Don't be afraid of today's Summer in the Country block. Yes, it has a lot of pieces, but we will break it down and see how easily it goes together. The pattern instructions warn to cut carefully and sew with a 1/4" seam allowance, which is always good advice.
You notice we have a lot of half-square triangle units to make. When I have lots of these units to make I gravitate to paper piecing to achieve the most accurate results without having to do a lot of trimming. My favorite triangle papers are called Star Singles by Spinning Star Design. I have bought them for years from Shabby Fabrics. There are other great brands of triangle paper to choose from, so you should use whatever is your favorite. Fat Quarter Shop's Triangles on a Roll, Thangles, and Primitive Gatherings Triangle Paper (which comes in super tiny sizes) are just some you could try. You could also make your hsts oversized and trim them down as the pattern directs.
You are going to make a lot of hsts. 4 units in red and white, 8 units in red and blue, and 12 units in blue and white (or whatever colors you are using instead). I pressed all my units towards the darker fabric.
Next up is to make your little center pinwheel unit. In the pattern, it is called a "triple triangle unit".
These pieces are tiny and on the bias. I recommend carefully pressing your seams open to get a flat unit. You will make this unit again in a larger size, and I pressed those seams open as well.
After sewing, you will want to check the size for 2" and trim if needed.
Mine came out pretty accurate, but I still trimmed off a sliver or two around the block. I really appreciate it when pattern instructions give helpful tips like "your half square triangle unit should measure 2". I have found that measuring and trimming block units as I construct them makes for a much more accurate block in the end.
Now we are ready to assemble our little "hay baler" units, which are kind of a "bear's paw" variation, don't you think? You have your large triple triangle piece, one strip of 3 blue and white hsts, and one strip made of 1 red and white hst, 2 red and blue hsts, and your tiny triple triangle unit. I pressed those seams open as you can see in the photo above.
Woo hoo, look at us now. We have made 4 "Hay Baler" quadrants. Arrange the blocks as shown, pin carefully at the intersections where the points meet, and sew. I don't know how anyone could assemble this block without lots of pinning so as not to cut off any of those points. Pins are your friend. Press seams open.
And there we are, our first three blocks of the Summer in the Country sew-along are done!
Anne Wiens of Sweetgrass Creative is the designer of today's block. How do you think this block got its name, Hay Baler?
A hay baler is a piece of farm machinery that compresses cut and raked hay into compact bales that are easier to handle and stack. I do see the feeling of circular motion that is conveyed both by the machine and by the movement in the block. A very cool block Anne, thank you.
By the way, if any of you sewing along would like to send me a photo of your blocks I'd love to see them and post them here. Just attach your image to an email to me.
Very interesting post to this farm girl. Thank you for breaking down this block. Your version is beautiful! Never thought I would see a tractor in your post!
Posted by: June | June 10, 2024 at 05:08 AM
I'm following you from afar on my vacation. Will try to get this started when I get home. Nice breakdown of the block!
Posted by: sue s | June 10, 2024 at 05:43 AM
Just got home from spending time with the grandkids. I need to finish a baby quilt first before I start these blocks.
Posted by: Chris | June 10, 2024 at 06:59 AM
That's a super cute block! Lots of work, but definitely worth the effort! We have 38 acres of hay still growing, but our tractor & baler will soon be busy, too! Your photo shows a 'round bale'; we put up 'square bales' which are smaller. 🚜 Have a great week!
Posted by: Jan | June 10, 2024 at 07:11 AM
Nice blocks! I have all brands and sizes of triangle papers but I don’t remember to use them. I need to think about them before I do any cutting. Thanks for the reminder!
Posted by: Sandra | June 10, 2024 at 07:55 AM
holy moly! that's a lot of little pieces. thank goodness for tiny hst paper!
I hope you receive pictures of blocks from others. it would be really fun to see the colors/fabric other people have chosen.
Posted by: Ina | June 10, 2024 at 09:43 AM
Great tips and info on the triangles! Very pretty block 😍
Posted by: Anita | June 12, 2024 at 01:13 AM