Anyone up for Checkers?

There are lots of things going for this quilt block called Checkerboard Friends.  It is a seven patch block with quite a few pieces, but works well as a larger block -- hence fewer blocks to make for a quilt.

Checkerboard Friends quilt block

I chose to construct this block as an uneven nine patch as I find working with larger units easier to manage. However, you can easily make this block in rows if that is your preference. Half square triangles are featured in the outer border, but the main patch used is the simple square. Easy, peasy.

Lots of options present themselves for a quilt layout and if you throw in a few blank blocks as shown in the illustrated sample, your quilt goes together faster and you get to showcase your quilting skills. A win-win situation!

Download the free quilt block pattern.

Checkerboard Friends quilt

And Speaking of Friendship ...

• "I value the friend who, for me, finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar."
  ~ Robert Brault

_{'Checkerboard Friends' images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com}

Hands of Friendship

Hands of Friendship

One of the most special people in your life will be your best friend. Friends are a necessity in life -- to share all those laughable times and those sad times too. Friends are there for all those important life events. So on that segue, how about a look at the quilt block Hands of Friendship?

This quilt block is a nine patch block made with simple shapes -- the half square triangle and the flying geese units. Perhaps there is a future quilt here just waiting to be created for your best friend.

And now for some quotes about friendship ... and from a variety of sources

Best friends

• "Wine adds a smile to friendship and a spark to love."
  ~ Edmondo de Amicis


• "Friendship... is not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything."
  ~ Muhammad Ali


• "Being honest may not get you many friends but it'll always get you the right ones."
  ~ John Lennon


• "A friend is one who takes me for what I am."
  ~ Henry David Thoreau

_{Hands of Friendship image © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com
Cute little girls image courtesy of stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.net}