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A Year With Miss Lizzy: Block 9 – Morning Glory

ByGnomeAngel

A Year with Miss Lizzy starts September with Block 9: Morning Glory. This is a fun block that has a lot of movement in it. If I had my time over I’d be a bit more adventurous with my fabric placement, but I’m happy to live with it.

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:

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.

TRADITIONAL HALF QUARTER SQUARE TRIANGLE ASSEMBLY

This assembly is a continuation from the assembly you started with the Half Square Triangle blocks. You will need the HSTs made from the following combinations for this step:

  • Piece E + Piece F
  • Piece G + Piece H

At the end of this step you will have half quarter triangle squares with the following piece combinations:

  • Piece D + Piece F + Piece E
  • Piece C + Piece G + Piece H

Please note: This method of construction will result in surplus units being created. Please consult the block assembly diagram to use the correct one and add the spare into your scrap blocks bucket for later use in another project.

TRADITIONAL QUARTER SQUARE TRIANGLE ASSEMBLY

This assembly is a continuation from the assembly you started with the Half Square Triangle blocks. You will need the HSTs made from the following combinations for this step:

  • Piece E + Piece F

ONE RECTANGLE SQUARE ASSEMBLY

The One Rectangle Square unit is so easy to do that instead of having step outs on its own I’ve wrapped it up into the block construction.

BLOCK CONSTRUCTION

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

Block Construction

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.

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