Well, actually I did not batter this block into submission. I failed utterly to make Lissa Alexander's Sewcialites Block 19, "Unity". I do not know what the problem was. Maybe the instruction measurements were a tad off, or I was making some sort of error. I must have tried three times to make that block and it was a mess. I wasted an entire fat quarter of a super cute print, plus background fabric.
For comparison, this is what the block is supposed to look like. (Photo from Fatquarter Shop). My block is the red one above, the real block by FQS is below in pink.
What I did, in the end, was to substitute another block. This one is called Handy Andy, and is really quite similar. My color placement is a bit different, but the pieces are pretty much the same, only there are no corner squares. The way I put the block together used corner triangles. Fewer seams is a good thing.
It came together without incident in one try. I never used my seam ripper to get any of the points to line up better. Whew. So glad it turned out at last. My initial efforts were a real disappointment.
If you want a terrific quilt block reference, this is a great one. I use it all the time. The nice thing about the book is that it offers the block patterns in 5 different sizes! Now that is handy.
Eva and I had a little party with her stepmom and step-grandma, and Eva made the most adorable cupcakes. No cake mix for us, we went all the way with a from-scratch vanilla cupcake and real buttercream icing. She wanted to do a St. Patrick's theme, so we dusted them with pale green sprinkles and stuck a gold foil-wrapped chocolate coin on top. They were a hit!
It looks to me like you have one more square in a square than they do.
Posted by: Debi | February 18, 2021 at 04:55 AM
Recently I've had some trouble with block-making, especially with QALs that feature many designers. I guess everyone has their own style, but I find some are needlessly pieced with excessive amounts of pieces. I think your block is a terrific substitute.
Posted by: sue s | February 18, 2021 at 06:06 AM
Some blocks are just troublemakers. At least that's my story. Now those cupcakes look magically delicious.
Posted by: Robby H. | February 18, 2021 at 06:19 AM
Your block looks great! Smart idea to substitute a similar one rather than spend more time in frustration. Having 5 size choices is a plus for that book! Eva's cupcakes from scratch look delicious. And, extra points for the cute decorations! ☘️☘️Stay well!
Posted by: Jan | February 18, 2021 at 07:08 AM
Your block looks fantastic. I, too, use that book all the time. Eva and her cupcakes are cute.
Posted by: Janice McCall | February 18, 2021 at 07:27 AM
Maybe there is something wrong with me, but I cannot see what is wrong with your block. Your points look perfect. I have that same fabric by the way. It is a nice print. I am going to look into that book. Our guild challenge is two blocks that start with your initials and that seems like a great source.
SSS
Posted by: Sue Slater | February 18, 2021 at 07:34 AM
Your "substitute" block looks fantastic, and probably better than the original, Ha!
Eva is so cute and geez, she is sure growing fast. I loved baking with my daughter when she was that age - now she's 26 and still a joy to be with. :)
Posted by: Sally | February 19, 2021 at 09:10 AM
You reversed your outside blocks!!
-Jean
❤
Posted by: Jean | February 19, 2021 at 11:30 AM
What a cutie she is! I think your block looks more complicated than the original, so kudos to you!
Posted by: Anita | February 21, 2021 at 10:46 PM
I came to the conclusion that the first square in a square should measure 3 1/4” unfinished not 3 1/2” for the 6” block. I tried to use Deb Tuckers square in a square ruler. After rereading instructions multiple times I saw where the center size for a 4” finished is the 3 1/4” measurement. Lots of frustration with this block and I’ve been quilting for 30 years
Posted by: Rita Kennedy | February 22, 2021 at 10:20 AM