squares in square block templates + tutorial

Thursday and Friday were summer alike here in the city. It was a different kind of May month that I am experiencing. The apartment reached  90 degree (puff!) It was really warm up in our floor. I have been searching a possible small a/c for the workroom, but will wait for another few weeks to decide if I really need it. 

I have been getting the squares in square block aka economy block templates ready and printed out a few pages before making a quick tutorial for you. When you download the file, please make sure to uncheck the scale to fit and make sure it is printing in 100% scale. I've added a 1" test block for checking the correct printing scale. 

For squares in square block, I've used lots characters prints for the center square. Most of these prints were gifted to me during a kindly swap in the past and some of my own (not many). You might not know that I always have hard time to cut into a cute images and feel sorry that I chopped of the look. I keep small stash of character prints and used really little in my projects.

In the template sheet you'll find two squares in square pattern. One is finished at 4" squared and one is finished at 5" squared. You'll need to add 1/4" seam allowances before trimming the finished block. 

Fabric usage for 

4" block: ( seam allowance has included)

(1) 2.5"x2.5" for a center print (with sweet character) 

(2) 2.5"x2.5" for b, c   inner triangles

(2) 3.5"x3.5" for d, e   outer triangles

-Cut 2.5"x2.5" squares in half on the diagonal,make 4

-Cut 3.5"x3.5" squares in half on the diagonal,make 4 

5" block: 

(1) 3"x3"  for a center print (with sweet character) 

(2) 3"x3" for b, c    inner triangles 

(2) 4"x4" for d, e    outer triangles

-Cut 3"x3" squares in half on the diagonal, make 4

-Cut 4"x4" squares in half on the diagonal, make 4 

In this tutorial, I used the 5"x5" template...

Making Center Piece cut: 
There are many methods for getting a nice fussy cut. I preferred to use a small grid ruler and set on top of the image that I plan on using. It is easy for me to see through the image from the ruler and decide if the fussy cut looks good.

Use a water soluble ink pen to mark the square around the image. I used a pair of scissors to cut the image off.

Paper piecing: 
Step 1: Place the center piece in the WRONG side of the paper pattern. Take paper and fabric against a sunny lighted window to see the pattern line and making small adjustments to allow the image centered. Use a fine pin to pin the center piece in place.

Step 2: Align one 2.5"x2.5" inner triangle facing RIGHT side together on top of center print. You can use another pin to held the fabric in place or slowly turn it to the back side. 

STEP 3: Turn the paper to opposite, where the pattern lines were.  Before you sew, check on your stitch length, I recommended set it at 1.8 if your machine has the adjust stitch length setting on that or shorten the stitch length on your machine.

I always put the sewing needle down at the START POINT then sew a short straight line then back- stitch to avoid the later loosing thread issue. When it comes to the END POINT repeat the back-stitch to finish up.

 Now, you can see the triangle is sewn to the paper.

STEP 4: Repeat for the opposite side of inner triangle. I always stop here and give a gentle iron "press". That means sat the iron down for few second, don't move in an up and down motion. Just lightly press. That will give a nice edge to work on.

STEP 5: Now you'll work the left and right side of inner triangles . Align the 2.5"x2.5"  inner triangle facing RIGHT side together with center piece and corners of two top and bottom inner triangles. Repeat STEP 3 to finish up the inner triangles sewing.

Step 6: For paper piecing, remember to flipped the paper away and give a nice 1/4" seam trim when  finish any side of join. It will give a nice clean look.

 Another nice iron "press" .

Step 7: Align 4"x4" outer triangle facing RIGHT side on the joined unit (center piece + inner triangles). Repeat Step 3 to finish Outer triangle sewing.

 Check Point: 
 You'll have an uneven edges when you finished the assembling.

Turn to the pattern line side. You should find small stitches  sewn on the straight lines. Clip away any excess threads.  Trim the patchwork block away from 1/4" seams on the paper. However, I always wait till very end to trim the patchwork blocks, likely before ready for assembling into quilt top.

Nice clean edge Squares in square block aka economy block for any baby quilt, mini quilt, table runner, any cute projects you have in mind!

Now, you can find the free download squares in square foundation pattern as PDF file at {Craftsy} and Dropbox {here}. I worked on Dropbox since I knew many of you don't have a Craftsy account. For Dropbox file, simply click the link then it will direct you to the download page. On the top right side of the screen, you'll find DOWNLOAD. Click on download then it will load to you computer then save the file to your computer.




Enjoy,

xxc

May Day

May is officially arrived! I am in wowing the flowers showcases in my neighborhood. It is just so pretty and gorgeous. I have been enjoying making these court step blocks lately and attempted making one block a day. This quilt has a name, did you know? I named it Corn Field, yellow and green.

Few weeks ago, I  put 12 small blocks into a large patchwork piece, just to see how it looks like, together. It is so satisfy! It didn't take much time to take the paper pieces off from the back at all! I have really gotten better with the time management in making one.  

