Crazy Autograph Block

This block is really simple, yet looks complicated. Use as many bright colors as you can since we all know Maria loves bright colors. I'm giving you a large foundation square with a box drawn in the center. This box will be where you will put your name, and any other message you'd like to put for Maria. Below are the 2 blocks I made as samples.





Start by placing strips with the edge along the pencil marks on the foundation square, with the fabric inside the square, so after you sew it, and fold it over the seam allowance, you have left the autograph box open.





If you put the edge along the line, then sew 1/4" in, there will be no danger of the lines showing on your finished block. Continue sewing strips and chunks around the center til you've filled the entire block. I pieced strips in different ways to create shapes. Here are a few pictures of how I started filling in the block. Notice how I pieced some strips to keep it from looking like a pineapple block. I pieced the strips before sewing them onto the foundation. Continue around until the block is filled.


















When you have the whole foundation block filled, please, DO NOT trim. I have purposely made the foundation blocks big, so that I can cut them all to the same size when I get them back to sew them together. Even though we all try, sometimes, our measurements are not all alike. I haven't decided what size I will make the blocks for sure, so please, just fill it all in and I'll cut them down later.

I will work on getting a printable version online in the next day or so, but for now, wanted to get this posted.

Pioneer Braid Square

Cut 3 strips 2 ½ x 18 ½ of a dark color.
Cut about 34 2 1/2" X 6" rectangles, and two 2 ½ “ squares from various fabric scraps.
Sew a 2 1/2" square to the side of one rectangle, like this:

Continue sewing strips on alternate sides, matching the top edge of the one side of the new strip with the narrow end of the strip you just sewed on, like this:
Sew til you have a piece big enough to trim down to 6 ½ x 18 ½. Remember, there is some waste, so be sure you don’t start cutting til you are absolutely sure you have your strip long enough.


Once you have 2 of these units, sew them together, going opposite directions with three 2 ½ x18 ½” strips.

Here is one layout you may like. I have a different one in mind for these blocks, but am waiting for my co worker to finish the center appliqued block which will be surrounded by these squares.