Sunday, July 8, 2012

Red, White and Blue Blog Hop Block


I am so thrilled to be participating in the Red, White and Blue Blog Hop. I have named my block Paul's Celebration in honor of my dad.  He would have turned 78 on July13th.

Paul's Celebration Block

The block finishes at 12-inches. The three fabrics I used were:
Red-Dela Des Cimes From Studio E Fabrics
White- Paisley from Hoffman Fabrics
Blue - Hoffman screen print fabric
I think that the colors and textures of the fabric worked beautifully in the block. 

Now to the directions.
From your Red fabric cut:
2-     2-1/2 inch squares
8-    2-7/8 inch squares and cut them in half diagonally to make 16 red triangles

From your White fabric cut:
18-    2-1/2 inch squares

From your Blue fabric cut:
8-    2-1/2 inch squares
8-    2- 7/8 inch squares and cut them in half diagonally to make 16 blue triangles.

Your pile of cut pieces will look like this.  (I have cut pieces for multiple blocks)
Now we'll start piecing the block. 
I like to layout the block pieces onto a large ruler beside my sewing machine so that I can pick up the pieces, sew them and put them back into place so I don't loose the design I am trying to piece.  Especially when I have a block with lots of pieces.  Below I have all of the pieces laid out onto my ruler and ready to piece.

I first make the half-square triangle blocks by piecing one red and one blue triangle together.  After you sew together the half-square triangle blocks square them up to 2 1/2 inch blocks and trim off the dog ears.
 Your results is nicely trimmed blocks.  Set these aside for piecing the blocks.
 I also utilize chain piecing to save time and thread while piecing.

 Once you have the half-square triangle blocks done you can start piecing the blocks.  Following the block picture piece one half-square triangle block to a white square, then one red to one white square and another half-square triangle block to a white square.  You now have began the three rows of this block.  Press your seams open or to the side if you wish.  Now piece another half-square triangle block to the opposite side of the white block, another white square to the opposite side of the red square and another half-square triangle block to the opposite side of the white block.  Press again.
Now matching seams you can sew the three rows together.  Carefully watching the block design placement.
 Once you have completed sewing the three rows together press and square up to 6-1/2 inch block.  I love to use the diagonal arrows when I square up a block to make sure I do no nip off any points on the block.  You can see this in the photo below the arrows run from the right upper corner to the left lower corner.
Next you start piecing the 9-patch blocks. 
Then sew the three rows together into the 9-patch block.
 Now trim the blocks to 6-1/2 inch.  Again I use the diagonal arrows to keep the block square as I trim.
Next we start to piece the block together by sewing one 9-patch to one churn dash block for the first row, then a churn dash block to a 9-patch block for the second row.  Sew the two sections together to form your 12 1/2 inch block.  Trim to 12-1/2 inch.

This is the completed block.  Love the play of the red churn dash blocks within the blue and white. 
I also made a project from the Paul's Celebration Block.  I made a table runner to use in my home during July.  The runner is named Paul's Celebration also in honor of my dad.  I added red sashing between 3 blocks.  Then I added red border and then a blue & white border.  I appliqued stars in the corners to complete the table runner.

The backing fabric was left over from quilting my uncle's quilt which is the Navy Seal.  I quilted it on my longarm freehand.  I added red rick rack into the binding.  Below is a closeup view of some of the quilting.
 Some of the border quilting with the rick rack I added in the binding.  This is the first time I have added anything into the binding.  I really like the effect.
 Next is a view of the stars in the corners. 
 And finally the finished table runner. 
Here's the table runner with my favorite nutcracker.  Dad always loved this patriotic little guy.....and I think he looks great on Paul's Celebration Table Runner.
 A close up of the little guy.


I hope you have enjoyed my red, white and blue block I designed, the table runner designed from the blocks and the patriotic blog post today.  If you are a blogger and follow my blog please put a blurb about the blog hop and my post on your blog. Thanks for helping spread the love of quilting.

Here are the other quilters who are also posting today.  Make sure to hop over to their blogs and see what other beautiful quilt blocks are showing today.


Now for our giveaway.....

My giveaway consists of Red, White and Blue embelishment package, Sewers Aid, Thimble-It, A hand beaded thimble necklace, a sewing travel bag and a Sunbonnet Sue needle holder.

Here's how to enter the drawing:
  • Follow my blog. 
  • Leave a comment about the project and tell me your favorite 4th of July celebration ideas. 
  • Post your comments by midnight July 16th to be included in the drawing.
  • I'll draw for a winner at the end of the bloghop on July 17th so be sure to check back and see who the lucky winner is.
The full bloghop schedule can be found at www.janesfabrics.blogspot.com

Happy quilting,
Shelia

74 comments:

Sunshine Girl said...

