June 2018 Block of the Month
The month of June in south Florida means a return to afternoon thunderstorms, warm sun, and a little more room on our beaches for those of us who live here. Seems like a tropical fish theme is appropriate for this month. Make these fish, bring them to the July meeting and have a chance to win your own aquarium of a quilt! These work up quickly and have room for adaptation so make a couple or more to increase your winning chances.
Use absolutely any colors you please for your fish. Bright and tropical is where we’re going. For the background/water, a bright royal blue or intense teal/aqua. The blocks finish at 8 1/2” and as always, please use 1/4” seams and modern fabrics.
To make your fish, you’ll need:
- 1 square 4 1/2” x 4 1/2” for the body
- 2 squares 2 7/8” x 2 7/8” for the fins
The two smaller squares are used to make half square triangles that finish at 2” (2 1/2” before assembled in the block). I’ll show you how I made the half square triangles. Please use whatever method works for you to make them 2 1/2” square.
For the water background, you’ll need:
- 1 square 2 1/2” x 2 1/2”
- 2 squares 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
- 2 squares 5” x 5” - these are then cut in half on the diagonal to make a total of four triangles.
To create the fins/half square triangles, draw a diagonal pencil line on the back of the two fin squares. Place a fin on a water square, right sides together and sew 1/4” seam on both sides of your diagonal line. Cut on the drawn line and press the squares open.
Now comes the fun part. Lay out your large body square and decide how you’d like your fins and tail to appear. Any option is available! Once you’ve decided, assemble your block like a nine patch block. The remaining 2 1/2” square of background fills in the tail. Be sure to press your seams before sewing the next pieces.
Now it’s time to set the block on point so the fish swims correctly. Cut the two 5” squares in half diagonally so you have four triangles. Sew one set of triangles to opposite sides of the fish.
Press the seams open and add the other set of triangles. Press and you’re FINished. Pun intended.
Submitted by Linda Ilsmail