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| Around the Corner Quilt Block |
For quilters seeking to blend traditional charm with modern techniques, the Around the Corner Quilt Block by Lori Holt of Bee in My Bonnet offers a delightful project. As the third installment in her Vintage Block Along series, this block reimagines a cherished pattern from Lori's grandmother's collection, adapted for contemporary rotary cutting and machine piecing methods.
Materials and Preparation:
To create the Around the Corner block, you'll need:
- Background Fabric: 4 pieces at 3½" x 6½", 8 pieces at 3½" x 3½", 36 pieces at 2" x 2"
- Fabric One: 4 pieces at 6½" x 6½"
- Fabric Two: 4 pieces at 3½" x 3½"
- Fabric Four: 9 pieces at 3½" x 3½"
Lori suggests using her Farm Girl Vintage fabric line, incorporating a mix of prints and scrappy backgrounds to enhance the vintage aesthetic. However, feel free to personalize your block with fabrics from your own stash.
Assembly Instructions:
- Half Square Triangles (HSTs):
- Pair the 6½" squares from Fabric One with the 3½" squares from Fabric Two.
- Draw a diagonal line on the back of each smaller square, place it right sides together with the larger square, and sew along the drawn line.
- Trim the excess fabric ¼" from the seam and press open to create the HSTs.
- Block Construction:
- Arrange the HSTs, background pieces, and Fabric Four squares according to the layout provided in Lori's tutorial.
- Sew the pieces together in rows, pressing seams as directed to ensure a flat, accurate block.
- Final Assembly:
- Join the rows to complete the block, ensuring all seams align properly.
- Press the finished block and trim if necessary to achieve the correct size.
For detailed step-by-step instructions and visual aids, refer to Lori Holt's original tutorial on her blog:
Design Tips:
The Around the Corner block offers versatility in design:
- Fabric Selection: Mixing various prints and colors can add depth and interest to the block.
- Background Choices: Using different background fabrics for each block can enhance the scrappy, vintage feel of the quilt.
- Block Arrangement: Experiment with the placement of the blocks in your quilt top to create unique patterns and visual effects.
The Around the Corner Quilt Block is a testament to the timeless appeal of vintage designs, thoughtfully updated for today's quilters. Whether you're participating in the Vintage Block Along or incorporating this block into your own projects, it offers a rewarding sewing experience that bridges past and present.
