Implementing modern elements into a classical block design - Our Zen Chic BOM block 4
This week we work on Block 4 of our mutual Zen Chic Block of the Month sew along. It’s named WHERE TO GO and I combined the arrows as a graphic element of our modern everyday life with a classical geometric block design, using traditional patchwork techniques, like flying geese units.
The outer edges of this block are kept in grey in contrast to the colorful center pieces to form a kind of frame (and an octagon shape in the center) to guide the eye while wandering on the finished quilt design. The arrows are made out of three pieces from the same fabric, as pieces from different fabrics would not point out the arrow shape clear enough for the eye.
BTW: The pattern says: cut 8 triangles C, this is a mistake, it should read: cut 4 triangles C (these are the pointers of the arrows).
Mind that all the patches in red letters in the instruction should be cut slightly (1/8") larger to receive the exact final size of the block unit by trimming them later. That also applies to some of the patches needed for this block, for example the half-square triangles in the corners. For tips on how to prepare them, please refer to our blog post for Block 2 of our BOM.
How to sew the flying geese units alternatively
The pointers of the arrows are made of flying geese units. The original cutting instructions are referring to three single triangles (a large one and two smaller ones) which are pieced together. Alternatively you can also go with a stitch-and-flip-technique. This technique prevents from stretching the bias edges too much, which can happen with the technique using single triangles.
So let me quickly lay out this alternative method for you:
The finished size of the Flying Geese unit should be 4 1/2" x 2 1/2" including seam allowances. You start with a colored blender rectangle 4 1/2" x 2 1/2" and two low volume squares, each 2 1/2" x 2 1/2".
Align a square on a corner of the rectangle. Mark a diagonal line on the square from corner to corner in the correct direction. Sew on the marked line. Trim the seam allowances to 1/4" as shown in picture 1. Flip the resulting triangle open and press. Attach the opposite triangle in the same manner (cf. picture 2).
And voilà! The result should look like picture 3 and measure 4 1/2" x 2 1/2".
So that's it for Block No. 4 and I hope you enjoy it!
Wishing you all a blessed holiday season with lots of good surprises, not only from Santa. Thank you all for the support in 2018 and we will follow up with the next step and Block 5 at the 4th of January 2019!
Until then, keep me and the other quilters of our mutual BOM project updated and share your progress using our hashtag #SPOTTEDMOREPAPER on instagram and our facebookgroup.
You still need the BOM quilt pattern to join our Zen Chic Sew Along? Follow the links below for all related blog posts and download the instructions right here:
Get the Block of the Month Quilt Pattern
This is a PDF-pattern and not a brochure! Store the file to your desktop computer. I can’t recommend mobile devices for saving the file. (Keep in mind: The download expires after 1 week or 3 attempts)
ALL BLOG POSTS FOR THE BOM
Cutting your fabrics with triangle templates a bonus download
Cutting diagrams for yardage, bonus download