Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Block #17

This week I chose "Ohio Star" from EQ7 (I made one slight adjustment- more later).

It was a quick, easy block too make.

You will need -

Background (this patterns works well with a directional fabric) -

1 - 4¼" square - for the hourglass units (this is where I made the change - EQ7 calls for a 4+3/16" square for a 9" block, but 4¼" works better - the hourglass will be trimmed)

4 - 3½" squares for the corners

Print A (mine is dark green)

2- 4¼" squares - for the hourglass units

Print B (mine is gold) -

1- 4¼" square - for the hourglass units

Print C (mine is red) -

1 - 3½" square -for the center

To make the hourglass units start by making half square triangles with one background square and one print A square, and one print B square and one print A square. Draw a diagonal line and sew ¼" on either side, cut along the line.

Here are the four half square triangles (note the colours - 2 with print A and background, and 2 with print A and print B). Press the seams towards print A.

Repeat the HST process, this time pairing a print A/B HST with a print A/background HST, locking the seams together.

Trim the resulting four hourglass units to 3½" squares.

I pressed the seams open at the center of the hourglass to reduce bulk.

Now all the pieces are ready to be sewn together in the regular nine-patch method.

Trim the block to 9½".

I made the second one the same way - can you tell we are coming to an end!?
I originally thought this block was too simple, but it is such a classic block that I wanted to include it. Lots of variations can be made - it could have another hourglass in the center or a four patch, as long as all the units measure 3½", also the print B could be replaced with background fabric (standard classic Ohio Star).

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!!
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