Of course I had to add few more greens and yellows for Corn Field Quilt, since a few prints that I am using is running short and really like to save a small piece for the future.  

The back look of the patchwork piecing is so "clean" and I like how doesn't have much thread hair coming off now. It seems like a little problem for my other patchwork pieces, big and small. I often taken time with a small scissor to trim the excess thread hair before quilting. So far this quilt is neat and clean {gotta love that}. 

Did you get your Mother's Day cards mail out? I have mailed out mine last week and it should take a good 10 days to get to my mama. I hope ma will love this card that I made her this year and S made one for grandma, too.  It has been fun getting personalized cards made lately and getting things off lists. 

and did you know that I put together the farmer's wife 1930's quilt top {added the borders as well}+(yay}? It is a giant piece and I called it my EPIC quilt! I mean giant quilt=big quilt (biggest quilt I've ever made) and too big for any mattress around here. It will for sure sending to a long arm service to have it professionally done.  It doesn't fit in the floor space around here either, so I can't really take a good photo to share with you {peak over here}. I plan to work on the quilt backing soon and you'd be surprise how it look like. I want to talk more about it when I have it quilted and ready to take photos and you'd know why I called it my epic quilt, stay turn! 

Other side note:

Other than all the good sewing journeys+time, I am doing better! It is no secrete that I have been unwell for sometimes. I didn't think I should say more here, but I like to let you know when I am absent sometimes, I am resting and some of the days are harder and some of the days are better. I have a lot thoughts since met the doctor last time and have gone through some testing and waiting for report now. Please don't feel sorry for me because I don't!  

I just think that here at quarter inch mark should be a positive, energetic, and lots crazy sewing journey to share. It is hard to say days are always perfect and fill with happiness because some of the days actually felt dark, difficult and emotional

{ because i am just not well). I tried my best to keep my spirit up and take every stitch I can when I can fully focus. 

Now, take away your worries from me because that made me worry you! 

I will be alright and that's a promise! 

xxc 

SaveSave

Random: Rainy day

 { Bridal Bouquet}

The light is dim, the air is cool, and the sky is gray. We love rainy day..  This morning, the Bridal Bouquet is finally done and S is working her on planting project. Sorting the seeds is the first step then onto finding planting containers.

cheers to rainy day
xc

Mr. Rocky kin-cha-ku

 {Mr. Rocky}

{Mr. Rocky} Kin-cha-ku aka drawstring bag finished last week, but I had to run to Joann's to get the string, so I waited to share with you. All the fabric are from DS fabric, but the Mr. Rocky's print is Japanese fabric found {here}.  Do you know Denyse's new fabric for Spring 2013 will be coming very soon?  Guess who is super excited?  I didn't ask Santa for any Christmas gifts this year, so I'd be getting the new fabrics instead. 

 xxC 

Paper Piecing Pattern: Mr. Rocky

 { Free download Pattern HERE} 

Meet Mr. Rocky! He is a cute little rocking horse!! After the first mistake, I saved the files in different names, so I can have many backup! The above piecing was the first attempted after designed on the computer. After print out the sample layout, there were few places can be join as one large piece, so few more editing after the first try. 

 {Free download Pattern HERE}

The second pattern testing went smooth and made it even more simplify by adjusting the {blanket} on the Rocky's back.  So there are two different patterns for Mr. Rocky and you can find the download link from above linking.

A few days ago, {1/4" mark} turn a year old! It has been a great year and we have {met} many new friends!  Thank you for your visiting, sharing, and caring. It means so very much to us! { Thank you}.  Hope you enjoy the {Paper Piecing Pattern: Mr. Rocky}. If you make one, please share in {made with 1/4" mark} flickr group!

note: For some reason Google doc is not showing the preview for the pattern, but the links for download are good to go! If you have trouble download the pattern, please let me know. I'd be happy send you the file.


xxC

Random: Quiet

{Thank You} for all your congratulating words! They are sweet and touched my heart! There were times thinking to give up and questioning the new life steps that we step in each day, but all it takes is commitment on my side.  Today is quiet here, just me, and some jazzy music! Pulled out the {flying geese mini quilt} top and working on the backing. The best part of this project is I will be able to take it with me when S in music lessons. Hand quilting is perfect for the minis!

While I was busy with the review, S set up a little writing center on her side of table. She has been writing stories and looking up words in dictionary as she found it is a better research resources. As you can picture..our home is looking pretty similar like her spot, clutter.

{Log cabin quilt} is almost done...  The hoop is out since it limited the quilting area as I was working.  I got the huge {wire basket} from IKEA and need more. They are perfect for storing 

ongoing projects.  I do feel relaxing at this moment.. 

Heading to S' lunchroom soon. The best celebration is spending time with the very kind and sweet S and have lunch with her friends. 

xxC

Are you cooking and baking?

