I've been busy making little four patch blocks this past few days. They go together so quickly and are the perfect project to work on while I watch episodes of Call the Midwife. (I am really enjoying that series). These four patches are for a sew along sponsored by American Patchwork and Quilting magazine, in their current issue. I didn't use any of the three suggested settings in the magazine, but decided to do my own thing.
This is the setting idea I have in mind for them all. I do have to pay attention when I am sewing the block units together. If my mind isn't focused, I can get the orientation of the block units wrong and it throws off the design. I am enjoying the softer colors of this quilt and am looking forward to seeing it on the bed in my master bedroom, which is painted a soft sagey green. I think it will be a pretty look for spring and summer.
I call the block and setting Jacob's Ladder. I am sure there are several other names for it. It is very traditional, a real classic in fact. The fabrics are mostly all from my stash, but I did use all the pinks, greens and some browns from Julie Hendricksen's recent collection called Threads of Time designed for Windham Fabrics. I am not using a pattern, precisely. I browsed the internet and Pinterest for ideas on setting four patch blocks and saw several versions similar to what I am doing. I knew I wanted my block size to be 9 inches finished, and did my calculations accordingly.
To re-cap, I cut two inch strips for the four patch units and 3 1/2 inch strips for my half square triangles. I am using the Easy Angle ruler to cut the half square triangles and there is no waste. And no drawing of lines. I am not even bothering to cut wider strips and make the half square triangles bigger, then cutting them down to 3 1/2 inches. They are all coming out just fine. Each four patch and each half square triangle measures 3 1/2 inches.
Love it! Great idea, instructions and inspiration!
Mary
Posted by: Mary Kastner | February 11, 2015 at 04:49 AM
I love four patches, and while I do like the ones featured in the current issue of APQ, I really, really like yours so much better! I love your fabrics, too.
Posted by: Kathy | February 11, 2015 at 05:23 AM
I like your pattern too. Your quilt will be beautiful when it's all together. The Easy Angle rulers are a great help, aren't they? I am making two baby quilts right now, used the pattern directions, drawing diagonal lines, for one and had a terrible time. Then I remembered the Easy Angle and the second one went together so much better.
Posted by: Llinda Enneking | February 11, 2015 at 05:52 AM
Sure is pretty! I call it Jacob's Ladder, but you are right - there are other names, too, I believe. I made one in scrappy red and cream that turned out pretty. Can't go wrong with a classic pattern, IMO.
Posted by: Jayne | February 11, 2015 at 06:44 AM
Once again, stellar!! Love your fabrics and your planned Jacob's Ladder block setting.
I enjoy making 4 patches using Billie Lauder's Method 2 shown in her Quick Quilt Tricks booklet. This method make two matching 4 patches at a time and that's delightful.
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | February 11, 2015 at 07:05 AM
Love the way you're making your quilt and the colors you've choosen!
Posted by: Hildy | February 11, 2015 at 08:39 AM
gorgeous!! love it!!!
Posted by: ina | February 11, 2015 at 09:27 AM
Just love the fabrics you are using :-D
Posted by: Sue Babich | February 11, 2015 at 09:35 AM
This is off subject but wondering if you saw the Moda Fabrics blog today about building a repro stash:
http://blog.modafabrics.com/2015/02/build-a-repro-stash-with-barbara-brackman/
Here's the link to Barbara-Brackman's Civil War Quilts blog:
http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/
I know you love a lot of the those colors/fabrics. Thought you might find interesting. Or maybe you've already posted about this and I missed that one.
Posted by: Carol | February 11, 2015 at 10:08 AM
I sure did. I think Barbara Brackman is so amazing. I have learned so much about how antique fabrics age and also about the dyeing process for all those wonderful colors that were popular. Turkey red, Cheddar, Poison Green, Prussian Blue--I love the names too! Thanks for those links Carol, I know other readers will really appreciate them.
Posted by: Nicole | February 11, 2015 at 10:17 AM
Oh so pretty!!
Posted by: Carmen | February 11, 2015 at 11:08 AM
Love your fabrics and the pattern! It's going to be a stunning quilt and so soothing to sleep under.
Posted by: Gretchen | February 11, 2015 at 01:11 PM
Love the look of this. I'm a fan of the Jacob's Ladder setting, too.
Posted by: Laura @ Prairie Sewn Studios | February 11, 2015 at 02:02 PM
I really love the colors in this! I can see how you'd have to pay close attention, but the pattern is beautiful.
Posted by: Dee | February 11, 2015 at 03:43 PM
Looks really good in the Jacobs Ladder lay out. That's what I call the block too. I haven't seen Call the Midwife yet (I think I'm the only Australian who hasn't!) but I've read two of the books and thoroughly enjoy them. I recommend them to you.
Posted by: Sarah | March 03, 2015 at 05:57 AM