My Four Patch Shuffle top is done and may become a teaching sample and later a donation quilt. Here it's shown sideways because it's too long to fit on the wall. As promised, I'm offering a tutorial, and here it is. Text and images copyright Jan Ochterbeck 2023. Four Patch Shuffle Finished Size 56” x 72” Block finished size 8” The blocks for this quilt are created by making simple framed square parent blocks, cutting them into fourths, shuffling the parts, and reassembling the blocks four at a time. Fabric Requirements White: 1-5/8 yards Black: 1-3/8 yards Four Colors, each: 1/2 yard. Shown here as Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange. Cutting WOF (width of fabric) strips are based on 40” width and yield 4 pieces cut 9” long, or 8 pieces cut 5” long. · White: o Cut 5 5” WOF strips. Sub cut them into 5” squares. Total 40 squares. o Cut 12 2-1/2” WOF strips. Sub cut 8 WOF strips into 9” pieces, total 32 9” pieces. Sub cut 4 WOF strips into 5” pieces, total 32 5” pieces. · Black: o Cut 2 5” WOF strips. Sub cut them into 5” squares. Total 16 squares. o Cut 12 2-1/2” WOF strips. Sub cut 8 WOF strips into 9” pieces, total 32 9” pieces. Sub cut 4 WOF strips into 5” pieces, total 32 5” pieces. · Each Color: o Cut 6 2-1/2” WOF strips. Sub cut 4 WOF strips into 9” pieces, total 16 9” pieces. Sub cut 2 WOF strips into 5” pieces, total 16 5” pieces. Making the parent blocks: There are two types of parent blocks to make two sets of final blocks. All seams right sides together, 1/4” seam allowance. Parent blocks should measure 9” square including seam allowances when sewn. Accuracy in making the parent blocks will ensure better results in the final blocks. · Primary parent blocks o Sew 5” colored or black pieces to the top and bottom of a white square. Press seams toward the color. o Sew 9” pieces of the same color to the sides to complete the parent block. Press seams toward the color. o Make 16 black-framed parent blocks. o Make 8 of each color parent blocks. · Secondary Parent Blocks o Sew 5” white pieces to the top and bottom of a black square. Press seams toward the black. o Sew 9” white pieces to the sides to complete the secondary parent block. Press seams toward the black. o Make 16 black-centered white-framed parent blocks. Cutting the Parent Blocks: Each parent block should measure 9” square. · Cut each one in half vertically at the center, 4-1/2” away from the edge. · Then cut each one across horizontally at the center, again 4-1/2” from the edge. · Resulting quadrants measure 4-1/2” square. · Cut all the parent blocks into fourths. Making the Final Blocks: Block A Yellow/Blue: Each sewn block should measure 8-1/2” square including seam allowance. Chain piecing is recommended. Make four of the same block at a time from one yellow and one blue parent block and two black and white parent blocks. · Lay out block quadrants as shown. o Note direction of frame seams (red arrows); make frame seams go the same direction within each block. o Half of the blocks will have vertical frame seams and half will have horizontal frame seams. · Matching frame seams where needed, sew top two block quadrants together; frame seams should nest. Press seam toward the color. · Likewise, sew bottom two block quadrants together. · Matching centers and frame seams, sew top and bottom halves of block together four patch style. · Press and if desired, spin seams. · Repeat using all yellow and blue block quadrants to result in 32 Block A’s. Block B, Green/Orange: Each block should measure 8-1/2” square including seam allowance. Chain piecing is recommended. Make four of the same block at a time from one green and one orange parent block and two black and white parent blocks. · Lay out block quadrants as shown. o Note direction of frame seams; make frame seams go the same direction within each block. o Half the blocks will have vertical frame seams and half will have horizontal frame seams. · Matching frame seams where needed, sew top two block quadrants together. Frame seams should nest. Press seam toward the black. · Likewise, sew bottom two block quadrants together. · Matching centers and frame seams, sew top and bottom halves of block together four patch style. · Press and if desired, spin seams. · Repeat using all block quadrants to result in 32 Block B’s. There will be one extra Block B left over after top is assembled. Quilt top assembly: · Lay out Blocks A and B in rows of seven. Make 9 rows. o For best seam nesting, alternate blocks with vertical and horizontal frame seams. · Alternate placement of Blocks A and B to create light and dark visual diagonals. · Sew blocks into rows; press all seams toward Block B. · Sew rows together; seams should nest. Press row seams all in one direction. Quilting and finishing: Backing: If pieced horizontally, 3-1/2 yards of fabric are needed. If pieced vertically, 4-1/2 yards of fabric are needed. Batting: at least 64” x 80” Quilting: Quilt as desired. Because of the strong diagonal stripe effect created by the placement of light and dark, avoid a pantograph that features a strong diagonal repeat which could fight with the visual diagonal. Binding: If cut 2-1/4” wide, need 5/8 yard. If cut 2-1/2” wide, need 3/4 yard. Cut 8 WOF strips. Alternate layouts: Original Layout: Each color is separated from the others. Alternate Layout: The four colors come together. This results in more prominent diagonals. Quilt of Valor variation, original layout: Substitute dark navy or deep charcoal grey for black. Substitute red for both yellow and orange. Total 1 yard needed or go scrappy. Substitute medium blue for both blue and green. Total 1 yard needed or go scrappy. Note: Be sure there is strong value contrast between the navy or charcoal grey and the medium blue. Choose a bright red rather than a dark red. Size as shown is 56 x 72”. Option: Add 4” borders to enlarge top to 64” x 80”. Borders will require 1-1/8 yards of fabric. Cut 8 4-1/2” WOF strips. I had fun with this Four Patch Shuffle, which is similar to my Cut and Shuffle method, and I hope if you like the tutorial, you'll have fun with it too. (Book is out of print) If you'd like a PDF of this tutorial, leave a comment and be sure to include your first name and email address in the text of the comment. My top will eventually be quilted and will be donated to the local family services agency. PS - Pardon the formatting irregularities. Blogger doesn't cooperate when I copy and paste from a Word document and add pictures. Link ups: Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, Quilt Fabrication, My Quilt Infatuation, Alycia Quilts, Confessions of Fabric Addict, Wendy's Quilts and More,

Linking up with Lee at Freshly Pieced for WIP Wednesday and with Confessions of a Fabric Addict for Whoop Whoop Friday. (Edited 10/17/2014: Top & bottom outer border assembly instructions edited to say to start and end with 2-1/2" B&W squares. Thanks to pattern tester Jo for calling out my error.) A couple of weeks ago I showed several options of churn dash variations and asked which one you preferred for a tutorial. After a tie in the voting, I decided on this one, Plus Dash, because of the popularity right now of both Churn Dash and Plus designs. Plus Dash, size shown 70" x 86" Twin   Over the weekend I made a test block, very easy: Plus Dash Block Here are the components laid out. The block finishes at 14 inches. Above: components for center Plus unit. Right: All components I've drafted a tutorial for this quilt (in several sizes) but beyond making the one block, I have not tested the instructions yet. I'm looking for someone to test the pattern for me and give me feedback. This block and this quilt should be quite easy to make. If you can make a half-square triangle, you can easily piece this quilt. Fabric requirements are from EQ7. Measurements are from my layouts drawn in EQ7. PLUS DASH TUTORIAL DRAFT Optional sizes noted in yardage chart below: BLOCKS: For each block, cut the following: - White: o 2 (two) 5” squares o 4 (four) 2-1/2” by 6-1/2” strips o 4 (four) 2-1/2” squares - Black & White Print: o 1 (one) 2-1/2” by 6-1/2” strip o 2 (two) 2-1/2” squares - Colored Print: o 2 (two) 5” squares o 4 (four) 2-1/2” by 6-1/2” strips Block Assembly: All seams are ¼” unless otherwise noted. - Make HST Corners: o On the wrong side of each 5” white square, mark diagonal. o Pair print and white 5” squares right sides together. o Sew ¼” on each side of the marked diagonal. o Cut on the marked line. o Open HST and press seam open. o Trim to 4-1/2” square. - Make center plus: o Sew a white 2-1/2” square to each end of a B&W 2-1/2” square. Make two units. o Sew each unit to one side of a 2-1/2” x 6-1/2” strip of B&W print. - Make strip units: o Place white and print 2-1/2 x 6-1/2” strips right sides together and sew along the length. Make four units. - Assemble the units: o Lay out the units as shown in the photo above. Stitch rows together. o Press seams of all rows toward the strip unit (top and bottom rows, press toward center; middle row, press toward sides). o Join top and bottom rows to middle, matching and aligning seams. o Press seams toward strip units (outward). LAYOUT: Arrange blocks on design wall, leaving 2-1/2” space for sashing between them. - Queen size: 6 blocks wide by 6 blocks high - Twin: 4 blocks by 5 blocks - Throw: 3 blocks by 4 blocks - Crip: 2 blocks by 3 blocks - Baby: 2 blocks by 2 blocks SASHING: Number of pieces needed: - Vertical Sashing: - Horizontal Sashing: Sashing and Assembly: - Vertical sashing: o Join a B&W print square to each end of a 2-1/2” x 10-1/2" strip. o Attach these units to the right sides of the blocks in all columns except the last column on the right. o Join sashed blocks together to form rows. - Horizontal sashing: o Starting at bottom of first row of blocks, lay out B&W print and white strips on design wall, starting with a 2-1/2” B&W square, 10-1/2” white strip, 6-1/2” B&W strip, etc. across, ending with a 2-1/2” B&W square. Number of units per row varies according to quilt size. End sashing layout above the last row of blocks. o Sew pieces into rows. o Attach sashing rows to block rows to complete top center. BORDERS: Inner Border: - Cutting: Top and bottom border assembly: o Lay out patches exactly like horizontal sashing rows, starting and ending with B&W squares. Join together into strip. Make two. o Attach strips to top and bottom of quilt center. Side border assembly: o Lay out patches starting with 4-1/2” x 2-1/2” B&W pieces. Join into strips. Make two. o Attach strips to sides of quilt center. Outer Border: - Cutting: - Top & bottom border assembly: o Lay out patches on design wall beginning with a 4-1/2” Edited, should be 2-1/2" square B&W print, then white 14-1/2” strip, then B&W square, etc. ending with a 4-1/2” Edited, should be 2-1/2" square B&W print. o Sew strips together. o Attach borders to top and bottom of quilt. - Sides: o Lay out patches starting with white a 2-1/2” square, then B&W square, then white 14-1/2” strip, etc., ending with a white square. o Sew strips together. o Attach borders to top and bottom of quilt. (Sorry about the poor formatting - blogger is giving me trouble with alignment and spacing. ) Here are images of the size options: Queen 102 x 102" Throw, 54 x 70" Baby, 38 x 38" (not shown: Crib size, 38 x 54", six blocks) Please let me know if you're interested in testing the pattern. The smallest option is fine for testing. Linking up with Judy at Patchwork Times; check out all the inspiration on everyone's design walls over there. 

