Modern Monday - Block 20

Shoo Fly

Block 20 - Shoo Fly

We're back to wonky/improv quilting! I'm working hard to develop a "less waste" way to get the look of wonky because I've fallen in love so with the look I want all my blocks like this!

I chose an orange, dark gray and light gray solid for this block. I was going to make it a two-color block, but I just couldn't do it! The more the merrier right?

Cutting:

• From the orange, cut 8 - 3 1/2" squares
• From the dark gray, cut 1 - 3 1/2" square
• From the light gray, rough-cut 4 triangles from 2 ~3" squares.

You might want to experiment with sizes to see if you can get by with cutting your squares all closer to 3". I was afraid there wouldn't be enough room when squaring up, but I think there's a bit of wiggle room.

Here's the fabric. I like using at least 3 colors per block - more if I can.

Once the fabrics are cut, lay them out to audition your choices. Now is the time to make changes.

To make the wonky half-square triangles, randomly place the triangle on one corner of the orange square. Make sure the point is facing the correct direction. Chain piece these four units.

Trim off the corner leaving 1/4" seam allowance.

Oops, this trimmed down to only 3". that's okay though - there's room at the end to make it work without redoing it.

See how it's too small? Two of mine ended up smaller, but not too small.

Sew into rows, pressing so seams oppose. This would make a nice block just like this. If you like this look better, just cut your fabrics all 2 1/2" and stop after this step (sewing the rows together, of course!).

Too make it wonky, trim the center strip on the diagonal to make a wedge. Trim both sides. I trimmed so it was about 2" - 2 1/2" on one end and 3"ish on the other.

Lay out the rows to see if you like the angle. Re-cut if necessary.

Sew the rows together, pressing to one side.

To finish lay your 6 1/2" ruler on the block and turn it until you like the look. Trim to 6 1/2" square.

Next week: A Valentine's Day surprise!