"Blue Ribbon", designed by Anne Wiens, wins the prize for the cutest block in the Summer in the Country sew-along in my opinion! I adore this block.
It wasn't hard to piece, but I do have a tip or two for you.
We need to make some hourglass units for this block. The instructions say to cut your squares 3 1/4", then cut diagonally twice. Don't do that. Cut your squares 3 1/2". Whenever I make hourglass units, I cut my squares a full INCH larger than the finished size of the sewn hourglass block. You will be so glad you made these units oversized and can trim them down to the perfect size.
Once your unit is all stitched together, press those seams open. You will achieve a nice flat block that way.
I like to use my Cute Cuts trim tool to cut my units down to the 2.5" size. Those diagonal lines make centering the unit so easy.
You will have a nice generous amount of trimmings and your block will be precisely the correct size.
Layout your hourglass units and the rest of the fabric pieces needed for the block. I followed the pattern instructions from here on, but you may find my photograph of the finished quadrants helpful.
This is the upper left quadrant.
These are the four quadrants you need to assemble for the Blue Ribbon block. Just go slowly and refer to the photograph or the pattern diagram for reference. Notice the quadrants will be sewn together in two vertical sections.
I am super happy with the way this block came out!
In other news, the heat wave continues:
Seriously?
This is such a cute - and unique- block! I also cut my hourglass and HST bigger and it really helps accuracy. Anytime the pattern uses eighths as a measurement that's my clue to cut at least 1/4"instead.
Posted by: sue s | July 11, 2024 at 05:13 AM
We got a break in our weather thanks to the tropical storm. Hope sometime soon you'll get your break.
The block is so stinking cute!
Posted by: mary | July 11, 2024 at 05:20 AM
Hello Nicole,
Love this block, yours's is exceptional! Love the colour choices for the fabrics also. I hope you have a relief in the temperature's soon. We had rain for the last 24 hours from the tale end of the eastern hurricane. Our temperature had dropped to an acceptable climate. So Another BOM for you! ha ha keep it up! My local quilt shop is offering the kit for the 2025 Cory Yoder BOM, I am considering it very seriously! enjoy
Posted by: Marie Woodhouse | July 11, 2024 at 07:22 AM
Cute block! You do such a great job of showing each step. If someone was a rookie quilter, following your steps would certainly make it a much more pleasant experience. I’m sure the directions are complete in the pattern, but for a visual learner, your photos and tips are great. Yikes, 109! What do people do that don’t quilt when the temps are high? Thanks for sharing your work!
Posted by: Sandra | July 11, 2024 at 07:36 AM
Chiming in on Sandra's comment...I've been reading your blog since I was a 'rookie' & she's absolutely correct! I've learned so many how-to tips & ideas! The 'Blue Ribbon' block is so cute & unusual! I love your fabric choices for this quilt! Here's hoping you get a break in your weather soon! 🤞
Posted by: Jan | July 11, 2024 at 08:02 AM
I love that block! Very different from anything else I've seen.
I feel so bad for everyone suffering in the heat. even if you can afford to run air-conditioning continuously (I hate PG&E and the PUC) the unit could never keep your house cool enough to be just comfortable. :(
Posted by: Ina | July 11, 2024 at 09:35 AM
Oh wow, this block is even cuter than your house block yesterday! How fun to be working on such wonderful projects simultaneously.
Hang in there. Cooler weather is bound to be coming soon, at least in October! Ha ha!
Posted by: Sally | July 11, 2024 at 11:48 AM
What a cute block! Great tips and visuals! We also had a high of 109, just crazy! Hopefully it will be the hottest day this week. Stay cool!
Posted by: Anita | July 11, 2024 at 10:39 PM