Welcome, and if you're visiting from Alycia's blog, I'm glad you're here! Earlier this summer I made a block I called Log Cabin Triangles. It turned out to be fun and versatile. And it's kind of addictive to make! It would look great made up in patriotic colors so I offered it to Alycia for a block drive, she accepted, and here we are. Other regional QOV groups are welcome to use these blocks, too. We'll start with the tutorial for the block, which actually makes two blocks at a time. Then I'll give you the layout I gave to Alycia and show you some versions my St. Louis QOV friends made. I'll finish up by showing you the top I made; I couldn't resist making a few more blocks. I hope this generates lots of blocks for Alycia's block drive! Log Cabin Triangles for Quilts of Valor tutorial copyright 2016 by Jan Ochterbeck Skill Level: Easy. A beginner with just a little experience with 1/4" seams and half square triangles was able to successfully make these blocks. Block finishes at 9" (9-1/2" unfinished). Materials and instructions are to make two blocks. All seams 1/4". Make blocks as scrappy as possible. Materials and Cutting: 1 (one) 7" square of colored fabric 1 (one) 7" square of low volume/pale neutral background fabric Assorted scrappy low volume/pale neutral background fabrics or scraps, cut into 2" wide strips. Cut strip lengths: - 2 (two) at 2" x 6-1/2" long - 4 (four) at 2" x 8" long - 2 (two) at 2" x 9-1/2" long Cut parts to make two LCT blocks Assembly: 1) Make half square triangles (HSTs): a. Mark the pale square on the diagonal on the wrong side. b. Place colored and pale squares right sides together and stitch a scant 1/4" on each side of the marked line. c. Cut on the marked line. d. Open and press seam allowance toward the dark fabric. e. Square up and trim to 6-1/2". Making the HST 2) Add logs; chain piecing works well. Finger press each round outward before adding the next log. a. With the HST colored portion in the upper left, place a 6-1/2" strip along the right side and stitch, using a 1/4" seam. b. Rotate the unit so the colored portion is in the lower left. Place an 8" strip along the right side and stitch. c. Go back to the first side and add another 8" strip. d. Rotate to the second side and add a 9-1/2" strip. e. Press the block. Adding the logs You now have two completed blocks. Two finished blocks Here is a basic layout, 6 blocks wide by 8 blocks long (54" by 72") which will allow room for borders if desired. If you add 3" wide borders all around, it would finish at 60" by 78". Suggested layout My friend Gwen heads up a small group of quilters who work at Scottrade St. Louis who make Quilts of Valor with the approval and sponsorship of Scottrade. I joined them for a sew day recently to test out the block pattern, and it turned out great. They were so enthused they got together again the very next week to make enough more blocks to finish their top. Gwen's group's blocks Another friend, Dar, who blogs at Dar's Patchwork Garden, is very active with the Eastern Missouri Quilts of Valor group, and I gave her the pattern, too. She's sharing the tutorial with her group, and the blocks they make or get will be used for QOVs for Missouri and regional veterans. Dar made a test quilt with borders: Dar's top As I mentioned, these blocks can be addictive, and I got a little carried away. I made a top with extra blocks, no borders, in the modern style. I added one more column to the right and one more row to the bottom, so my top finishes at 63" by 81". My top So I hope you'll make some LCT blocks for QOV. Details about Alycia's block drive can be found on her blog here. I hope this tutorial helps generate blocks for Alycia's block drive and for any other QOV groups who'd like to use these blocks. (St. Louis area block makers, please leave a comment requesting the local address to send them to, and include your email address.)

________________________________________________ Looking for the latest editions of The Quilter’s Planner or want to see our other products? FIND THEM HERE ________________________________________________ The blocks included on the weekly calendar pages of the 2017 Quilter’s Planner were the result of the collective creativity of over 30 quilting bloggers. Need help sewing these blocks? If you get stuck, […]

Welcome, and if you're visiting from Alycia's blog, I'm glad you're here! Earlier this summer I made a block I called Log Cabin Triangles. It turned out to be fun and versatile. And it's kind of addictive to make! It would look great made up in patriotic colors so I offered it to Alycia for a block drive, she accepted, and here we are. Other regional QOV groups are welcome to use these blocks, too. We'll start with the tutorial for the block, which actually makes two blocks at a time. Then I'll give you the layout I gave to Alycia and show you some versions my St. Louis QOV friends made. I'll finish up by showing you the top I made; I couldn't resist making a few more blocks. I hope this generates lots of blocks for Alycia's block drive! Log Cabin Triangles for Quilts of Valor tutorial copyright 2016 by Jan Ochterbeck Skill Level: Easy. A beginner with just a little experience with 1/4" seams and half square triangles was able to successfully make these blocks. Block finishes at 9" (9-1/2" unfinished). Materials and instructions are to make two blocks. All seams 1/4". Make blocks as scrappy as possible. Materials and Cutting: 1 (one) 7" square of colored fabric 1 (one) 7" square of low volume/pale neutral background fabric Assorted scrappy low volume/pale neutral background fabrics or scraps, cut into 2" wide strips. Cut strip lengths: - 2 (two) at 2" x 6-1/2" long - 4 (four) at 2" x 8" long - 2 (two) at 2" x 9-1/2" long Cut parts to make two LCT blocks Assembly: 1) Make half square triangles (HSTs): a. Mark the pale square on the diagonal on the wrong side. b. Place colored and pale squares right sides together and stitch a scant 1/4" on each side of the marked line. c. Cut on the marked line. d. Open and press seam allowance toward the dark fabric. e. Square up and trim to 6-1/2". Making the HST 2) Add logs; chain piecing works well. Finger press each round outward before adding the next log. a. With the HST colored portion in the upper left, place a 6-1/2" strip along the right side and stitch, using a 1/4" seam. b. Rotate the unit so the colored portion is in the lower left. Place an 8" strip along the right side and stitch. c. Go back to the first side and add another 8" strip. d. Rotate to the second side and add a 9-1/2" strip. e. Press the block. Adding the logs You now have two completed blocks. Two finished blocks Here is a basic layout, 6 blocks wide by 8 blocks long (54" by 72") which will allow room for borders if desired. If you add 3" wide borders all around, it would finish at 60" by 78". Suggested layout My friend Gwen heads up a small group of quilters who work at Scottrade St. Louis who make Quilts of Valor with the approval and sponsorship of Scottrade. I joined them for a sew day recently to test out the block pattern, and it turned out great. They were so enthused they got together again the very next week to make enough more blocks to finish their top. Gwen's group's blocks Another friend, Dar, who blogs at Dar's Patchwork Garden, is very active with the Eastern Missouri Quilts of Valor group, and I gave her the pattern, too. She's sharing the tutorial with her group, and the blocks they make or get will be used for QOVs for Missouri and regional veterans. Dar made a test quilt with borders: Dar's top As I mentioned, these blocks can be addictive, and I got a little carried away. I made a top with extra blocks, no borders, in the modern style. I added one more column to the right and one more row to the bottom, so my top finishes at 63" by 81". My top So I hope you'll make some LCT blocks for QOV. Details about Alycia's block drive can be found on her blog here. I hope this tutorial helps generate blocks for Alycia's block drive and for any other QOV groups who'd like to use these blocks. (St. Louis area block makers, please leave a comment requesting the local address to send them to, and include your email address.)

