December Block of the Month
The shortest and darkest month of the year is upon us so this month’s block is a lantern for light. It’s also a small homage to the upcoming Chinese New Year. According to the Chinese calendar, the year 4715 will be rung in on February 16th, 2018. Win these at the January meeting and you could have the quilt finished before then!
This month’s color way is red, gold and black in solids or tone on tone. Make your lanterns red with gold or gold with red and the background black. Modern fabrics of course and as always, 1/4 inch seams throughout.
A simple tutorial can be found here.
In case you don’t feel like jumping to the link, here’s a brief write up.
Cut:
From your base lantern fabric
- Two 3 1/2” x 12 1/2” strips
- One 2 1/2” x 12 1/2” strip
From your contrast lantern fabric
- One 6 1/2” x 4 1/2” rectangle
- Two 1” x 12 1/2” strips
Black background fabric
- Four 3 1/2” x 3 1/2” squares
- Two 3 1/2” x 4 1/2” rectangles
Sew:
- Sew the two 3 1/2’ by 4 1/2” rectangles to both sides of the 6 1/2” x 4 1/2” contrast rectangle. Press seams toward the black and then cut two 2” segments. These will be the top and bottom of the lantern.
- Draw diagonal lines on the black squares and ‘snowball’ the corners of the 3 1/2’ x 12 1/2” lantern strips. Press seams toward black.
- Sew one of the contrast strips to the long side of the 2 1/2” x 12 1/2” lantern strip and then sew the other side. Press seams toward the darker color.
- Now lay your pieces out as shown and assemble your block. It should measure 12 1/2” square when you’re done.
May the New Year bring much light and joy to you and yours!