{ all the blocks together!}

 {the chef}

 {the waitress}

 {the cafe}

{the scale}

{the mixing}

{the chocolate}

After finishing these {SP quilt along blocks} I realized that I used a lot of green, yellow, and blue! I think I miss summer colors even though I love the season of Fall. The month of September went by so fast and the print outs were sitting there for so long! It feels great to catch up the work and I can look forward new blocks for November! 

{the cafe} the cakes in the window can be a little darker. It was the most challenge block for me! I really need to get my hands on ordering the glue I think it will help in the future!  

{ the chocolate} is my favorite block... it is green tea flavor. My brown selection is very limited, so I decided to go with the green.

{the chef} was wearing a little greenish uniform. After I finished it, I told myself he looks like an Italian chef.

{ the mixing} when I was making this block. I though about baking ingredients and baking time, so I decided to use numbers for the interior of the bowl. The fuzzy cut didn't turn out so nice! Some of the number got trimmed down on the 1/4" seam.

{ the scale} I went a little bit spoiled on this block! Kerry sent me the Liberty print for last fabric swap and I knew that I would like something retro and fun for the mixing background. I though it turns out really classic, thanks Kerry!

{The waitress} She is sweet and fun!  The wall paper would be a bit lighter, but I think she stood out herself nicely! 

Are you cooking and baking? I just finished mine and made few more real mini apple tarts this morning!  The sewing room is all picked up; neat and organized! All the fabric are folded and sorted back them places! I shall return for more sewing...

xxC

Paper Piecing Pattern: Miss Pumpkin

{ Deep breath}... I have been thinking and wanting to learn something new. Finally I taken my time to sit down and visited with my colleague who does great computer work. I explained my ideas and she helped me to start out this { Miss Pumpkin} Paper Piecing Pattern. We sat for many hours in the past week and my notebook is full of step 1, step 2, step 3.... how to change and how to add. It has been a great learning experience and surely I will continually learn to create more patterns and allow myself to explore more ideas. 

Remember the {Thursday's Colors}? These are the colors that I have been seeing this Fall season thus far. I decided to used them for {Miss Pumpkin}.  It has been interesting to pull out fabric and thinking how colors corresponded to each other.

I used foundation paper piecing method. It has been a more successful method for me, but it does cost more fabric usage. I tried to reuse any large scraps fabrics that been cut and save them in a bowl that next to the machine.

Working step by step is important! I press as I go! It is a little different compared making quilts, bags, and pouches! My iron has been on all the time and I am thinking maybe I could find a smaller iron by my table instead.

I keep all the paper pieces till I sewn all the joins together. I found this is working for me. Maybe you have different approach. {Miss Pumpkin} block finished size is 5"x6". It would be a great size for coasters or little wall hanging!  It also would be great for making small pouches.  If you are still new for Paper pieing, please make sure to check out great tutorials at Kerry's aka {veryberrykerry}. Paper piecing is time consuming, but it gives great look and it is worth every minute! Enjoy this little pattern!

Free Download Pattern for { Miss Pumpkin}

If you make any please join {made with 1/4"} Flick group!

This pattern is for Personal use only, not commercial use!

xxC

Sew Sweet!!

Do you love sweets?  I {LOVE} sweets! These are the special kind from Ayumi's SP quilt along- {Dishy Treats}. You need to have some of these sweets and I promise you they are {sew sweet}! I actually pretended all my school works were done and started {Dishy Treats} on Friday morning and didn't leave the chair till later in the afternoon. After I got up, I was covered with threads again.. This time, I had  lighter top on. S and I took a big walk together after my big sweet treats! She kept telling me how she loves these ice creams.

Bunny, this is S' fav..  I saved this piece for the last! Can you tell why? The bunny's eye scared me.. I am still trying to get the right look of smaller pieces.

This ice cream dish turns out a little busier than I pictured! I have big love of vintage printed dishes and though the retro print would go with the bowl. I need some solid fabric after making these blocks. I put a note to myself and have already started looking for some solid fabric.

This is matcha｛抹茶｝flavor ice cream! I love matcha cake, matcha cookies, matcha ice cream.. anything matcha. I always get them when I visit Japan or Taiwan. I also have tried lavender flavor ice cream when I visited Sapporo, Japan in 1999. These two flavor of ice cream are very unique.

 

This is Jello-O in a very unique combination! From the left to right: chocolate, lemon, green mango and top with strawberry! Does this sound not so delicious?  I love the bitter chocolate flavor, sweet sour lemon tasty, and the crunchy green mango texture. Now, I have need to giggle myself a bit for the silly flavor I created!

I have enjoy { S.P. quilt along} so much! I can't wait what Ayumi brings for September!  Have you visit the {Flickr pool} lately? It is really sweet! I promised S to make a set of {dish treats} for her when we can sit down for one weekend, so she can pick out her colors and prints! She wants a pillow like this and this.. I will be busy making these happen before Christmas arrives.

xxC