Earlier in October I posted a QOV top that I had completed at retreat. The blocks were mostly leader/enders that were already made. Here the top is shown horizontally on my design wall. This is a super easy project, a great scrap buster, suitable for all skill levels, and it's a great throw size, 60" x 84". I promised a tutorial, so here it is. Scrappy Nine-Patch Stars Tutorial copyright 2017 Jan Ochterbeck Nine-Patch Stars QOV, 60" x 84" Materials: Use as much variety as possible. If using scraps, pieces must be large enough to cut 7” squares. · Assorted dark prints: reds, blues, tans, etc., about 3 yards total. · Assorted light neutral prints, about 3-1/2 yards total. · 5-1/4 yards backing fabric · 3/4 yard binding fabric Cutting: · Cut the following from assorted Light prints: o 35 7” squares o 16 6-1/2” squares o 224 2-1/2” squares (or 14 WOF strips) · Cut the following from assorted Red prints: o 16 7” squares · Cut the following from assorted Blue Prints: o 19 7” squares · From assorted dark prints (reds, blues, tans, etc.) cut the following: o 262 2-1/2” squares (or 17 WOF strips) Make blocks: · Half Square Triangles: Make 16 assorted red HSTs and make 19 blue HSTs o Mark each 7” light square on the diagonal on the wrong side o With a light and a dark 7” square right sides together, stitch 1/4” on each side of the diagonal line o Cut apart on the diagonal line and press seams open o Square up and trim to 6-1/2” · Nine-patch blocks: Make blocks as scrappy as possible. Note: strip piecing will speed up the process; sub-cut strips into 2-1/2” units. o Make 46 nine-patch blocks with dark corners o Make 8 nine-patch blocks with light corners Assembly: · Lay out blocks and plain light squares in rows following the diagram below. · Note that the light-corner nine-patch blocks are used only within the stars, alternating with dark-corner nine-patch blocks. All other nine-patch blocks used elsewhere have dark corners. · Sew blocks into rows; press seams in odd-numbered rows to the left and even-numbered rows to the right. · Sew rows together. Row Assembly Diagram Finishing: · Piece backing to 70” x 94” · Layer, baste, and quilt as desired. · Cut 8 WOF binding strips 2-1/2” wide; join lengthwise and bind using your preferred method. This easy layout of simple nine-patch and HST components would make a great throw in any colorway, not just for QOV. Does someone on your list need a quilty gift this holiday season? Christmas Colorway Girly Colorway If you would like a PDF of the tutorial, please leave a comment. Be sure to include your email address in the text of your comment so I can send the PDF to you. You may not be aware if you are a no-reply commenter, and if you are, I cannot send you the PDF without your email. Link-ups: Sew Fresh Quilts, My Quilt Infatuation, Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Welcome, and if you're visiting from Alycia's blog, I'm glad you're here! Earlier this summer I made a block I called Log Cabin Triangles. It turned out to be fun and versatile. And it's kind of addictive to make! It would look great made up in patriotic colors so I offered it to Alycia for a block drive, she accepted, and here we are. Other regional QOV groups are welcome to use these blocks, too. We'll start with the tutorial for the block, which actually makes two blocks at a time. Then I'll give you the layout I gave to Alycia and show you some versions my St. Louis QOV friends made. I'll finish up by showing you the top I made; I couldn't resist making a few more blocks. I hope this generates lots of blocks for Alycia's block drive! Log Cabin Triangles for Quilts of Valor tutorial copyright 2016 by Jan Ochterbeck Skill Level: Easy. A beginner with just a little experience with 1/4" seams and half square triangles was able to successfully make these blocks. Block finishes at 9" (9-1/2" unfinished). Materials and instructions are to make two blocks. All seams 1/4". Make blocks as scrappy as possible. Materials and Cutting: 1 (one) 7" square of colored fabric 1 (one) 7" square of low volume/pale neutral background fabric Assorted scrappy low volume/pale neutral background fabrics or scraps, cut into 2" wide strips. Cut strip lengths: - 2 (two) at 2" x 6-1/2" long - 4 (four) at 2" x 8" long - 2 (two) at 2" x 9-1/2" long Cut parts to make two LCT blocks Assembly: 1) Make half square triangles (HSTs): a. Mark the pale square on the diagonal on the wrong side. b. Place colored and pale squares right sides together and stitch a scant 1/4" on each side of the marked line. c. Cut on the marked line. d. Open and press seam allowance toward the dark fabric. e. Square up and trim to 6-1/2". Making the HST 2) Add logs; chain piecing works well. Finger press each round outward before adding the next log. a. With the HST colored portion in the upper left, place a 6-1/2" strip along the right side and stitch, using a 1/4" seam. b. Rotate the unit so the colored portion is in the lower left. Place an 8" strip along the right side and stitch. c. Go back to the first side and add another 8" strip. d. Rotate to the second side and add a 9-1/2" strip. e. Press the block. Adding the logs You now have two completed blocks. Two finished blocks Here is a basic layout, 6 blocks wide by 8 blocks long (54" by 72") which will allow room for borders if desired. If you add 3" wide borders all around, it would finish at 60" by 78". Suggested layout My friend Gwen heads up a small group of quilters who work at Scottrade St. Louis who make Quilts of Valor with the approval and sponsorship of Scottrade. I joined them for a sew day recently to test out the block pattern, and it turned out great. They were so enthused they got together again the very next week to make enough more blocks to finish their top. Gwen's group's blocks Another friend, Dar, who blogs at Dar's Patchwork Garden, is very active with the Eastern Missouri Quilts of Valor group, and I gave her the pattern, too. She's sharing the tutorial with her group, and the blocks they make or get will be used for QOVs for Missouri and regional veterans. Dar made a test quilt with borders: Dar's top As I mentioned, these blocks can be addictive, and I got a little carried away. I made a top with extra blocks, no borders, in the modern style. I added one more column to the right and one more row to the bottom, so my top finishes at 63" by 81". My top So I hope you'll make some LCT blocks for QOV. Details about Alycia's block drive can be found on her blog here. I hope this tutorial helps generate blocks for Alycia's block drive and for any other QOV groups who'd like to use these blocks. (St. Louis area block makers, please leave a comment requesting the local address to send them to, and include your email address.)

Earlier in October I posted a QOV top that I had completed at retreat. The blocks were mostly leader/enders that were already made. Here the top is shown horizontally on my design wall. This is a super easy project, a great scrap buster, suitable for all skill levels, and it's a great throw size, 60" x 84". I promised a tutorial, so here it is. Scrappy Nine-Patch Stars Tutorial copyright 2017 Jan Ochterbeck Nine-Patch Stars QOV, 60" x 84" Materials: Use as much variety as possible. If using scraps, pieces must be large enough to cut 7” squares. · Assorted dark prints: reds, blues, tans, etc., about 3 yards total. · Assorted light neutral prints, about 3-1/2 yards total. · 5-1/4 yards backing fabric · 3/4 yard binding fabric Cutting: · Cut the following from assorted Light prints: o 35 7” squares o 16 6-1/2” squares o 224 2-1/2” squares (or 14 WOF strips) · Cut the following from assorted Red prints: o 16 7” squares · Cut the following from assorted Blue Prints: o 19 7” squares · From assorted dark prints (reds, blues, tans, etc.) cut the following: o 262 2-1/2” squares (or 17 WOF strips) Make blocks: · Half Square Triangles: Make 16 assorted red HSTs and make 19 blue HSTs o Mark each 7” light square on the diagonal on the wrong side o With a light and a dark 7” square right sides together, stitch 1/4” on each side of the diagonal line o Cut apart on the diagonal line and press seams open o Square up and trim to 6-1/2” · Nine-patch blocks: Make blocks as scrappy as possible. Note: strip piecing will speed up the process; sub-cut strips into 2-1/2” units. o Make 46 nine-patch blocks with dark corners o Make 8 nine-patch blocks with light corners Assembly: · Lay out blocks and plain light squares in rows following the diagram below. · Note that the light-corner nine-patch blocks are used only within the stars, alternating with dark-corner nine-patch blocks. All other nine-patch blocks used elsewhere have dark corners. · Sew blocks into rows; press seams in odd-numbered rows to the left and even-numbered rows to the right. · Sew rows together. Row Assembly Diagram Finishing: · Piece backing to 70” x 94” · Layer, baste, and quilt as desired. · Cut 8 WOF binding strips 2-1/2” wide; join lengthwise and bind using your preferred method. This easy layout of simple nine-patch and HST components would make a great throw in any colorway, not just for QOV. Does someone on your list need a quilty gift this holiday season? Christmas Colorway Girly Colorway If you would like a PDF of the tutorial, please leave a comment. Be sure to include your email address in the text of your comment so I can send the PDF to you. You may not be aware if you are a no-reply commenter, and if you are, I cannot send you the PDF without your email. Link-ups: Sew Fresh Quilts, My Quilt Infatuation, Confessions of a Fabric Addict