Oooh great block and fabulous tutorial too. Love the finished table runner - thanks for sharing.

Sheila said...

Great block, love your table runner, especially the rick rack added to the binding. It puts the finishing touch to it.

Favorite 4th of July celebration would be a small family picnic. Have a great day!

Zuzan said...

Hallo Sheila, I have just become a follower. I love the fabrics with their history and the table runner glows. As an Aussie downunder I celebrate 4 July knowing that the USA is our friend & ally.
And as a Sue love the giveaway & our flag is RWB.
Congratulations.

Karen M said...

I love your table runner. Thanks for sharing your process. My favorite thing to do on 4th of July is have a potluck with friends and watch fireworks.

Sheila said...

Loved your block and your tutorial ,the finished runner really looks wonderful as well. I have become a follower and since I am Canadian we celebrate July 1st and for me it is a day to spend with family to enjoy the festivities. Thanks for the chance.

Quilt Doodle Designs said...

Wonderful tutorial. On the 4th of July we always have some friends over and barbeque and then end the night watching fireworks. Thank you for the chance to win.

Lee said...

Your table runner is lovely! Thanks for the tutorial. I love it the best when family gets together for the holiday!

JudyCinNC said...

Love, love your Dad's Celebration runner and what a lovely way to remember your wonderful father. July 4th is family and friends and a honoring our Patriotism - watermelon helps. Following you. Judy C

Debbie said...

Great job on the tutorial. This is a fabulous way to honor and remember your Dad. He is beaming at you right now. All the details you included are great.

Betsy said...

Omg, I love that runner.I remember fondly when in the military,the base would have a giant picnic where we see and gather with friends and neighbors. The fireworks were always so sentimental since our loved ones were usually deployed overseas.

Sparky said...

Good Morning Sheila, stunning block and wow for a runner...colors outstanding

Brenda said...

I am a follower as of now! Love your blocks and have pinned it on my Red, White and Blue board of tutorials so I do not forget it. The 4th here is spent with family.

Kellieann said...

I have a ALOT of favorite 4th of July's. My parents owned a camp and we would always celebrate at the lake with family and friends! it was the best.

Kathleen said...

I really like the blocks you made into the tablerunner...great tut...
on the 4th we go to a family picnic...alot of fun...thanks for the giveaway...

evelyn said...

Sheila I love your table runner. Gret tribute to your dad.

StitchinByTheLake said...

How nice that you were able to honor your father in this way - with such a beautiful table runner. blessings, marlene

SewWhatsNew said...

great project. It looks really pretty and would make a nice gift. I share the same birthday as your Dad. Have comfort on all your memories of him.

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Great block and what a beautiful table runner!

Teresa Quilts said...

Sheila, great block! Love rwb anyway, so I love your block. It looks awesome in the table runner, too. I am a new follower and fellow blogger. My favorite July 4th celebration includes famiy, cooking out, watching fireworks, but mostly enjoying spending time with one another,

Marcia W. said...

Fourth of July = a great meal at home,visits by family, and watching a Capitol Fourth on PBS. Your block is very pretty and special. Congratulations on a job well done! Thanks for the giveaway too. Blogger tells me that I am a follower:
Quilting In South Carolina
Congratulations, MarciaW
You are now following Quilting In South Carolina

Rosa said...

Great tutorial and beautiful blocks.Love your runner and the rickrack detail,fabulous!.

4th,It`s birthdays day:my nephew,(my sister`s )son and niece( my brother in law girl)!!

Renea said...

Thanks for the great giveaway. I am a new follower. Your table runner is sew cute and I really like the use of the rick rack. My favorite thing about the 4th of July is it is one day that I allow myself to really relax and just enjoy the day.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I took a lovely tour thru your blog - oh, I love the kitty fan! And the R/W/B star quilt in progress, you should have shared. But I love your runner and why it was designed. Great tutorial - love the rick-rack inset with binding - very nice look. I collect nut crackers, so this is delightful! Thank you for sharing with us today.

prairie said...

Hi Sheila: That's a great table runner. You did a beautiful job on it. I love your tutorial. I'm a new follower. My favorite 4th of July celebration is a day of family and friends, fireworks, and the reading of the Declaration of Independence. Thanks for letting us visit.

Carol Swift said...

Your runner turned out very nice--love it!

Darlington Delights said...

Your table runner is so bright and festive -just what the holiday needs. I'm a new follower. My favorite way to celebrate the fourth is with a cool slice of watermelon! Yum!

Kathy H said...

I am a new follower and I am glad I found your blog. I love your table runner and I always like it when someone makes a quilt in honor of someone special. The quilting was beautiful. I don't usually do something so pretty so I especially enjoyed seeing yours.
For the 4th this year, we had a barbeque with visiting family and then went to a concert and fireworks.

carla said...

