Block 4- The Virtual Quilting Bee
This block is Going Dutch by Melissa Cory@Happy Quilting. For more info about the Virtual Quilting Bee visit Amy@Diary of a Quilter. She also has links to all the tutorials for each block.
This is another one of those blocks that looks harder than it really is…seriously! I’ve started to notice the blocks that look a little tricky often are using a piecing/designing method I call snowballin’:). It is not that difficult, but when combined with other blocks or a pieced foundation square can create the look of an intricate design.
Have you ever heard of the traditional block called a Snowball? Here is is:
It is created by sewing smaller square blocks to the foundation/original solid square. It is often combined with other blocks to create a secondary design.
The resulting block reveals a somewhat round ball that, you guessed it…..looks like a snowball:) I used a large snowball block in my Cardinal Stars quilt. Can you see it?
Here is a quick how to…
Mark a diagonal line on your corner squares.
Stitch on the marked line.
Trim 1/4″ from the seam line to remove excess.
Press those little corners open and your done! Pretty cute, huh? Don’t you just want to make a whole quilt full of snowballs!
Adapting the snowball technique is a great way to avoid some tricky calculations and having to cut triangles and octagons…ain’t nobody got time for that!
This block is using that technique on opposite ends of a rectangle. Throw in a couple HST’s and some solid squares and you’ll be Going Dutch in no time! Wait a minute…is that a good thing? Anywho, your block will be done and you can figure out who is paying for dinner later.
Don’t forget when you trim those little snowball corners to sew them together and make some mini HST’s, these are really tiny. Okay, this is getting obsessive I know. You can toss ’em if you must!
Don’t forget to check out the New Blogger Blog Hop! Here is a list of all the blogs featured today:
Be sure to leave a comment and share some quilty love!
You will see me on this list June 28th!!!
Keep it Sassy♥
(Links:AnythingGoes@StitchbyStitch, TGIFF, LAFF@RichardandTanyaQuilts,CrazyMomQuilts, LetsGetAccuainted@PlumandJune, CraftasticMonday@SewCanDo, SewCuteTuesday@BetterOffThread, QuiltStory, ShowandTellTuesday@FreshSqueezedFabrics)
Still got my mini triangles :D Love the fabrics in your Dutch block and it looks soooo much neater than my latest effort, haha!! Keep up the good work missis.
Neat! And really interesting to see what the snowball can do in an overall quilt design. I’m lusting over your Happy Go Lucky… been resisting buying it, not sure why. :)
Oh I love block four. And that snowball looks easy enough for me to do!
This is so pretty! Thanks for the instructions too, looking forward to making this :)
Pretty block! Great fabric choices and tutorial, Paula. Thanks for linking up to TGIFF!
Is that red and white checker-and-plus print from Happy Go Lucky? I told myself I “didn’t like that line,” and everything I see made up from it on the internet I love! A very bright, fresh block, Paula.
Yes it is! All happy go lucky in these blocks.
love, love, love these blocks! Every time you post a new one, it’s my new favorite! Great tutorial on snowball blocks too! Would you believe that I’ve never made any??
-Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation
True that is a great block. Great projects!
I love that block! See you in July!
You know after seeing your Going Dutch block,I think I may have seen that one before and had added it to my to do list mentally:) Thank you for reminding me!
Very, very….triple double berry cute!
wow, I love the way you used the snowball block in your Cardinal Stars quilt! So many looks for such a simple block.