The top I made using Jaime's Have Faith block is finally finished. The blocks were made by the girls in our Sew Bee It bee. I planned to add pieced sashing to create additional plus motifs, and I worked on the components for it at STLMQG's retreat back in October. Finally in January I was able to get back to this project and finish piecing it together. Many thanks to Jaime for the block pattern and the girls in the bee for making the blocks. The top finished at 62" by 76" for a large throw size. For the sashing, I used low volume "bricks" cut 2-1/2" by 4-1/2". The Pluses in the sashing are accent color pieces cut 2-1/2" square and 2-1/2" by 6-1/2". Two bricks plus two accent squares make up the vertical sashing. The horizontal sashing is two bricks and a long accent piece laid out across the row. In this diagram, the sashing bricks are shown in white and the accent pluses are shown in black. To complete the outer pluses, I added additional vertical sashings of three bricks each to the ends of each horizontal row of blocks before sewing the rows together. Then I added top and bottom borders with the final accent squares interspersed with three sashing bricks, and finished with LV 2-1/2" squares at the corners. (see bottom rows in flimsy photo above) I'm hoping I'll be able to get this top quilted and finished this spring for a donation, but with all that's going on around here, I don't know if that will happen. I'm glad at least the top is finished! Link ups: Alycia Quilts Confessions of a Fabric Addict Wendy's Quilts and More My Quilt Infatuation

In my Nurses for Newborns quilts, I'm trying for a variety of boy, girl, and gender neutral. I'm making one of these little 24" x 36" quilts a month for STLMQG's charity project. Here's where I'm at so far: February, March, April, and May June July August Looks like a boyish one should be up next. I have some leftover prints from the recent baby quilt in blues, and some greens from stash that could work. I kind of like how they look laid out in stripes like that. Maybe I'll just sew strips together and see what develops. Here are the WOF strips sewn into a strata, and cut in half. The plan is to cut a strip from across the other half, reverse the direction, and insert the strip so it bisects the quilt across the middle. No photo of that result. It was disappointing. I've learned that if something is not working, sometimes I can salvage it if I cut it up and rearrange it. So by doing that, this is what I ended up with. Not wonderful, but it'll do. Once again, confirming that even the simplest improv just isn't my thing. It was definitely a learning experience. I'll get it quilted and bound and add it to the pile of N4Nb quilts to turn in in November. Even though it's not great design, it will certainly serve the purpose of a Nurses for Newborns quilt. Linking up with Sew Fresh Quilts

My Four Patch Shuffle top is done and may become a teaching sample and later a donation quilt. Here it's shown sideways because it's too long to fit on the wall. As promised, I'm offering a tutorial, and here it is. Text and images copyright Jan Ochterbeck 2023. Four Patch Shuffle Finished Size 56” x 72” Block finished size 8” The blocks for this quilt are created by making simple framed square parent blocks, cutting them into fourths, shuffling the parts, and reassembling the blocks four at a time. Fabric Requirements White: 1-5/8 yards Black: 1-3/8 yards Four Colors, each: 1/2 yard. Shown here as Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange. Cutting WOF (width of fabric) strips are based on 40” width and yield 4 pieces cut 9” long, or 8 pieces cut 5” long. · White: o Cut 5 5” WOF strips. Sub cut them into 5” squares. Total 40 squares. o Cut 12 2-1/2” WOF strips. Sub cut 8 WOF strips into 9” pieces, total 32 9” pieces. Sub cut 4 WOF strips into 5” pieces, total 32 5” pieces. · Black: o Cut 2 5” WOF strips. Sub cut them into 5” squares. Total 16 squares. o Cut 12 2-1/2” WOF strips. Sub cut 8 WOF strips into 9” pieces, total 32 9” pieces. Sub cut 4 WOF strips into 5” pieces, total 32 5” pieces. · Each Color: o Cut 6 2-1/2” WOF strips. Sub cut 4 WOF strips into 9” pieces, total 16 9” pieces. Sub cut 2 WOF strips into 5” pieces, total 16 5” pieces. Making the parent blocks: There are two types of parent blocks to make two sets of final blocks. All seams right sides together, 1/4” seam allowance. Parent blocks should measure 9” square including seam allowances when sewn. Accuracy in making the parent blocks will ensure better results in the final blocks. · Primary parent blocks o Sew 5” colored or black pieces to the top and bottom of a white square. Press seams toward the color. o Sew 9” pieces of the same color to the sides to complete the parent block. Press seams toward the color. o Make 16 black-framed parent blocks. o Make 8 of each color parent blocks. · Secondary Parent Blocks o Sew 5” white pieces to the top and bottom of a black square. Press seams toward the black. o Sew 9” white pieces to the sides to complete the secondary parent block. Press seams toward the black. o Make 16 black-centered white-framed parent blocks. Cutting the Parent Blocks: Each parent block should measure 9” square. · Cut each one in half vertically at the center, 4-1/2” away from the edge. · Then cut each one across horizontally at the center, again 4-1/2” from the edge. · Resulting quadrants measure 4-1/2” square. · Cut all the parent blocks into fourths. Making the Final Blocks: Block A Yellow/Blue: Each sewn block should measure 8-1/2” square including seam allowance. Chain piecing is recommended. Make four of the same block at a time from one yellow and one blue parent block and two black and white parent blocks. · Lay out block quadrants as shown. o Note direction of frame seams (red arrows); make frame seams go the same direction within each block. o Half of the blocks will have vertical frame seams and half will have horizontal frame seams. · Matching frame seams where needed, sew top two block quadrants together; frame seams should nest. Press seam toward the color. · Likewise, sew bottom two block quadrants together. · Matching centers and frame seams, sew top and bottom halves of block together four patch style. · Press and if desired, spin seams. · Repeat using all yellow and blue block quadrants to result in 32 Block A’s. Block B, Green/Orange: Each block should measure 8-1/2” square including seam allowance. Chain piecing is recommended. Make four of the same block at a time from one green and one orange parent block and two black and white parent blocks. · Lay out block quadrants as shown. o Note direction of frame seams; make frame seams go the same direction within each block. o Half the blocks will have vertical frame seams and half will have horizontal frame seams. · Matching frame seams where needed, sew top two block quadrants together. Frame seams should nest. Press seam toward the black. · Likewise, sew bottom two block quadrants together. · Matching centers and frame seams, sew top and bottom halves of block together four patch style. · Press and if desired, spin seams. · Repeat using all block quadrants to result in 32 Block B’s. There will be one extra Block B left over after top is assembled. Quilt top assembly: · Lay out Blocks A and B in rows of seven. Make 9 rows. o For best seam nesting, alternate blocks with vertical and horizontal frame seams. · Alternate placement of Blocks A and B to create light and dark visual diagonals. · Sew blocks into rows; press all seams toward Block B. · Sew rows together; seams should nest. Press row seams all in one direction. Quilting and finishing: Backing: If pieced horizontally, 3-1/2 yards of fabric are needed. If pieced vertically, 4-1/2 yards of fabric are needed. Batting: at least 64” x 80” Quilting: Quilt as desired. Because of the strong diagonal stripe effect created by the placement of light and dark, avoid a pantograph that features a strong diagonal repeat which could fight with the visual diagonal. Binding: If cut 2-1/4” wide, need 5/8 yard. If cut 2-1/2” wide, need 3/4 yard. Cut 8 WOF strips. Alternate layouts: Original Layout: Each color is separated from the others. Alternate Layout: The four colors come together. This results in more prominent diagonals. Quilt of Valor variation, original layout: Substitute dark navy or deep charcoal grey for black. Substitute red for both yellow and orange. Total 1 yard needed or go scrappy. Substitute medium blue for both blue and green. Total 1 yard needed or go scrappy. Note: Be sure there is strong value contrast between the navy or charcoal grey and the medium blue. Choose a bright red rather than a dark red. Size as shown is 56 x 72”. Option: Add 4” borders to enlarge top to 64” x 80”. Borders will require 1-1/8 yards of fabric. Cut 8 4-1/2” WOF strips. I had fun with this Four Patch Shuffle, which is similar to my Cut and Shuffle method, and I hope if you like the tutorial, you'll have fun with it too. (Book is out of print) If you'd like a PDF of this tutorial, leave a comment and be sure to include your first name and email address in the text of the comment. My top will eventually be quilted and will be donated to the local family services agency. PS - Pardon the formatting irregularities. Blogger doesn't cooperate when I copy and paste from a Word document and add pictures. Link ups: Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, Quilt Fabrication, My Quilt Infatuation, Alycia Quilts, Confessions of Fabric Addict, Wendy's Quilts and More,