Hi!!! I really enjoyed your block and table runner!!!! Thanks

Linda said...

I have just become a follower of your blog. I am truly enamored with your table runner. That Rick rack in the binding really adds to it!
As for celebrating the 4th, we tend to stay home and barbecue. Every year we have the same menu - hamburgers, corn on the cob,sliced tomatoes, potato salad, and ice cream.
Lequilts.blogspot.com

CaroleM said...

I'm a follower.
Love the table runner!
I'm up in Canada, so I'll apply your question for Canada Day - 3 days prior. We love keep it at home with friends - hanging out, BBQ, etc... Kids are still little so fighting the crowds for fireworks are still a little daunting for them.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Oh your Dad is looking down with pride! Wonderful tutorial. And the quilting, great job. I love the way you quilted around the stars. I have used Ric Rac and yes, I love the little extra touch! great job, thank you so much for playing.
PS just for today you might want to turn off word verification. You will receive more comments.

Truffle queen said...

What a great post! Wonderful tutorial! And what is not to LOVE about that runner?! I'm so glad you showed the rickrack in the binding! Now high on my list - like with the 3 blocks I made for this hop! Thank you for sharing!

Teresa said...

What a nice post. loved the way you used the ric-rac.

Carrie P. said...

how sweet to make a block in memory of your dad. It sure does make up a great table runner.
please don't enter me in the giveaway, just wanted to stop by.

Kathy MacKie said...

I love the addition of Rick Rack on your binding and I celebrate July 1st with a local festival in our neighborhood.

Wendy said...

Wonderful job on your block and your runner ... beautiful!

mary mahoo said...

I love your block & your table runner. Funny how 3 colours of fabrics can be interpreted so differently. No 4th of July here, but we have a lot of fun on Canada Day! Thanks for the chance to win.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I'm a new follower and my favorite thing to do on any summer day including the 4th is to stay out of the sun.....grin.

Actually to remember and be grateful for our freedom and the soldiers who fought for it and continue to fight for it.

Lyn said...

Loved your tutorial and the table runner. I just became a follower in my google reader. Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win.

Linda Lee said...

WOW! That runner is fantastic..I love the blocks, the stars, and the colors are bold and beautiful. Perfect for decorating to celebrate.
Our favorite 4th activity is joining with friends and family for a great picnic of good food and fellowship. We love watching the kids and grandkids in the lake, and just being thankful for all the blessing we have living in the USA.

I have become a follower! It is fun meeting people through blogging.

Unknown said...

Awesome tut and runner Sheila!!! Thanks!

kc said...

Hey Shelia! When I signed up to be a follwer, there were 37 comments; when I returned to add my own, there were 39, so you're growing your circle quickly! And I can see why! Your tutorial was EXCELLENT, and your piecing absolutely perfect! I enjoyed seeing your quilting, too, as I only ever do straight-line, in the ditch...you've really given me a new option to try out! I especially love the ric-rac you inserted in the binding. I try out lots of different borders and edgings, but that's one I hadn't seen before!

As one who "chose" (hahahaaha - that's a joke!) to hit the ER in Key West on Friday night, July 3rd, oh so many years ago, I can really sympathize with you. Of course, I only chose that because the naval base was closed and hives, well, head to to hives just don't wait for holiday weekends to be over. :)

Thanks for sharing your project & your life! Can't wait to see where we head next!

Judy1522 said...

I am now following your blog. I love your table runner and your tutorial for the block you used is excellent. Thank you so much.

Mrs.Pickles said...

how cute thanks for sharing

krislovesfabric said...

New follower here...We always have a family get-together on the 4th...thanks for the giveaway chance. I would like to try the sewer's aid and the thimbles especially :) Your block and tablerunner are gorgeous...good to hop with you.

whistlebet57 said...

Shelia, thank you for sharing. I really appreciate the instructions. My favorite thing to do on the 4th of July is to gather with family and watch the grandkids do the sparklers. Their eyes sparkle so much with excitement. I am now a follower.

Cindy said...

Your tutorial is excellent, as I'm a beginner quilter and it's easily understandable. I checked out your blog, and am now following it. Thanks for the giveaway!

Cherry's Prairie Primitives said...

Sooo beautiful loved your runner!!

Cecilia said...

Thank you for the great tut. Your table runner is lovely. I like to get together with family for a cook out and then watch the fireworks together. Thanks for the great giveaway.

Scrapbook-ChickADoodle said...

That is a very pretty block and it makes a wonderful table runner. I really like what you did with the FMQ. Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

I am a follower.
For the 4th of July we enjoy the town festivities of carnival, band concert and fireworks.

