The Ice Cream Churn block was actually kind of fun to make. There were elements to it that reminded me of putting together a puzzle. The block was designed for the Summer in the Country sew-along by Lisa Jo Giradot.
I found the pattern instructions for this block somewhat confusing. The pattern diagrams were not oriented the same way as the block photograph on the Moda website, which muddled me. I had better luck keeping that photo up on my laptop and following that instead of the pattern diagrams. It helped me better visualize my color placements.
What do we need to get started with this block? We need some half-square triangles. I made them according to the pattern directions, but found when I trimmed them up they didn't give you much room for error. I was literally just trimming fabric dust when I trimmed them to size with my BlocLoc ruler. If you are not an experienced sewer, you may want to use triangle paper or make your units oversized and trim them down.
Carefully following the color photo on the Moda website (or my photo below), arrange your block units into quadrants before sewing. Double-check your fabric placement.
Sew the quadrants together and press. For this block I didn't think pressing open was necessary because only a couple of seams intersected. I tried to anticipate that and pressed those seams in opposing directions.
Woo hoo! Look at us. We are making such great progress with these blocks. Patt is ahead of me and completed most of her blocks as you can see in the photo below. She needs 4 extra blocks for the quilt she has in mind. She said she made one block twice by accident. I had to really search to find it. Isn't her work beautiful?
Nancy has been posting her blocks on her Instagram account and is doing great work too.
Moda! They should make sure directions are perfect before publishing - it's their name after all. But you are doing a great job, and I enjoy following your progression.
Posted by: Mary | July 08, 2024 at 05:35 AM
I think this is my favorite block of the quilt-a-long. Thank you so much for sharing your tips. It's a frustrating experience to follow a pattern and find that it's not clear or doesn't give any room for adjustments.
Your block is wonderful, and I wonder what a whole quilt would look like in that pattern.
Posted by: Erin | July 08, 2024 at 06:08 AM
Such great blocks! I have a group of friends that get together once a month for a block swap and dinner. I love this quilt and I think it would be fun to make this our project for 2025. I usually plan and organize the project. A sampler quilt will be fun! I was going to sew along with you, but after looking at the pattern on the Moda site I thought it would be perfect for my group. Thanks for sharing your project and getting the plan brewing in my mind. It’s a beautiful quilt!
Posted by: Sandra | July 08, 2024 at 06:43 AM
Churn Dash is one of my favorite blocks & I really like this variation! I found Patt's two blocks, but it took me a minute. You're both making great progress! Have a great week!
Posted by: Jan | July 08, 2024 at 07:48 AM
that is a really cool mix-up of the traditional block. I really like it. Patt's blocks are beautiful!
Posted by: Ina | July 08, 2024 at 09:45 AM
Both sets of blocks look great! It’s so fun to sew on a project the same time as someone else.
Posted by: Diane | July 08, 2024 at 03:32 PM
Love how your blocks are coming along! The colors are so cheery and patriotic! Can’t wait to see this one finished
Posted by: Anita | July 10, 2024 at 03:15 PM