I had the pleasure of getting back together with friends Kevin the Quilter, Cherie (Quilted Jonquil) and Dar (Dar's Patchwork Garden) recently to continue working on the snake quilt we started earlier this year. When we left off in March, we had 32 blocks done: Now we have all 48 blocks done!!! Actually we'll set them in a 6 x 8 layout and our top will finish at 60" by 80" for a Quilt of Valor. Here's the plan, a traditional layout: When I last posted about this back in March, several people asked me for a tutorial. The snake block/quilt is a traditional pattern which Barbara Brackman discusses here, dating from the 1930s to the 1960s. In her post she mentions that she cannot find a commercial pattern for it. There is a similar quilt called Snake Trail in Denise Schmidt's book Modern Quilts Traditional Inspiration; Denise's block size, proportions, corners, construction methods, and pressing differ from mine. The snake block is a very challenging block even for experienced quilters, and it requires templates. Here's a tutorial for how I made our templates and how my friends and I made our blocks. Our block is intentionally made slightly oversized and trimmed down for accuracy. Our block finishes at 10", and requires both paper piecing and sewing curves. Snake Block Tutorial Traditional block; instructions and images copyright Jan Ochterbeck 2017 Drafting the Block and Making the Templates Supplies: Graph paper – must be at least 11" square, preferably larger; okay to tape pieces together keeping ruled lines aligned Ruler Sharp pencil Compass Eraser Paper scissors Plain printer paper Add-a-Quarter ruler if desired (or use your regular ruler) Large template plastic Glue stick Access to a copy machine Drafting: Draw a 10" square on the graph paper. Make a mark on the outline 4" from each corner on all sides. Using the compass set at 4 inches, draw arcs in two opposite corners. Reset the compass at 6 inches and draw larger arcs outside the first ones. Note that the ends of the arcs are on the 4" marks you made earlier. If they’re not exactly at these 4" marks, redraw the arcs. Lightly draw a diagonal line from the same corners. Draw it more heavily within the arcs and erase the rest, but make sure marks show a little on the background and corner pieces. From the same corners, draw diagonals within the arcs as shown, like spokes, spaced as evenly as possible. Make sure the lines extend past the curved line of the arc because these marks serve as match points. 8. Very carefully and accurately, cut your drawing apart to separate the arcs from the center and the corners. Do not cut the arcs into little pieces. - Note: These pieces do not have seam allowances. Making paper piecing foundations: Lightly glue both arcs to a piece of plain printer paper, allowing 1/2" clearance on all sides. Draw 1/4" seam allowance all the way around each arc, using the Add-a-Quarter ruler or any ruler that gives you an accurate 1/4". Make sure the lines at the ends of the arc are perpendicular to the edge. Tip: Add additional 1/8" to the ends, shown here in red. Make copies for paper piecing; one page will make two arcs for one block. Making templates for the background and the corners: Lightly apply glue stick around the outside edges of the background piece. The moisture makes the paper stretch, so keep the glue only at the edges and work quickly. Glue the paper down to template plastic, making sure you have 1/2" of plastic all the way around. Draw 1/4" seam allowances on the plastic all the way around the paper. * 4. Tip: add additional 1/8" to the straight sides (not the curves), shown in the photo below in red.* 5. Mark match points where the seams in the arc will align. 6. Carefully cut out the plastic template. 7. With sharp scissor points, notch the match points, cutting about 1/8" into the seam allowance. 8. Repeat steps 1-7 for the corner piece; make only one corner template. Tip: It’s better to make the block slightly oversized and square it up to 10-1/2" after it’s sewn. Therefore I recommend adding 1/8" to the outside edges of all block pieces. This is planned in the instructions above, so the additional 1/8" is already included on both templates and the paper piecing foundation. * I used a Sharpie marker for this step so the lines would show in the photos for this tutorial. Never use Sharpie with any templates or rulers in your sewing studio. Some of the ink gets on – and stays on – the edge of the ruler or template. Some marking pens, such as water-erasable markers, dissolve the permanent ink of the Sharpie and allow it to bleed onto the fabric being marked. It’s permanent. It will never wash out, and your project may be ruined. Keep all permanent markers away from your sewing! Making cutting guide for arc pieces Mark a piece of template plastic 2-1/2" x 3". Draw a tumbler shape: With the plastic in portrait orientation, make marks on the bottom line 3/8" in from each corner. Draw a line from the top corner to the bottom mark on each side, creating a tumbler shape. Cut out the plastic template on these lines. Cut six plastic pieces exactly this same size. Glue them together in a stack. Make sure the edges are exactly aligned when you add each layer. Six layers is sturdy enough to use with care with a rotary cutter (the blade will cut into fewer layers). Cutting Background Fabric The background template requires 12" of fabric, 1/3 yard. 4 background pieces can be cut from one 12" width of fabric. On the wrong side of the background fabric, align the graph paper lines of the background template with the grain line of the fabric and carefully trace around the template. Mark the match points on the fabric so they’re visible on the wrong side of the fabric. Cut out the background fabric, making sure the match points are visible. Be sure to keep the extra 1/8" on the straight sides. For a 6 x 8 block layout (60" x 80" top) cut 48 background pieces. If using all one background fabric, 4-3/4 yards are needed. Corner Wedges The corner template can be cut from yardage, scraps, or from a 5" charm square. On the right side of the corner fabric, carefully trace around the corner wedge template, keeping the graph paper lines aligned with the grain of the fabric. Mark the match points on the fabric so they’re visible on the right side of the fabric, for matching up with the arcs later. Cut out the corner fabric, making sure the match points are visible. Be sure to keep the extra 1/8" on the straight sides. For a 6 x 8 block layout (60" x 80" top) cut 96 corner wedges. If using all one fabric for corner wedges, 1-5/8 yards are needed. Tumblers for Paper Pieced Arcs The tumbler-shaped cutting guide can be used with 2-1/2" pre-cut strips of fabric to cut pieces along the length of the strip. Or use the cutting guide with 3" strips of fabric and rotate the template up and down for each cut for less waste. Stack strips or scraps and rotary cut to save time and fabric. For a 6 x 8 block layout, 288 pieces are needed, the more variety the better. Sewing the blocks: Block Components: Corner Wedges (red), Arcs (blue), Background (white) Paper piece the arcs: Cut the two arc foundations apart and work on two at a time to chain piece. Pre-fold the sewing lines for easy alignment of pieces. Put two blue pieces right sides together, wrong side to the back side of the paper foundation. Sew on the first line, open the fabric, and press. Fold back the paper on the next line; trim the fabric 1/4" away from the folded paper. Align the next blue piece right sides together, and sew on the next line. Repeat steps 4, 5 & 6 to complete the arc. Cut on the outer cutting lines. Be sure to keep the extra 1/8" at the ends of the arcs. Remove the paper. Assemble block: 1. Pin an arc to a corner, matching the arc seams to the marked match points, pinning ends and match points. Sew with 1/4" seam. Sewing with the concave arc on top is recommended to ease it onto the corner wedge. Repeat for other corner. Tip: align edges and use a pin to “stitch a seam” (see arrows) which will prevent the ends of your arcs from swinging outward; this helps keep the arc seam perpendicular to the edges of the block. 2. Pin center background piece to arc, aligning ends and matching match points to seams in arc. Sew with 1/4" seam. Piecing with the concave background on top is recommended to ease it onto the arc. Tip: align edges and use a pin to “stitch a seam (see arrows).” 3. Repeat to attach center to other arc. 4. Press all seams toward the corners, away from center background piece. 5. Square up and trim the block to 10-1/2", making sure all the ends of the arcs are as close as possible to 4-1/4" away from the corners, shown by the arrows in the photo below. This assures that the arcs will line up smoothly and create the snake-like effect when the blocks are set together. Completed block, 10-1/2" unfinished (will be 10" finished) Note 1: If the block comes out wavy or seems to ripple, you may have taken too scant a 1/4" seam when attaching the background center to the arcs. Try increasing your seam allowance by one or two thread widths to eliminate the excess waviness. Do this before trimming and squaring up, while the block is still oversized. Note 2: When sewing blocks together in the traditional layout, the seams will nest. Match seams and pin carefully for smooth transition of snake-like arcs from one block to the next. For alternate layouts such as loops, the seams of some of the blocks may need to be re-pressed to get the seams to nest. Note 3: If you make a Snake Quilt as a group project, I strongly recommend that you use one set of templates for all the blocks rather than lots of individual sets of templates. Just like everyone’s quarter inch seam differs, everyone’s templates will come out just a tiny bit different. Traditional Layout If you would like a PDF of this tutorial, please leave a comment and be sure to include your email address within the text of your comment. Linking up with Sew Fresh Quilts