Thanks for the opportunity to win!

tink's mom said...

What a great table runner. Love the block combo it is terrific. Nice tut also.

ritainalaska said...

love the rw&b blox! love the rick rack trim on your on your binding. may fav thing to do is to join in on all the activities our town puts on to celebrate independence day!

Maria Kievit said...

New follower, and love the idea that you've chosen to make something to honour your dad! You will always remember him when you see your table runner! Thanks.

The Slow Quilter said...

This blog hop is great, I am just loving it and the give-aways. Love your table runner and Uncle Sam. My favorite thing to do on the 4th of July is being around family and friends and watching the fire works. I am following you.

Ariane said...

I'm your newest follower!! I love your table runner! It's beautifully made. The quilting and little details really add dimension!! Love it!!

Ariane said...

I'm your newest follower!! I love your table runner! It's beautifully made. The quilting and little details really add dimension!! Love it!!

quiltmom anna said...

What a lovely tablerunner you have created. It looks wonderful with your nutcracker on it.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful tutorial.
We often have fireworks on July 1 in Canada. They were very beautiful this year. This year we were at a banquet and the table had beautiful balloons and flags to decorate the table. Thanks for participating in the blog hop. It has been a very fun event.
Regards from western Canada,
Anna

quiltmom anna said...

What a lovely tablerunner you have created. It looks wonderful with your nutcracker on it.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful tutorial.
We often have fireworks on July 1 in Canada. They were very beautiful this year. This year we were at a banquet and the table had beautiful balloons and flags to decorate the table. Thanks for participating in the blog hop. It has been a very fun event.
Regards from western Canada,
Anna

quiltmom anna said...

What a lovely tablerunner you have created. It looks wonderful with your nutcracker on it.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful tutorial.
We often have fireworks on July 1 in Canada. They were very beautiful this year. This year we were at a banquet and the table had beautiful balloons and flags to decorate the table. Thanks for participating in the blog hop. It has been a very fun event.
Regards from western Canada,
Anna

Rhonda D. said...

Great block & table runner. Thanks for sharing. I am a follower. thanks for the chance
to win.

Farm Quilter said...

Love your block - great tutorial, thanks!!! Definitely following your blog! For the 4th of July, just a picnic with family is the best, with fireworks after dark. Thanks for participating in the blog hop and for the chance at your give-away!

Anita said...

Love your block and tutorial! I had a great fourth with family, bbq, and fireworks :) I'm also a new follower with GFC

pinsandneedles said...

Thanks for sharing your patriotic block and table runner! Great job!

Kate said...

Beautiful table runner! The rick rack is a very nice touch.

KatieQ said...

I'm a new follower. One of the best things about blog hops is finding new blogs to enjoy.
Great block and table runner. The story behind it makes it even more special. I love the way you used the rick rack with the binding. I have never tried that.
The 4th of July means fireworks to me and a family barbeque.

Gmama Jane said...

Love your tablerunner and that ric-rac is a nice little detail! I'm a new follower and love your Give=Away!
Blessings
Gmama Jane

Margaret said...

We live in a very small town in northern Michigan. Every year we celebrate by going to the parade in a neighboring town and then to the middle of our town for the Fourth at the Pond. We have a hymn sign and many talented people who perform and then at dusk, we have fireworks. It is so much fun to sit and visit and eat pie and icecream. Oh, we also enjoy a pig roast with all the fixins.

HeatherK @ A Reformed Heath'n said...

Nice share! I love the quilting details on the runner!

Jodi - usairdoll said...

Your runner is amazing! You did a great job on the tutorial as well. I like to square up my blocks also as I'm sewing. I think it helps keep you on track and if there is a problem, easier to fix at that time than at the end. Great way to remember your Dad. My Dad died before the 4th of July so it's always alittle more rough than usual. We usually just get together with friends and family and eat on the 4th. When I was growing up we would make homemade ice-cream. Oh yum! Great memories!

Thank you for a generous giveaway and a chance to win lots of neat items. I am a follower as well.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

Diann said...

I totally love your table runner.

For the 4th of July I like to celebrate with a cookout and also to watch fireworks.

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Wonderful block and gorgeous table runner! I love the the quilting you did!
xx

leanne said...

great block - love that tablerunner with all the quilting too :)

Anonymous said...

I Love your RWB Table Runner. I love the Rick Rack in the Binding! This looks like a Checkers game! I also love your Uncle Sam Banner! I made a 4th of July Watermelon Cake w/ mini chocolate chips inside for seeds and Red Frosting and Green frosting on sides w/Jelly Beans. We usually have a Block Party and play outdoor games and fireworks w/food and drinks! Thanks for this Great Giveaway!

Sandra J. Strickler said...

Love the table runner!