QAF Block of the Month
May 2005
Pair of Posy Pots
10 1/2" x 4 1/2 each (unfinished) 10" x 4 (finished)
This month's block is a real departure from the usual. Instead of one block, we are making a pair of blocks that we call Posy Pots. The blocks will be assembled in 3 sections: Pot Unit; Stem Unit; Top. After the basic blocks are made, free-form flowers will be raw-edge appliqued to the top units.
These Posy Pots are not complicated to make. Just follow the instructions one step at a time. Referring to the above picture also is helpful.
Fabrics:
For stems (and optional leaf) use any medium or dark tone on tone (TOT) green.The background fabric will be a WOW (white on white).
Pots will be any med-dark TOT.
Floral tops will be made free-form from assorted 4 squares of massed florals. If your flowers are large, you might like to fussy-cut them to really show them off. These can be any color or combination of colors.
You may make up to 2 block sets (each set being one short/one tall) using all the same fabrics. You may use the same background and stem fabric for all your blocks, however after 2 block sets you must use a different pot color and a different floral. As always, please use washed and pressed quilters quality 100% cotton fabrics.
These blocks are constructed of 3 units. Starting at the bottom, there is the pot itself; in the middle is the stem unit; and at the top a rectangle of background fabric which will form the base for our raw-edge appliqued flowers. We will begin with the Pot units and work up.
Cut for (2) Pot Units:One strip of Pot fabric 3 1/2 x 9 1/4
Four 3 1/2 squares of WOW (for lower corners) ***
To assemble Pot Units:Sub-cut 3 1/2 Pot fabric strip into two 3 1/2 x 4 1/2 pieces. (There will be a sliver of waste.)
Match opposite sides of 3 1/2 WOW squares and fold in half (wrong sides together) into rectangle shape and lightly press. This crease will mark one point of your diagonal sewing line.
Lay one square opened flat and R.S.down on lower left corner of one Pot unit. Be sure the wider edge of the pot piece lays horizontally in front of you. Your pressed fold will be vertical (straight up and down). Using your ruler and a sharp pencil, draw a line from the bottom edge of that pressed fold diagonally to the upper left corner of your WOW square. This is your sewing line. Carefully sew on your marked line. Fold the sewn square down along the sewn line and press. This will be an odd shaped outside edge, but the folded fabric will cover that pot unit corner. Turn this unit over and, from the back side, trim excess WOW even with back of pot fabric.
Again, working from the front side, you will now add a second WOW square to the opposite (lower right) corner. Draw your sewing line from the bottom edge of pressed crease and diagonally up to upper right corner. Carefully sew on the drawn line and press down and toward lower right corner. Turn unit over and again, from the back side, trim excess WOW.
Repeat the above steps with second piece of Pot fabric. You will now have two complete pot units measuring 4 1/2 wide by 3 1/2 tall (unfinished size). You may carefully trim out the middle layer of fabric from your corners, but do NOT cut away the back pot fabric nor the WOW top corner. Be sure to leave 1/4 seam allowance.
NOTE: ***This 3 1/2 square is large, but necessary in order to completely cover the lower corners and make the flower pot shape. Since this is an odd angle, our usual way of sewing diagonally from corner to corner will NOT work.
Next we will construct the Stem Units starting with a simple strip set. If you are making a bunch of these blocks, you can make your strip sets longer and cut into the required sizes.
Cut for (2) Stem Units:
One strip of green TOT 1 x 5 1/4
Two strips of WOW 2-1/4 x 5 1/4
To assemble Stem Units:
For each pair of Posy Pots, make a strip unit by sewing a WOW strip on each side of the Green strip. Carefully press the seams toward the green strip. Take care during the pressing process that your strip unit stays straight. Your sewn strip unit will measure 4-1/2 across x 5 1/4 long. (Note: there is 1/4 extra to allow for accurate cutting.)
Using your ruler and rotary cutter, sub-cut your strip unit into one 2 segment and one 3 segment. You will now have one short stem unit, one tall stem unit and a sliver of waste (to throw away).
Note: To keep your small sub-cut units aligned correctly when cutting, it helps to place your ruler so that one of its lines is directly over your sewn seam. (Most rotary rulers have either a grid or some other vertical line in addition to the many horizontal lines we use all the time.)
Top Units:
Cut a strip of WOW 4-1/2 x 11-1/4.
Sub-cut into:
one piece 4-1/2 x 6 (for short-stemmed flower)
one piece 4-1/2 x 5 (for tall-stemmed flower)
You will have a small sliver of waste.
Joining the 3 Units together:
Lay out your units so they look like the picture above.
Put one Stem unit face down over top edge of Pot unit, centering the green stem. Sew two units together with 1/4 seam. Press seam so that it faces down toward pot unit.
Next, with right sides together, add the Top background rectangle to top of Stem unit. Press this seam toward the top.
Time to plant your free-form Posies:
You now have some fun options:
cut a free-form shape from one of your 4 floral squares and then stitch it to the WOW top rectangle. Stitch 1/4 away from raw edge of your free-form shape. Pin or glue stick this shape in place if that helps.
cut a circle from your 4 square and sew a bulls-eye top.
Lay your 4 square face up on the WOW top rectangle and sew a fun flower shape. Then trim away, leaving 1/4 raw-edge.
Add a green leaf or two from scraps of your stem fabric. (Optional)
Add a small circle or triangle for flower center. (Optional)
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE:
Be very sure that your floral applique does not extend into the seam allowance of your block. Your free-form flower should be 1/4 from the raw edges of top and sides.
Of equal importance--your flower must overlap the green stem by at least 1/2.
Your Posy Pot blocks should each measure 4-1/2 wide x 10-1/2 tall. Trim them to size if necessary.
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Below are some setting ideas for this month's winner.