My Four Patch Shuffle top is done and may become a teaching sample and later a donation quilt. Here it's shown sideways because it's too long to fit on the wall. As promised, I'm offering a tutorial, and here it is. Text and images copyright Jan Ochterbeck 2023. Four Patch Shuffle Finished Size 56” x 72” Block finished size 8” The blocks for this quilt are created by making simple framed square parent blocks, cutting them into fourths, shuffling the parts, and reassembling the blocks four at a time. Fabric Requirements White: 1-5/8 yards Black: 1-3/8 yards Four Colors, each: 1/2 yard. Shown here as Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange. Cutting WOF (width of fabric) strips are based on 40” width and yield 4 pieces cut 9” long, or 8 pieces cut 5” long. · White: o Cut 5 5” WOF strips. Sub cut them into 5” squares. Total 40 squares. o Cut 12 2-1/2” WOF strips. Sub cut 8 WOF strips into 9” pieces, total 32 9” pieces. Sub cut 4 WOF strips into 5” pieces, total 32 5” pieces. · Black: o Cut 2 5” WOF strips. Sub cut them into 5” squares. Total 16 squares. o Cut 12 2-1/2” WOF strips. Sub cut 8 WOF strips into 9” pieces, total 32 9” pieces. Sub cut 4 WOF strips into 5” pieces, total 32 5” pieces. · Each Color: o Cut 6 2-1/2” WOF strips. Sub cut 4 WOF strips into 9” pieces, total 16 9” pieces. Sub cut 2 WOF strips into 5” pieces, total 16 5” pieces. Making the parent blocks: There are two types of parent blocks to make two sets of final blocks. All seams right sides together, 1/4” seam allowance. Parent blocks should measure 9” square including seam allowances when sewn. Accuracy in making the parent blocks will ensure better results in the final blocks. · Primary parent blocks o Sew 5” colored or black pieces to the top and bottom of a white square. Press seams toward the color. o Sew 9” pieces of the same color to the sides to complete the parent block. Press seams toward the color. o Make 16 black-framed parent blocks. o Make 8 of each color parent blocks. · Secondary Parent Blocks o Sew 5” white pieces to the top and bottom of a black square. Press seams toward the black. o Sew 9” white pieces to the sides to complete the secondary parent block. Press seams toward the black. o Make 16 black-centered white-framed parent blocks. Cutting the Parent Blocks: Each parent block should measure 9” square. · Cut each one in half vertically at the center, 4-1/2” away from the edge. · Then cut each one across horizontally at the center, again 4-1/2” from the edge. · Resulting quadrants measure 4-1/2” square. · Cut all the parent blocks into fourths. Making the Final Blocks: Block A Yellow/Blue: Each sewn block should measure 8-1/2” square including seam allowance. Chain piecing is recommended. Make four of the same block at a time from one yellow and one blue parent block and two black and white parent blocks. · Lay out block quadrants as shown. o Note direction of frame seams (red arrows); make frame seams go the same direction within each block. o Half of the blocks will have vertical frame seams and half will have horizontal frame seams. · Matching frame seams where needed, sew top two block quadrants together; frame seams should nest. Press seam toward the color. · Likewise, sew bottom two block quadrants together. · Matching centers and frame seams, sew top and bottom halves of block together four patch style. · Press and if desired, spin seams. · Repeat using all yellow and blue block quadrants to result in 32 Block A’s. Block B, Green/Orange: Each block should measure 8-1/2” square including seam allowance. Chain piecing is recommended. Make four of the same block at a time from one green and one orange parent block and two black and white parent blocks. · Lay out block quadrants as shown. o Note direction of frame seams; make frame seams go the same direction within each block. o Half the blocks will have vertical frame seams and half will have horizontal frame seams. · Matching frame seams where needed, sew top two block quadrants together. Frame seams should nest. Press seam toward the black. · Likewise, sew bottom two block quadrants together. · Matching centers and frame seams, sew top and bottom halves of block together four patch style. · Press and if desired, spin seams. · Repeat using all block quadrants to result in 32 Block B’s. There will be one extra Block B left over after top is assembled. Quilt top assembly: · Lay out Blocks A and B in rows of seven. Make 9 rows. o For best seam nesting, alternate blocks with vertical and horizontal frame seams. · Alternate placement of Blocks A and B to create light and dark visual diagonals. · Sew blocks into rows; press all seams toward Block B. · Sew rows together; seams should nest. Press row seams all in one direction. Quilting and finishing: Backing: If pieced horizontally, 3-1/2 yards of fabric are needed. If pieced vertically, 4-1/2 yards of fabric are needed. Batting: at least 64” x 80” Quilting: Quilt as desired. Because of the strong diagonal stripe effect created by the placement of light and dark, avoid a pantograph that features a strong diagonal repeat which could fight with the visual diagonal. Binding: If cut 2-1/4” wide, need 5/8 yard. If cut 2-1/2” wide, need 3/4 yard. Cut 8 WOF strips. Alternate layouts: Original Layout: Each color is separated from the others. Alternate Layout: The four colors come together. This results in more prominent diagonals. Quilt of Valor variation, original layout: Substitute dark navy or deep charcoal grey for black. Substitute red for both yellow and orange. Total 1 yard needed or go scrappy. Substitute medium blue for both blue and green. Total 1 yard needed or go scrappy. Note: Be sure there is strong value contrast between the navy or charcoal grey and the medium blue. Choose a bright red rather than a dark red. Size as shown is 56 x 72”. Option: Add 4” borders to enlarge top to 64” x 80”. Borders will require 1-1/8 yards of fabric. Cut 8 4-1/2” WOF strips. I had fun with this Four Patch Shuffle, which is similar to my Cut and Shuffle method, and I hope if you like the tutorial, you'll have fun with it too. (Book is out of print) If you'd like a PDF of this tutorial, leave a comment and be sure to include your first name and email address in the text of the comment. My top will eventually be quilted and will be donated to the local family services agency. PS - Pardon the formatting irregularities. Blogger doesn't cooperate when I copy and paste from a Word document and add pictures. Link ups: Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, Quilt Fabrication, My Quilt Infatuation, Alycia Quilts, Confessions of Fabric Addict, Wendy's Quilts and More,

