocks, Its fun to see how many different design there is using a 9 patch block. Again thank you...
Debra
4/14/2020 01:13:32 pm
So nice to hear from you, Diane! Sounds like you are having fun on the weekends and I am delighted to hear you are making these blocks.
Brenda Bouchard
4/14/2020 04:22:22 am
Hi Debra: I am following you closely as you post these blocks and the wonderful PDF cutting instructions. I am not sewing along with you yet for a number of reasons, however, but I treasure the lovely resources and will eventually get around to making the blocks. I am also really enjoying your personal commentaries about why you have chosen the particular blocks and ... lovely glimpses into your thoughts and feelings. Thank you!
Debra
4/14/2020 01:15:23 pm
Thank you, Brenda! I have quite a stack or patterns that are on my "someday" list too.
Sandy bright
4/15/2020 09:18:54 am
I love your blocks! Want to make the cross today!!!
Debra
4/16/2020 03:08:44 pm
Thanks, Sandy! Did you get it made?
Shirley Adlich
4/14/2020 05:45:36 am
Hello Debra,
Debra
4/14/2020 01:17:12 pm
That is so nice to hear, Shirley. I am delighted that the tips are helping in your own projects and that they are helping. Hi, Debra! I’m not participating except visually. I’m in a quilting slump, but I’m enjoying your progress. I am making a few masks for family and friends when requested, but mostly just reading these days. I applaud you for staying focused and putting your efforts out there to help quilters keep busy during thes e unprecedented and trying times. Keep up the good work and thank you for shining a little light with each post!
Debra
4/14/2020 01:18:30 pm
Oh, I hear you, Kaholly. I have experienced those quilting slumps myself at times. Thank you for such encouraging words!
VICKY DIANE RAY
4/14/2020 07:00:12 am
Thank you for taking the time to help us "pass the days" during this crazy time. I am working on this post & BH3. I enjoy the challenge. of trying new designs. I am even getting better at the 4" ones. I have done mostly patriotic colors & donate for QOV. Thank you, Lisa.
Debra
4/14/2020 01:23:18 pm
Oh, I am impressed, Vicky-4" blocks! I did a few 3" ones during BH1 when Betsy Chutchian was doing hers. Those small blocks are great for improving our piecing skills for sure. How cool to be using the patterns for QOV-that is such a heartwarming thing to do as both the quilter and the reciever and their families. Keep up the great work!
Debra
4/14/2020 01:26:11 pm
And I am glad you are here, Brenda! I am glad you have found a way to do those Flying Geese that you enjoy too. I may need to employ that method more often in my patterns just to give another option. Have a great day!
Susan Nixon
4/14/2020 08:08:58 pm
Two beautiful blocks. I liked the colors you combined in each one.
Debra
4/15/2020 05:29:31 pm
Thanks, Susan! 4/15/2020 07:33:30 am
I just found you, and both your BOM and your Passing the Days quilts have moved to my short list. I am committed to using up stashes left to me by my mother and mother in law, making scrappy quilt tops that I intend to gift to graduating seniors in my piano studio or for wedding gifts for close friends. Your site is beautiful and serene, your love of Jesus shines through!
Debra
4/15/2020 05:33:03 pm
You really made my day, Kathy. It has been my prayer that my work would do exactly what you have noticed. Thank you and have fun using those stashes!! Comments are closed.
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Welcome to the site of Debra Davis-a woman who loves the Lord and loves to quilt.
My other blog where I share about my walk of faith:
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