Summer in the Country- Block 5 Lemonade

Lemonade is our fifth block in the Summer in the Country sew-along. Jessica Dayon designed this block. I really enjoyed making it, although some things puzzled me along the way. It is definitely the most challenging block so far, as it involves templates. If you think this block may be too much for your current sewing skills, feel free to substitute any 12" finished block you like in its place. In fact, the Moda Bakeshop folks have thoughtfully included a bonus block called "Cherry Pie" which you could do instead of this one. 

My block went together beautifully and I was so pleased with it. Until I measured it. It is a full 3/4" too large. I do not know if I am going to be able to use it in my quilt top! I believe that when I printed out the sheet with the templates, my printer did not print them the exact size. So, check your printer when you print out the template sheet. It has a square on it that should measure exactly 1" that you can check for accuracy. 

I am so disappointed, because like I said, that block came out so great. Well, you can at least follow along as I explain the construction process.

You will need to trace your templates onto some template plastic. You can buy this by the sheet from your local quilt shop or by the package from online sources such as Amazon.  I happened to have some on hand so I was good to go. Sure wish I had checked the measurement of that 1-inch square that was provided.

I used a Frixion pen to trace around the templates onto my fabric. I used nice sharp scissors to cut out the fabric pieces.


Here are my lovely pieces all cut out and ready to sew. Sure do wish I had more of the ladybug and light blue fabrics.


The pieces went together like a dream. There are little notches you cut at some of the places where the pieces intersect that help you position the fabric just right for sewing. That is the center section pictured above. It came out nice and square and the center points matched up. I pressed all seams open to get the flattest block possible. That is a lot of fabric coming together in the middle there.


My rows are ready to be sewn together. I was alarmed when I first looked at those top and bottom rows, as they look very weird because they aren't straight. Don't worry, it will all come out ok. Just pin carefully and pivot just the teeniest bit at the seam intersection where the angle changes.


Don't worry, I promise it will come out ok. 

Unless your templates aren't the exact size and your block comes out too big like mine did. But it is a gorgeous block. I may try to remake it, but I don't have any of those pretty blue fabrics left. Sad face.

So what did I do? I made an alternate block, which I may or may not use. This cute cherries block is from Lori Holt's Farm Girl Vintage book. I am not sure how these gigantic cherries are going to fit in with the look of the finished quilt top, but hey, if it looks weird I can put it on the back, right?

I sure hope your construction of the Lemonade block had a better result than mine! Let me know how it's going if you are sewing along. 

I know Nancy Alderman is sewing with us, as she is posting her fabulous blocks on Instagram. Check her out!

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Mary]

Yes! I saw that block when I was reading the Moda article, and I knew I wouldn't touch that one. Yours is beautiful; its a shame it won't fit.

[Sandra]

Yes, a beautiful but challenging block, and your piecing is perfect. ☹️it’s frustrating to find that the size is off. The Cherry block is really cute!

[Jan]

I'm sure you're disappointed, but how about putting a border on the Lemonade block & making a pillow to go with the quilt? And, do the same with the cherries if you change your mind about putting that one in the quilt. They're both too cute not to find a way to use them!

[Ina]

ugh. all that work and it is too small. :( it turned out so cute, too.

[Sally]

Such a pretty block! I would definitely consider Jan's suggestion to use it as a matching pillow!

[Nancy Alderman]

Thanks for the shout out, Nicole! I’m skipping lemonade. I never do well with templates 🙄😜 Yours looks great! I hope you decide to tackle it again so I can enjoy vicariously!