Here are some of the quilts I've made over the years. Many have gone to other homes and I don't have pictures of them, but here are some of my favorites. All images copyright 2013-2023, Jan Ochterbeck. Please pin with attribution and be sure to link back to my blog. Mineral Plus, 60 x 80", 2019-2023, for Hands2Help donated to Hospice of the Valley via PCQ Cube Challenge a la Escher 96 x 96, Feb. 2023 PCQ's annual challenge featuring The Cube quilted by Alycia Carmin Snake Quilt in Coral, Orange and Pink, aka Candy Land, June 2022-March 2023, 59 x 78 back of Jelly Roll Race in Provence prints, 2022 donated to SWFAC via PCQ Race Leftovers, 2022, donated to SWFAC via PCQ Shards, January 2023, 60 x 80, donated to hospice via PCQ Hot Race, 72 x 96", Oct. 2022 Donated to Natalie's House Bright Strippy Race, Pieced 2019, finished Sept. 2022, donation Green Dresden Plate Medallion, August 2022, 48 x 66" Basketweave Quilt for Natalie's House, twin size, July 2022 pattern info here Tangerine Quarter Log Cabin from Carla's leftover blocks, July 2022, donation quilt Steppers, pattern by Alycia Quilts, 48 x 66" May 2022, donation quilt Blue Color Bars, 60 x 80, May 2022 donation quilt, pattern developed for PCQ, pattern here Bolt of Lightning donation quilt, April 2022 Donation quilt from Carla's Strips, April 2022 Sock Monkey Plus donation quilt, 44 x 56", January 2022 HOW MANY, about 96 x 98", 2007-2021 hand pieced by CSQ Piecing Group, quilted by Sandy Etheridge accepted into 2022 AQS Paducah show, group category details here Kool Kaleidoscope, 40 x 40" Sept. 2021 Striped Kool Kaleidoscope, donation baby quilt for PCQ, Sept. 2021, 36 x 36" Color Spoke Challenge, from STLMQG BOM challenge in 2019 65 x 78", June 2021 Strippy HSTs, donation quilts for PCQ quilts for kids drive, June 2021, 45 x 60" Coral Strippy HSTs, planned for H2H 2021, given locally to neighbor fighting breast cancer June 2021, 45 x 60" Art Deco Inspired baby quilt for niece Emily, April 2021, 48 x 48" Rainbow Charm donation quilt for Hands2Help, spring 2021 50" x 68" Railroad Quilt, panel and materials provided by CSQ Charity Committee, donation for CSQ quilts for boys drive, March 2021, ~45 x 60" Lighten Up LCT, 63 x 72" October 2020 Mario, for grandson for Christmas 2020 ~50 x 64" Corona Medallion, 64x 64", 2020 quilted by Sandy Etheridge Beach Baby Valerie's new grandma quilt, 36 x 42, May 2020 Pink Cats baby quilt for Hands2Help, to Little Lambs Foundation May 2020 37 x 41" Coral Flying Geese Donation Quilt for Hands2Help, to Little Lambs Foundation May 2020 36 x 42" Purple Chunky Churn Dash for Hands2Help, to Little Lambs Foundation April 2020 43 x 50" Have Faith Donation Quilt from Bee Blocks Hands 2 Help 2020, to Quilty Hugs for Happy Chemo 62 x 74" Jagged Spiral in Batik inspired by Wanda of Exuberant Color Top donated to Covered in Love, January 2020 64" x 84" Solstice Challenge Top donated to Covered in Love, January 2020 Pat Sloan BOM with my own variations and setting 66" by 84", completed in 2018 Emerald Isle, 65" x 76" Top donated to Covered in Love, January 2020 BOM from the Quilted Fox, 2016 Mitered Stripe Borders teaching sample Top donated to Covered in Love, January 2020 Modern HSTs Top donated to Covered in Love, January 2020 Checkerboards and Dresden Plates 102" x 102" 2017-2019 quilted by Dottie Vaughn Accepted into AQS Paducah quilt show, 2020 given to Cherie Moore, 2020 Bright Strippy Spiral, 60 x 68", July 2020 Given to Eric Ochterbeck Wren's Baby Quilt November 2019 Roman Road, 72" x 72" completed August 2019 Variation of blocks from BOM at the Quilted Fox quilted by Sandy Etheridge given to Paul & Carolyn Snake Quilt, QOV, 60" x 80" Group project, 2017-2019 Cherie, Kevin, Dar and me QOV presented to Don Hoeferlin, June 2019 Pathways and Crossings Black + White Challenge 42" square, July 2019 Featured in the January 2020 issue of Curated Quilts "No Excuses" Challenge STLMQG May 2019 42" x 54" Donated to Operation Shower Sew Inclined, bee blocks, finished mid 2010's, twin size shown at STLMQG's quilt show in 2019 Dr. Seuss's Pickle Dish Started October 2017, finished March 2019 66" x 76" "Goodnight, Darleen!" Pattern by Kevin the Quilter March 2019 53 x 53" Donated to Operation Shower CJ's Big Boy Bed Quilt September 2018, 63" x 87" Gus's Whale Baby Quilt September 2018, 39-1/2" x 45-1/2" Scrap Scramble Baby Quilt November 2017, 40" x 44" donated to Operation Shower Original Log Cabin Triangles 2016-2017, 66" x 75" Gary's Flannel Quilt, October 2017, 60" x 72" Seasonal Migration July 2017, 78" x 90" Christmas Tree Wall Hanging for Real Ornaments July 2017, approx. 30" x 79" tutorial here Dancing Plus II, 65" x 80", May 2017 Hands2Help Race Quilt, 59" x 72", 2017, Donation to STL International Institute Welcome Home, 45 x 45", 2017, donation for Hands2Help, STL International Institute Boomerang Patches Baby Quilt, 36 x 46", 2017, donation Jake's Baby Quilt, 2007 (photo 2017) Lincoln's Baby Quilt, 41 x 41", September 2016 Benjamin's Baby Quilt, 42 x 45, November 2016 Autumn Forest, 66 x 80", November 2016 Alternate blocks from The Quilted Fox's Fox in the Forest BOM Quilted by Dar Sforza Given to Don & Doris Hoeferlin , Christmas 2016 Bohemian Bento Box, 60 x 72", December 2016 Given to Eric's housemates, Christmas 2016 PAussietivity, 60" x 60", August 2016 Aussie fabric version of Positivity from Cut and Shuffle Quilts Quilted by Dar Sforza Maple Leaf Star, July 2016 Fox in the Forest BOM main blocks from The Quilted Fox Quilted by Sandy Etheridge Given to Jackie & Art, Christmas 2016 Dancing Plus, June 2016, 60" x 75" Given to Nickie & family, Christmas 2016 Black & White quilt for Hands2Help Happy Chemo 2016, 44" x 58" Black & Tan quilt for Hands2Help Happy Chemo 2016, 58" x 58" Framed Nine Patch sample for tutorial, 44" x 44", 2016 Framed Nine Patch baby quilt, 36", 2016 Given to hair stylist Julie, 2016 Positively Radiant, 51" x 60", 2016 Planned for Hands2Help Happy Chemo Given locally to Em K during chemo, etc., 2016 Antler Dance, 72" x 72", 2016 Given to Laurie & family, Christmas 2016 Gramercy & Friends, 72" x 86", 2015 Quilted by Jane Coons Collection Challenge Plus, 2015, 57" x 69" Inspired by a fabric collection challenge at STLMQG Given to Gary's coworker going through a bad situation, 2016 Girl Donation Quilt, 2015, 40" x 49" Boy Donation Quilt, 2015, 40" x 49" both donated to UCPD Plus Dash, 2015, custom quilted by Sandy Etheridge. See Patterns tab for more info. Hands 2 Help donation quilt, 2015. 40" x 40" Max's Baby Quilt, 2014, 44" x 44" For great nephew Tyler's Baby Quilt, 2015, 40" x 48", for great-nephew. Spiral quilting. Broken Chevron, 2014. 48" x 60". See Patterns tab for pattern info. Spiral quilted. 30 Circles, 2014, 60" x 60" Circle in the Square Quilt Guilt's 30th anniversary challenge Mega Medallion, 2014, 90" x 90" Custom long arm quilted by Sandy Etheridge given to Maddie Brown, 2020 Bumpity Blue, baby quilt from stash, 2014, 40" x 44", panto test for one of the book quilts Longarm quilted by Darlene Pratte CSQ Donation Drive, 2014, 40" x 48" Tutorial created for guild members Donated to UCPD Zen Garden, 2014, 76" x 88" Custom long-arm quilted by Sandy Etheridge Featured in Cut and Shuffle Quilts Labyrinth, 2014, 60" x 72" Featured in Cut and Shuffle Quilts Singing the Blues, 2014, 64" x 76" Long-arm quilted by Darlene Pratte Featured in Cut and Shuffle Quilts Heat Wave, 2014, 60" x 72" Long-arm quilted by Darlene Pratte Featured in Cut and Shuffle Quilts Scoot, 40" x 40", 2013 Featured in Cut and Shuffle Quilts Positivity, 60" x 60", 2013 Long-arm quilted by Darlene Pratte Featured in Cut and Shuffle Quilts Big Print Beauty, 2013, 75" x 100" Long-arm quilted by Darlene Pratte. Pattern available. Modern Medallion Pillow, 2013. 23" Linked, 2013 (two-sided) 40" Donated to Operation Shower, 2020 STLMQG Ohio Star Challenge, 2013. 26" x 36" Donated to Operation Shower, 2020 Charmed Snowballs, 2013. 32" x 44" Instructions available on Tutorial tab. Pink Strip Tease, 2013. 35" x 42" Donated to Operation Shower, 2020 Happy Accident, 60 x 69", 2011 from a Topsy-Turvy Nine Patch workshop with Judy Laquidara in 2009. Quilted by Sandy Etheridge Parts mistakenly cut black, which should have been white, resulted in a bolder, more modern, graphic design. I added my own piano keys border. Given to Andy & Melanie, Christmas 2016 Whole Lotta Circles: Baby quilt made for my niece, 2002. 60 x 60 inches; original design. (poor photo; it's a scan of a print from film. Colors are much more vibrant than shown.) Same block as ETGA 1 below. Framed Nine Patch, 2005. 36 x 36 inches, original design. Baby quilt made for co-worker. Legacy, 2007, 68 x 82 inches. Made for my dad for his 80th birthday. Dad wrote a memoir of stories and anecdotes entitled "A Legacy of Episodes." The words and phrases printed in the blocks are the titles of the stories. His legacy is in words and stories; mine is in fabric and quilts. Loop in Motion, 2006, 60 x 60 inches. Original design. Circle in the Square Quilters 2006 Challenge celebrating the centennial of University City Missouri. Blocks hand pieced by members of CSQ Piecing Group. Baby quilt, 2010. DNP variation made for coworker. 34 x 50 inches. Celtic Lullaby, completed 2011. 96 x 96 inches. Original design. Started as a CSQ Piecing Group project in 2005, languished in UFO status until 2010. Hand and machine pieced, hand embroidered. Hand quilted by Modesta Basler. Wedding gift to son and daughter-in-law. Displayed in AQS Show, Paducah KY, 2012. Trellis, completed 2006. 62 x 74 inches. Original design using 9-Patch and Kaleidoscope blocks. Given to neighbor Dot Barbeau when she moved into assisted living in 2014. Medallion Quilt, completed 2006. 60 x 60 inches. Inspired by a class in selecting colors and prints given by Louise Georgia at the Quilted Fox. Quilted by Sandy Etheridge Texas Tumblers - Gary's Cowboy Quilt, 2010. 60 x 72 inches. Made for my wanna-be cowboy, after a couple of dude ranch vacations and a trip to Texas during which he wanted me to buy cowboy themed fabrics. Strip Tease, 2012, 35 x 42 inches, original design. Donated to Operation Shower, 2020 Celebrate, 2013, 44 x 52 inches. A modern quilt using the Shaded 4-Patch block, inspired by the book Designing Quilts, The Value of Value, Suzanne Tessier Hammond, That Patchwork Place, 1994. Donated to Operation Shower, 2020 Flying Four Patch, 2013, 36 x 44, original design. Donated to Operation Shower, 2020 Hexies from Leftovers, 2013, 35 x 40 inches. Black & white print 8" triangles left over from another project were cut down to half-hexies and combined with other stash prints. More leftover triangles were used on the back. Donated to Operation Shower, 2020 ETGA 1, Original Design First Piecing Group project, started in 2001. Hand dyed background using eight gradations. Hand pieced by members of Piecing Group. Named for the shapes of the templates used (Eiffel Tower & Gothic Arch) Craving, 1997 Honorable Mention, The Quintessential Quilt 1997 Donated to Operation Shower, 2020

