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| Kansas Dugout Quilt in Progress (these are still only blocks that are yet to be joined together) |
The Kansas Dugout Block - a traditional patchwork block - is a personal favorite. This patchwork looks similar to that created by Lozenge blocks or even Snowball blocks, however there are no triangles involved in the center of the block nor to join the blocks together. Only squares. And a lot of Y-seams (inset seams).
Inset seams strike fear in the heart of some sewists/quilters, but truly there is no need. This block in particular is not difficult to piece and with the help of accurate templates it is very do-able indeed. My first Kansas Dugout Quilt was one of my early sewing projects when my sewing experience was very limited, but a can do attitude ensured a successful completion; it is one of the few quilts that I have held on to and is in use often.
This time around I have redrafted and reduced the size of the block for smaller patchwork. I will be making these templates available as a download that may be printed in a number of block sizes. The templates are useful to accurately cut the fabric pieces which will go a long way toward making this block fit together without any undue stress.
In addition to making the templates available I will also be writing a comprehensive Kansas Dugout Block Tutorial blog post with step by step instructions and photos, as well as useful tips. The plan is for both the tutorial and the templates to be ready by the end of this week. Let's see how that goes.
Thank you for stopping by,
Rita
Kansas Dugout Quilt - Part II 2011 (eek! This quilt remains a work in progress - it is on the list to complete).
Kansas Dugout Block - Tutorial and free templates
Kansas Dugout Block - Tutorial and free templates
it's beautiful, rita! i always love your fabric choices.
ReplyDeletethere are much easier methods of putting this block together than how you are doing it - no Y seams! that is how I made one and it went together very easily.
ReplyDeleteThis was going to be my comment, too, Karen. Thanks.
DeleteShe mentions the alternatives in the post. I think it is more about the aesthetics - this block has no seams in the white squares. I personally avoid y-seams at all costs but I can see the appeal in the final product pieced this way.
DeleteI agree with Marla. The alternatives mean the centre block is sewn as four triangles, with seams that you may not want. I'm going to give those Y seams a try.
DeleteAbsolutely - only to avoid those seams that would otherwise run through the squares that join the blocks. This is more relevant when using a printed fabric - like I have done for several of the blocks - but it also means you're adding less bulk to your block. This block is great for learning how to work those Y-seams which are not as difficult as they appear. I hope you'll give it a try, but as always make and do what you enjoy most. Happy stitching! Rita
DeleteThanks for offering to do the tutorial and templates. You are generous, as usual. It is a great way to use some of my vintage 30's and 40's prints.
ReplyDeleteI've been interested in this pattern for ages, but the inset seams had me trembling! I'm looking forward to your tutorial.
ReplyDeleteOh, I've always wanted to make this pattern! Thanks for much for the templates and tutt that you'll be providing. I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm in love. I've been wanting a project that is a leap in the dark, and Y seams sounds perfect. Hooray. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful choice of fabrics for this awesome quilt.
ReplyDeleteWow, so interesting to try and figure out. I know I will really enjoy your tutorial!
ReplyDeletethis is beautiful - I'm looking forward to your tutorial!
ReplyDeleteI love this! and seriously, you must have the best fabric stash ever! I love your choices.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis would be really cute in the liberty prints against a white center block.
ReplyDeleteOh how exciting! You do such beautiful work! I am anxious for the tutorial and templates...thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to see this tutorial! This block has always scared me, but you make it sound doable!
ReplyDeleteI am also looking forward to your tutorial for this. I have some light or low volume prints that I want to use along with some fabulous brights and doing it this way won't chop up the light print in the centre squares. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the tutorial. We should never avoid things out of fear or intimidation, so even though there are other construction methods, the y seam shouldn't hold folks back. They free you to deign your own patterns. Xx
ReplyDeletethe dreaded Y seam!! have just done a hexagon block with Y seams and must admit it worked better than I ever dreamed it could. All the fabrics I see on blogs and never any I have got until today, the yellow with glasses on I have too
ReplyDeleteI have spent the afternoon cutting out shapes for 'Patchwork of the Crosses' they are the exact same shapes used in this quilt so it would also be suitable for using those templates.
ReplyDeleteThis is a real interesting pattern.
ReplyDeleteWoohoo for the tutorial.....thank you soooo much!! I adore patchwork and this pattern would be phenomenal for some of my beloved scraps!! Can't wait!!
ReplyDeleteI love the Kansas Dugout block but have always been intimidated by all the Y seams. I live in Kansas and see the real deal dugouts left from the pioneers that settled the western part of Kansas, so this block is heritage for me. Thanks for putting together the tutorial. I'll be watching for it so I can finally make my own Kansas dugout!
ReplyDeleteThis looks fabulous. Can't wait for the tutorial.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward for the tutorial Rita, thank you!
ReplyDeleteMyrto
MOVING RIGHT ALONG...RE: KD 2 work in progress l think YELLOW would be great for the edge. Very pretty...BOTH
ReplyDeleteThe blocks are gorgeous, Rita! Thanks for always inspiring :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous quilt, as always, Rita!
ReplyDelete@Anita S - what a sour puss! If you haven't anything nice to say, don't say anything.
ReplyDeleteanother gorgeous quilt Rita - mmm I might have to try Y seams but of course you make everything seem so easy !!
ReplyDeleteI just saw this posted on Facebook and followed the link because I liked it thank you for posting and I'll be following your blog now!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. Love your blocks look forward to the tutorial :)
ReplyDeleteGREAT instructions! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteRita, you amaze me with your level of productivity and beautiful, beautiful work! Every time I turn around, you have posted another quilt top or finish to Instagram and I am blown away.
ReplyDeleteYou inspire me to manage my time well so that I can get into my studio more often and sew too!
Keep up your great work!
Message to Anita Ash - unfortunately you do not provide an email address to allow me to reply to your unfriendly comments. I have deleted all of your negative comments.
ReplyDeleteYour claim regarding my earnings from giveaway posts is completely false. I do not earn money per comment from any giveaway blog post. In fact giveaways are a complimentary service and I receive NO MONEY AT ALL from a giveaway blog post. NONE at all. Not from comments, not from clicks, nor do I earn commissions from sales.
You couldn't be any more wrong.
If you have any further concerns please email me redpepperquilts at gmail dot com