When I knew I was going to be involved in putting something together for this quilt, I was both thrilled and apprehensive. When I’m planning or designing quilts at home, they tend to take on a mind of their own as they come together. When you are working with other people, it’s not always that easy to take that route.
I’ve always loved sew a row quilts, especially those that combine different styles and techniques. My favourites combine rows of applique with rows of blocks. Right from the beginning, I wanted to do a pinwheel block, it’s one I really enjoy making.
Around that time, I was reading blogs and someone had used a whirlwind block to make a mug rug. I thought that was the perfect block for my row as it went just a little further than the basic pinwheel. It was then that the name “Whirlwinds of Fire” was born.
So far so good, blocks were made and sewn, and only just now, the lightbulb moment! What I actually made was different so that means you get a choice. When you come to make your quilt, you could substitute the block I actually made with a whirlwind block, it’s entirely up to you. Seeing the finished quilt, I do think the block I ended up with fits in with the grand design.
To plan the block, I printed some trusty graph paper and actually drew the design onto paper first. There were a couple of test runs with fabric, but not as many as there would have been if I hadn’t put pen to paper. This is a great block for using up fabric scraps. I had about one fat quarter each of four fabrics used, and there is plenty left over. There are four blocks in total and, if you wanted, you could use different fabrics in each one. As fire is moving, I’ve rotated each block as I’ve joined them.
This is not a difficult block to do. As we are sewing triangles, spray starching your fabric first really does help. It keeps the fabric more stable and helps to prevent it from stretching when you sew. Once the centre square has been made up, make sure you trim to size before completing the block.
You can find full details of how to put together your “Whirlwinds of Fire” row here.
Responses