April Block Lotto: Strippy Squares

One third strips, two thirds solid, this block celebrates scraps and colour, while giving space for creative quilting.

In your stash of scraps, you may have lots of orphan strips. Line some up with a colourful solid — they make for a joyful block.

For this block, we are aiming for a third of the block made from colourful strips, with two-thirds of the block providing space for artistic quilting. The block will measure 12 inches finished, 12.5 inches unfinished.

DIRECTIONS

Line up strips of colour to find a pleasing combination. Use a variety of widths of strips from 1.5 inches, 1.25 inches, 1 inch and 0.75 inch. Strips can be a solid from top to bottom of strip or made from a series of different colours. You can also use patterned fabric for this part.

When you have a combination you like, start sewing them together until they form a rectangle 4.5 inches wide, by something a bit longer than 12.5 inches.

Sew a rectangle of solid colour fabric, measuring 8.5 by 12.5 inches, to the strips. For the solid fabric, any colour that you'd like to use is fine.

Trim the block to 12.5 inches by 12. 5 inches.

Stay-stitching the ends of the strippy part (1/8-inch from edges) can be helpful to prevent fraying strips coming undone while being handled.

Use solids and patterns for the strippy part; use solids for the single large colour block.

DUE DATE

These blocks are due at the May meeting, and the draw will take place then.

Let's be social: @calgarymqg #calmqgblocklotto #calgarymqg

General Block Lotto Rules

1.  Make one quilt block (or many) following the pattern and colour scheme outlined in the lotto announcement blog post. For every block you make and bring to the following month's meeting, you will get one entry in the lotto. If you are unable to attend the meeting, but really want to participate in the lotto, ask a friend to get your blocks to the meeting, but make sure they are named so we can properly account for your blocks.

2. The winner gets all the blocks to make a quilted project from them (We may hold a vote to split up the blocks between more than one winner if there are enough entries). If you win, the blocks become yours and you can use them in any way you choose. You may only win one group per lotto.

3. We would love to see your finished project, either in person or in pictures, once you are done.

4. Use modern fabrics that you like or love! If you are unsure about your fabric selection as it relates to "Modern" please ask.

5. Have fun! Keep in mind that (most likely) someone else will be taking home your block to incorporate into a larger piece and things must fit together (literally, ...so keeping your block true to size is probably the most important thing), but you should also make it yours and enjoy the process.

6. Remember, you must be a member of the Calgary Modern Quilt Guild to participate.