Summer in the Country- Block 7- Summer Basket

This week's Summer in the Country block is a beauty, and certainly a challenge. It is called Summer Basket and was designed by Nicola Dodd of Cakestand Quilts. It may be my favorite so far and I think it will be a gorgeous addition to the quilt.

Be that as it may, I have to tell you that the instructions for this block are not great. A whole step involving the units for the basket section was left out. Never fear my friends, I've got you. Follow along with me step by step and you will end up with a fabulous block.

I did not make this block exactly as the pattern recommended. I have certain methods of construction that work for me that I substitute in when I can. Here we go. Hang on to your hats, there are many photos ahead and this will be a long post. 

The pattern tells us to first construct the stem unit for our flower. I followed the pattern instructions for this unit with good results.

Now we do a stitch and flip triangle to attach the stem to the base of the basket.

Draw a diagonal line as shown above, stitch, trim, and flip.


Next, we need 8 flying geese units that measure 2 x 3 1/2" unfinished. I prefer to make my flying geese four at a time, slightly oversized, and trim them down. There are many tutorials online for making them this way. Or use your own tried and true favorite method. Or follow the pattern...

Lines drawn and ready to stitch.

I used my BlocLoc trim tool to trim the oversized flying geese down to size. I made eight.

Our next unit is a 3 inch finished square in a square unit. I get the best results when I use Fat Quarter Shop's square in a square paper, so that is what I chose to do. 

Isn't it lovely? I made one.


Next I needed to make two 3 1/2" finished half square triangle units for the side flowers. I followed the pattern instructions for those.

Now I was ready to tackle making the basket and basket base. The pattern did have instructions for making the smaller base unit on the right.

But then the pattern instructions let me down. I was ready to cut out and construct the pieces needed for the other side of the basket base, but that information was left out. 

What size is the "A" fabric piece in the lower right corner supposed to be? What size is the "D" fabric unit that is attached to it supposed to be? 


To make that left hand basket base, you need a background square 3 1/2 x 5" and a blue square 3 1/2". Draw a diagonal line on the back of the blue square and sew it to the background.



Flip that blue triangle over and press. And there is your unit.

So, let's see what we need to assemble our block.


Two 3 1/2" half square triangles, one 3 1/2" square in a square unit, eight 2 x 3 1/2" flying geese, and five 2 inch background squares. (Only four are pictured above, but you will need 5).


Two 3 1/2" background squares, our 3 1/2" stem unit, two 2 x 5" rectangles, and the two base units for our basket. The one on the left measures 2 x 3 1/2", and the one on the right measures 3 1/2 x 5".

We are going to assemble our block in four quadrants. 


This is the top left quadrant. I sewed the sections in two "rows".


Top left quadrant sewn. I pressed my seams open.


These are the pieces we need for the top right quadrant.


I sewed the flower pieces together and then attached the background rectangle. 


I pressed my seams open, except I pressed the white rectangle away from the flower.


These are the pieces we need for our lower left quadrant. I sewed the pieces in "rows" top to bottom.


I pressed my seams open except for that white rectangle. I pressed that away from the flower.


Finally, our final quadrant, the lower right basket section. Here are all the pieces ready to go.


You know what to do. Press open.

Now let's sew those four quadrants together!


This is a beautiful block. I think it was worth all the fiddly steps.


I think you will be happier with the final results of your block if you press open. Everything comes out so much flatter.


My blocks so far. How are yours coming along?

Honestly, it took longer to write this post than it did to make the block!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Mary]

The block is definitely a winner! And I appreciate your comment about some of the directions were missing. I struggled with a couple blocks when I was considering this project. I've pieced quilts for over 50 years and couldn't understand why they were so difficult. Quilting should be fun and not confusing!

[Nancy Watkins]

I am not making this quilt but I still appreciate the time you took to do this tutorial and read all your instructions. This block is pretty!

[Marie Woodhouse]

Wowza Nicole! As soon as I looked at the finished block and started to analyze the construction I knew it was challenging! No instructions is not a good way to present a block pattern. Bravo to you for posting the methods used and your instructions for the missing part of the pattern. It is a stunning block and I am loving your fabric choices for this BOM. It sure is a winner! Our heat wave has settled down to normal temps and I am going to Toronto on Thursday to see the exhibit Little Canada, so we will not melt. Cheers & Happy sewing!

[Erin]

You created a wonderful, very clear tutorial. Though I am not making this quilt, I so appreciate instructions that make sense!

[Jan]

Your sew-along participants will definitely thank you for writing the clear, easy to follow instructions! I wonder whether the 'Summer In The Country' sponsors will realize there's a goof-up? That block is really nice & I can see making it in many different color ways. It might even make a fun flower basket quilt all on its own! 🌺🌸🌼

[Ina]

brutal. someone forgot to include some of the directions. I really love this block though. It's just so cheerful and colorful. I love seeing your finished blocks. this is going to be such a fun quilt when it is all sewn together. ordering that blue from England was absolutely worth it.

[sue s]

This is why I hesitate to make Moda designer samplers. The instructions have errors that Moda does not correct. Sometimes you can catch some help from the Facebook group. I have taken to substituting when I've been frustrated. I have added your instructions to my pattern file. This block is lovely. Thanks!

[Sally]

Glad to hear that you and your family did not lose anything in the recent fire.

Your newest flower basket block is really adorable!

[T Holzer]

Stunning, Nicole! and beautiful job on your last block!

[Debbie R.]

Your blocks are gorgeous! And your instructions are clear and thorough. Thank you! This project is really tempting me!