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A Year With Miss Lizzy: Bonus Block – Rose

ByGnomeAngel

A Year with Miss Lizzy ends December with the Bonus Block: Rose. This is another great block to get you ready for the 9 Patch Parade kicking off in February 2020. The pressing directions for your units and block assembly matters with this block so be sure to check out the pressing diagram in this tutorial before you start.

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 SQUARE TRIANGLE ASSEMBLY

The following method allows you to make two at a time half square triangles. I like to make mine a little bigger and then trim to size as I find this helps if you seams aren’t as accurate as they need to be. It does mean that there is a sliver of fabric waste. If you’re finding that ever with the fudge factor (trimming) your blocks are not coming out to size make sure you’re sewing with an scant quarter inch seam.

TRADITIONAL QUARTER SQUARE TRIANGLE ASSEMBLY

This assembly is a continuation from the assembly you started with the Half Square Triangle blocks.

FMM QUARTER SQUARE TRIANGLE ASSEMBLY

This is where the From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates and rulers come in to their own. Not only do you not create excess units you can use them to ensure your directional prints run in the right direction and that you only cut what you need to use. There is no need to make HSTs with this method of construction.

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.

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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