Earlier in October I posted a QOV top that I had completed at retreat. The blocks were mostly leader/enders that were already made. Here the top is shown horizontally on my design wall. This is a super easy project, a great scrap buster, suitable for all skill levels, and it's a great throw size, 60" x 84". I promised a tutorial, so here it is. Scrappy Nine-Patch Stars Tutorial copyright 2017 Jan Ochterbeck Nine-Patch Stars QOV, 60" x 84" Materials: Use as much variety as possible. If using scraps, pieces must be large enough to cut 7” squares. · Assorted dark prints: reds, blues, tans, etc., about 3 yards total. · Assorted light neutral prints, about 3-1/2 yards total. · 5-1/4 yards backing fabric · 3/4 yard binding fabric Cutting: · Cut the following from assorted Light prints: o 35 7” squares o 16 6-1/2” squares o 224 2-1/2” squares (or 14 WOF strips) · Cut the following from assorted Red prints: o 16 7” squares · Cut the following from assorted Blue Prints: o 19 7” squares · From assorted dark prints (reds, blues, tans, etc.) cut the following: o 262 2-1/2” squares (or 17 WOF strips) Make blocks: · Half Square Triangles: Make 16 assorted red HSTs and make 19 blue HSTs o Mark each 7” light square on the diagonal on the wrong side o With a light and a dark 7” square right sides together, stitch 1/4” on each side of the diagonal line o Cut apart on the diagonal line and press seams open o Square up and trim to 6-1/2” · Nine-patch blocks: Make blocks as scrappy as possible. Note: strip piecing will speed up the process; sub-cut strips into 2-1/2” units. o Make 46 nine-patch blocks with dark corners o Make 8 nine-patch blocks with light corners Assembly: · Lay out blocks and plain light squares in rows following the diagram below. · Note that the light-corner nine-patch blocks are used only within the stars, alternating with dark-corner nine-patch blocks. All other nine-patch blocks used elsewhere have dark corners. · Sew blocks into rows; press seams in odd-numbered rows to the left and even-numbered rows to the right. · Sew rows together. Row Assembly Diagram Finishing: · Piece backing to 70” x 94” · Layer, baste, and quilt as desired. · Cut 8 WOF binding strips 2-1/2” wide; join lengthwise and bind using your preferred method. This easy layout of simple nine-patch and HST components would make a great throw in any colorway, not just for QOV. Does someone on your list need a quilty gift this holiday season? Christmas Colorway Girly Colorway If you would like a PDF of the tutorial, please leave a comment. Be sure to include your email address in the text of your comment so I can send the PDF to you. You may not be aware if you are a no-reply commenter, and if you are, I cannot send you the PDF without your email. Link-ups: Sew Fresh Quilts, My Quilt Infatuation, Confessions of a Fabric Addict

This was supposed to be a goal-of-the month long term project with my First Saturday buddies. My goal for this month was to finish making the blocks. The blades had been appliqued down but the corners needed to be snowballed and there were still some details that needed to be taken care of. Well, with time available I was able to finish the blocks before the end of the month, so I went ahead and assembled the top. I added a 2" border all the way around because the outer points needed some breathing room. The finished top measures 68-1/2 by 68-1/2". When possible, I'll get it professionally quilted. I want wool batting so it'll be soft and drapey. This one's for me, to replace the sofa quilt I've been using for awhile. Given the crown-like shapes made by the fan arcs, as well as the times we're living through right now, I'm naming this quilt Corona Medallion. Awhile back someone asked if I was planning to write a pattern for this quilt, and at the time I was undecided. After working on it and having to revise the sizes of some pieces, I've decided not to pattern this one. Sorry! Linking up with: Confessions of a Fabric Addict Alycia Quilts Wendy's Quilts and More

Last week Linda, Edna, and I (and 6 others) went on retreat to Ritter Ranch in southern AZ. We took our Scrappy Celebration 2 blocks so we could put them up on the design wall there and determine the layout. After several iterations and input from all the retreaters, I think this is the final layout we ended up with. Or there might have been one more switch and I didn't get a photo. This will be twin bed size so it fills the large design wall. Linda started sewing the blocks together while we were there, but went on to work on her other projects. We have backing fabric for this version but it isn't pieced together yet. So, we still have a little bit of work to do yet on SC2. Edna will try to book time on the long arm in August (I'm not eligible until the end of the month) and I'll help her quilt this one with an allover panto. Meanwhile Linda is quilting SC1 on her sit-down long arm and I can't wait to see it quilted. We've so enjoyed making SC1 and 2 that we're starting SC3, this time in patriotic colors for a veteran's quilt. Edna has an extensive patriotic stash; not so much Linda and me but we all share, and we bought more while we were at retreat. As was the case for versions 1 and 2, it's so fun pulling the fabrics together for this scrappy project. More on SC3 in future posts. This retreat was one of the best ever. I'm still going through the photos, so I'll post more about this retreat next week. Linking up with Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts

So I remeasured the length of my pieced strips and found that I had mentioned the wrong measurement in my last post. I could have continued race-style, but that would have yielded a very long skinny piece. Using the actual length I had, I was able to cut it into three sections. After joining them together and squaring up, I ended up with this piece measuring about 41" by 51". Since the design wall is occupied, the closet door will have to do. Please pardon the blue tape. 41 by 51" is a little small for a lap quilt so I'll think about adding a border. I'll see what I can find in my stash; surely there's something that'll go with all these colors. Meanwhile I don't want to handle it too much - there's a lot of seams and until I can get the edges staystitched and a border added, I don't want it to fray apart too much. I do like how well all the colors ended up playing nicely together. I started with such a random pile of strips that it could have been a mess. The black and white connectors definitely help. My husband really likes this, which surprised me that he would go for something so wildly colorful, but he spontaneously admired it hanging on the door. It's so not his usual color palette! It's destined to be a donation quilt. Fun to make, to enjoy the experience of figuring out what to do with the big baggie of strips, and just mindless sewing. It's very satisfying to see it come together into a whole that's better than the sum of its parts.

More downsizing and clearing out of stuff has resulted in a couple of UFOs going to new homes. These two went to Covered in Love hosted by Kat and Cat Quilts. Olive Basket Weave: these blocks were made by the Sew Bee Its last time I handed out. They knew they were making blocks for a donation quilt. Along with this top, I sent backing fabric and binding strips. The backing is the same low volume newsprint print used in the blocks and the binding is a very dark purple. Keep Positive: I always enjoy making Plus quilts because it's all about the fabrics. This was also always intended to be a donation quilt, but it didn't get finished in time for last spring's Hands 2 Help quilt drive. I sent backing and binding for this one, too. The backing is grey Grunge and the binding is the last of the Paddington Bear print that I had. I had the pleasure and entertainment of designing and piecing these tops. They fulfilled their purpose for me. They were both always intended for donations. I'm so glad I was able to send them to someone who can finish them and give them to families losing loved ones. Linking up with Confessions of a Fabric Addict and Alycia Quilts.

My Plus Dash quilt is finally finished, quilted, bound, labeled and photographed. Quilted by my friend Sandy E. who did a fabulous job - I love it! Plus Dash, 70" x 86" Sandy's quilting Beautiful quilting; perfect stripe for the binding Linking up with Whoop Whoop Friday over at Confessions of a Fabric Addict. Check out all the other quilty inspiration over there. 

In 2014 when I was working on my book Cut and Shuffle Quilts (now out of print), the publisher asked me to include a quilt using Kaffe Fassett fabrics in the book. This is the quilt that ended up in the book: Heat Wave The premise of the book was to start with a framed square, slice and dice it, shuffle the parts, and create new blocks from those parts. Here's the block used in Heat Wave; the top, bottom, and side units are turned inward. Heat Wave has pieced sashing between the blocks. If you look at the block parts on the right and look at the block in the lower right corner of the quilt, you see that I used black for the center square and print for the frame. When working on this quilt, I started with blocks with printed centers and black frames. I ended up not using them, instead using blocks with black centers and printed frames, making the black less prominent when they were cut and shuffled. Since 2014 I've had those orphan Cut and Shuffle starter blocks just sitting in a drawer. I needed a project to work on at retreat in July, so I gave some thought to what I could do with them. I wanted something different, not just another Cut and Shuffle quilt. Prior to retreat I cut each block into fourths. Here's the same framed starter block image as above, showing where I cut it. I ended up with a lot of print squares with black frames on two sides. By themselves, they looked too busy together and didn't combine into a large enough quilt. So I planned for some sashing, using the same magenta/mango dot print as in the original quilt above. At retreat I laid out the blocks on point, with the sashing fabric. We were all surprised at the three-dimensional effect that appeared! With an on-point layout I would need side and corner triangles. I planned on using the dot print, but that would have been just too much, too loud and gaudy. Yuck! The consensus among the retreaters was that I should use black for the side and corner triangles. I agreed, but there was one problem. That black isn't actually black, it's a charcoal-on-black tiny crosshatch print. And I didn't have any more of it. Since it was from 2013-14, my chances of getting more were nil. The quilting gods were with me at retreat. Our hostess has a small shop, and she had a different tiny charcoal-on-black crosshatch print. Very close! What were the chances I could ever find something that close?!!! The two black prints never actually touch each other, and unless you know they're different and hold them together, you wouldn't know a substitute print was used. I was able to get the top assembled at retreat. Fortunately we caught that turned square in the bottom row before the borders were added. The girls convinced me that it needed black borders to finish framing it, so back to the shop I went for more of that black print. They were right, the black border helps contain all that chaotic color. So now I have a finished flimsy. Still a UFO, but definitely farther along than just a pile of orphan blocks. I have enough of that new black for the binding. I might have something in my stash for backing, otherwise I'll see if there's something in PCQ's stash. Since it started as a Cut and Shuffle quilt and uses Kaffe fabrics, I'm calling it Kaffe Shuffle. This will be a donation quilt for the local family services agency, probably for a teen girl. Linking up with Alycia Quilts, Confessions of a Fabric Addict, Wendy's Quilts and More, My Quilt Infatuation