May 2014 Block of the Month - Slice & Insert

The March block for the SSMQG BOM was designed by Melissa of Sew BitterSweet Designs – using a modern quilting technique called slice and instert.

If you would like to read more about the slice and insert method please read Jacquie Gering and Katie Pedersen’s book – Modern Quilting.

As a reminder to our incredible members, the challenge for our charity blocks is meant to stretch your sewing skills and encourage you to try new fabrics and techniques that you may not have previously tried.  This month our challenge is Low Volume Background and a pop of red.  To read more about low volume fabrics please read this excellent post here on Craftsy.

Here is a small example of the fabrics in my stash that would be considered low volume. When photographed as black and white they read solid.

Our block this month will measure 11.5” x 11.5”. If you would like to make a larger block, simply adjust the starting size of your squares.

For our block you will need 4 different low volume background prints measuring 6” x 6”.  You will also need two red scraps measuring 1.5” wide by 20”. There will be waste on the red fabric but it is better to have 2 longer pieces to start.

Step 1: sew your background squares into a 4-patch using ¼” seams.

 

Step 2: slice your 4 patch at an angle. I like to slice through the center of the block at some point. Makes things easier for me to line back up later.

Step 3: Sew a red strip to one of the pieces.

 Step 4: Re-attach the piece you cut off. Try to line your side up to be somewhat even and pay attention to the center lines as best as possible. This does not have to be perfect (mine isn’t if you look closely, but remember, if you can’t see the mistake when riding by on a horse, you’re fine!). DO NOT TRIM EXCESS!

Step 5: Slice your block again. You can do any angle you like, I again tried to go through the middle seam.

View of my slice:

Step 6: Sew your strip to one side

Step 7: Re-attach final piece. Try to line up seams from the first red strip. This again doesn’t need to be perfect, close counts and will still look quite nice.

Step 8: Trim your block. This block will measure 11.5” x 11.5”

If you want a 12.5” x 12.5” block simply start with 6.5” x 6.5” background squares.

 

Enjoy! 

If you are a member please bring your charity block to the next meeting!