May 29, 2018

Road to Rome quilt block

Italy in the summertime. What could be better? I can only speculate as I have never been, but I will get there someday.

On that note, today's featured quilt block is called Road to Rome. If you are a beginner quilter, then this block is one for you. You will practice using the two most commonly pieced patches that are found in oh so many quilts -- the half square triangle and the flying geese units.

Road to Rome quilt block image © Wendy Russell
Road to Rome quilt block image
The two sample quilts shown below are both designed to continue with simplicity. The quilt on the left uses an on point setting and features extra, blank blocks to showcase your quilting designs. The quilt on the right sets the quilt blocks side by side, separated with sashing strips. Both are striking versions.



Quilts designed using the ROAD TO ROME quilt block
Quilts designed using the ROAD TO ROME quilt block


Check out these other "ROAD" quilt blocks:
~ Road to California
~ Road to Kansas
~ Road to Mississippi
~ Road to Vegas
~ Rocky Road



  All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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May 21, 2018

Peony and Forget Me Not quilt block

Well, I am a little late. The royal wedding this past weekend revealed two interesting things and each had a subtle role in the big day.
  • Meghan's favourite flower is the Peony - used in the floral arrangements at St George’s Chapel
  • Diana's favourite flower was the Forget Me Not - included in Meghan's bridal bouquet
How fortunate that this quilt block is a tribute to both of those flowers -- The Peony and Forget Me Not.

Peony and Forget Me Not quilt block image © Wendy Russell
Peony and Forget Me Not quilt block

The Peony and Forget Me Not quilt block is a wonderful choice if you want to make a larger block, hence less blocks to make. This block is not a choice I would make as a beginner quilter, but if you like a challenge, there is nothing difficult in the making of this block -- just lots of pieces, and therefore, precision in your sewing is critical. So, go for it!


The two sample quilts illustrated below both use on point settings, but give entirely different looks to the final project. Will you choose one of these or create an original design of your own?

Quilts designed using the PEONY AND FORGET ME NOT quilt block - images © Wendy Russell
Quilts designed using the PEONY AND FORGET ME NOT quilt block

All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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May 12, 2018

Monkey Wrench quilt block

The Monkey Wrench quilt block was one of the many blocks used as codes to help slaves escape and reach Canada along the 'Underground Railroad'. Quilts were strategically placed on fences and clotheslines in such a way as to showcase certain quilt blocks Those blocks were indicators of whom to approach or which direction to take on their escape route. The Monkey Wrench quilt block represented the blacksmith. (Side note: the block was named for the inventor of the tool -- a London blacksmith by the name of Charles Moncke).

You might also be interested in this quilt block ~ Underground Railroad

Monkey Wrench quilt block image © Wendy Russell
Monkey Wrench quilt block

Using the colours shown in this sample block as an example, you might envision a quilt for a special man in your life. (Also, the quilt block represents a "blacksmith" -- a very manly occupation.) :-)

The two sample quilts shown below, both use on point settings. As you can see, you can achieve very different looks while using this simple quilt block.

Quilts designed using the MONKEY WRENCH quilt block - images © Wendy Russell
Quilts designed using the MONKEY WRENCH quilt block


All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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May 02, 2018

Quilt Blocks for Mother's Day

In North American (and hopefully elsewhere around the world), the second Sunday in May is a special day to celebrate mothers.

Mother's Day was originated by Anna Jarvis in the early 1900s. Anna had even copyrighted the day. However, she was quite appalled at how the day she had originated as a tribute to her own mother, took on the life of a commercial venture, which continues to a far greater scope today.


Here are three different quilt blocks that you might enjoy sewing -- perhaps as a tribute to your own mother. Check out each of the pages by clicking on the images to see sample quilt layouts for each quilt block.

P.S. It's a little early, but Happy Mother's Day to my Mom, up there over the rainbow.

Mother's Choice quilt block image © Wendy Russell
Mother's Choice quilt block

Mother's Own quilt block image © Wendy Russell
Mother's Own quilt block


Mother's Favorite quilt block image © Wendy Russell
Mother's Favorite quilt block

All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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