Disappearing 4-patch Block Variation Tutorial

I had cut some squares to make a wonky star quilt, but when I started sewing the blocks together I was amazed at how much fabric was being wasted and I just didn't find it as inspiring as I had hoped it would be, so I made a few blocks and decided that was it. In the mean time I thought to myself, what can I use these blocks for? So I scoped out my Quilting Tutorials I had on my Pinterest Board and decided to make a disappearing 4-patch, I wanted to make it, but the measurements didn't fit the blocks I had, so I adjusted the block size and the cuts as I thought the center strips were too narrow. Here is the first one I made as a sample. I am very satisfied with it.

For February in the Coast to Coast Bee it is my month to have some blocks made. I thought these blocks would be quick and fun for everyone to make. So here goes, these are my directions for making this block. All seams are sewn using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

To begin this block you choose 2 fabrics. For each block you cut 2 - 6.5inch squares from two different fabrics:

Sew two contrasting blocks together and press seams to the aqua side so the seams will lock when sewing them together:

Now, sew the top row to the bottom row, locking seams and sew them together to make one

        4-patch block

Now get your rotary cutter and ruler and measure 2 inches on each side of the center seam and cut the length of the block.

 Now turn the block a quarter turn (90 degrees), I always rotate the mat and then do the same. Cut 2 inches on both sides of the center seam. You will end up with what looks like a cut-up 9 patch.

Now you will take the center square(the 4 patch block) and give it a one-quarter turn to the left so the 4 patch is matched up with the opposite color as below:

Now take the 4 single fabric corners and swap the solid aqua for the pink pezzy fabric as displayed below.

Now  sew your rows together so your final block looks like this: 

That's all there is to it. The block ends up measuring 11.5 inches when assembled. I hope you enjoy making these blocks. Happy sewing!!

Joy in the New Year

     Christmas Eve at my mom's house was a lot of fun, but we were missing quite a few family members. My sister and her family and my brother and his wife were all missing. It was my parents, my children and Celia's man John. It had a whole different feel as the boys came after chores were completely done. They used to come around 5:30pm, but not till 8:30 this year and it was much more casual. The food however was amazing as usual!! Here are some family highlights!

My mom just loves Deer and antlers so my husband decided to give my mom her own Deer Mount!!! My husband at first stood in the living room window when he arrived and had the deer looking in the window, she didn't see him, but she immediately spotted the deer and his horns! You should of seen her! She was like a little school girl, getting so excited wondering, is there a real live Christmas deer looking in the window? She was tickled pink to have her own deer to hang somewhere in her home. She was so fun to watch. She even gave me a good picture and if you know my mom, she does NOT like to have her picture taken! I love this picture.

Eliah is my little man, however, he is taller then any other man in the house!! Here he is at Grandma's house.










This picture is Matthias, my eldest and the University Graduate. Not sure what he will do with his degree if anything, you know how that goes. But it is so nice to have him back home too!

This is Celia with John at Omi's house sitting on the sofa. These two celebrated their 1 year "going out" anniversary on
December 28th.




New Years Eve brought a house full!! I couldn't believe it! Prior to New Year's my son's sweetie, Rachel, came to visit us from Ohio!! She flew into Minneapolis and spent 5 days with us. It was so nice to have her here. She is so kind and has good insight. She got a peek into our world here in Wisconsin. It didn't help we didn't get above 0 degrees for a high, but she had a good attitude and it didn't seem to bother her at all. She had some good adventures here and even got to go for a tractor ride with Matthias.

Eliah had his sweetie, Lexi come over for New Years Eve festivities and threw her like a sack of potatoes over his shoulder. She is so petite! 

All 3 children were here with their boy/girlfriends and we all played games. I made pizza compliments of Papa Murphy's and we had all kinds of munchies and sparkling grape juice to bring in the New Year. 

I found out something about myself. I love having people in my home and I am most satisfied when the children are home and we are interacting together having fun. There is a certain satisfaction in that somehow. 

On the quilting side of things I had to put my machine away for the Holidays. So I have not used my machine, however, I have been doing some English Paper Piecing for the I Love Lucy International Swap and made this lovely Lucy Boston Block for Gina, our lovely French member. It is the first time I fussy cut and I think it turned out well. The joy of creating and trying new things always is inspiring for me. 

Well, here are a few smiles to close with. This is Matthias who doesn't like to smile and always gives me a stern look, so as you see he tries to hide his smile, just to get my goat! LOL.

Here is Christmas granny Eliah, with his putty Milo at his feet in the rocking chair! 

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Blessing and renewal to you as we start the New Year!! May all things be refreshed and may God Bless you!! May this year be the best yet!