A Year With Miss Lizzy: Block 6 – Honeysuckle

A Year with Miss Lizzy starts June with Block 6: Honeysuckle. This block is great for those of you that, like me, love a good nested seam. If you do a little bit of planning ahead with your seams you’ll find the come together so much nicer in the final assembly.

A Word About My Approach

As you’ll see in the pattern I like to work in units. Each block is made up of simple and repeated unit types such as a half square triangle (HST). When I work in pieced patchwork I like to break the block down into it’s units and make these first and then assemble the block.

I do this because it allows me to batch process (a term borrowed from computing that just means to repeat the same action) the cutting, sewing and pressing. Another way to think of it is like chain piecing. You’re repeating the same actions multiple times to cut down on effort and save time. (I’m all about time saving!)

This approach is reflected in how I write my patterns. I’ll show you how to make the units contained within each block and then we’ll do the block construction.

Supplies

You’ll need the following to complete this block:

• Block 1 Hydrangea Pattern
• Sewing Machine
• Basic Sewing Supplies
• Iron and Ironing Board
• Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat
• Fabric marker
• Ruler
• Seam Ripper
• Optional: From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Template Set A (For Miss Lizzy’s Garden)
• Optional: From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Template Set N (For Miss Lizzy’s Garden)
• Optional: From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Template Set B (For Miss Lizzy’s Blooms)

A Note on Pressing

Pressing is like deciding which sporting team to follow – we all have our own opinions and in the end it really doesn’t matter which one you follow as long as you’re having fun.

To help you out though I’ll provide a photograph of the back of my block so you can see how I’ve pressed. I’m sharing this with you now so that you can keep this in mind as you work through your block assembly.

Over the course of this year you’ll notice that my pressing direction changes depending on the situation. Sometimes I’ll press open to help the block lay flat, some times I’ll press to one side to help nest my seams for greater accuracy and sometimes I’ll press to the lazy.

A Note on Pinning: Pinning is a little like pressing – it’s up to you how you do it. I like to pin a lot, whereas other like to hold together with their fingers. For me, my sewing style requires the extra support that pins provide. Do what works best for you – this is a judgement free zone!

Block Unit Construction

While I use, recommend and couldn’t live without the From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates and Rulers I know that not everyone has these in their collections so the pattern and tutorials will show you how to make your blocks using either the “Traditional” Method or “From Marti Michell” Method.

The Traditional Method will require the standard patchwork supplies everyone should have (rotary cutter and ruler), whereas the From Marti Michell Method will show you how to use the templates and rulers to construct the block. Use the method that corresponds to your working style, your budget and what helps you be most accurate.

Checkerboard Assembly

The trick with this unit is to nest the seams. Nesting your seams will make all the difference with accuracy and ease of block construction.

Trio Rectangle Assembly

The Trio Rectangle Unit is a great unit to have fun with directional print. Just make sure that you have a system in place to keep your pieces in the order you intend or it could mean you’ll be spending time with the seam ripper.

Block Construction

This is the fun bit – seeing all your hard work come together in a block you’ll love.

My Versions of this Block

I’m addicted to making patchwork blocks and so it should come as no surprise that I have 4 versions of A Year with Miss Lizzy on the go at the moment:

• An all Lizzy House version in the Miss Lizzy’s Garden layout.
• A Tula Pink print from Zuma and solids version in the Miss Lizzy’s Blooms layout.
• A version using Alexander Henry’s “zocalo” fabric and solids which will be a bonus layout for those that are working from both Miss Lizzy’s Garden and Miss Lizzy’s Blooms patterns.
• A version using Anna Maria Horner fabrics in a modified version of Miss Lizzy’s Garden for those looking to make a version with only 20 9″ blocks, instead of the 48 in the provided layout.

A Word on Fabric Selection

There is no right or wrong when it comes to fabric selection. It’s all about what fabrics, colours and prints make YOU happy. However, I know that it can be a thing that strikes fear into a quilter’s heart so each month you’ll get a colouring sheet with that month’s block on it (four of them so you can really play) that will help you decide what to use.