Spool Blocks have been keeping me busy this week; inspired by issue no. 182 of Patchwork Tsushin, a Japanese patchwork magazine. I purchase this magazine every so often just for the pretty pictures; it is always filled with projects that inspire.
This issue features lots of bag projects but also several quilts made with variations of the Spool Block and the not dissimilar Butterfly Block. All of the instructions are in Japanese and in addition all measurements are in centimeters rather than inches, which makes following a pattern somewhat tricky, but the basics are all there.
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| Patchwork Tsushin 182 - Butterfly Blocks (left) and Spool Blocks (right) |
I have previously made a Butterfly Block Quilt (and have written a Butterfly Block Tutorial) and the image above made me want to start another Butterfly Quilt, but at the last minute I changed my mind and tried out a Spool Block.
I drafted a Spool Block using EQ7 (quilt design software) and printed templates to cut the fabric pieces. My finished block measures 5 1/2" including seam allowances, although with EQ7 you can print templates for whatever size block you choose to make.
I drafted a Spool Block using EQ7 (quilt design software) and printed templates to cut the fabric pieces. My finished block measures 5 1/2" including seam allowances, although with EQ7 you can print templates for whatever size block you choose to make.
You can easily piece this block with squares and half square triangles however I designed my Spool Block with inset seams (Y-seams). Inset seams are not difficult (although it is slower than chain piecing) and they do eliminate eight seams from this block. All of my blocks are machine pieced.
So far I've made 40 spool blocks and I have cut fabric for an additional 10 blocks, ready for sewing. More blocks are needed and I am trying hard not to over think the fabric and color combinations.
More. More. Just cut and sew.
More. More. Just cut and sew.
Rita
RELEVANT LINKS:
Spool Block and Nine Patch Quilt - Tutorial
Spool Block and Nine Patch Quilt - The Finished Quilt
Butterfly Block Tutorial
Spool Block Tutorial
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How fun is that?? The magazine looks like it's filled with lots of pretties. So bright and colorful.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. And I think the Y seams are worth it as you keep your prints in tact - with HSTs I think the blocks could look too busy with the extra seams/prints not meeting.
ReplyDeleteI must have a look at this mag one day - I saw that Ayumi has some darling little dresses in there. Almost makes me clucky. Almost.
I'm intrigued by those tall skinny spools. Just when you think there is nothing new under the sun . . .
ReplyDeleteWOW!! I can't wait to see your finished quilt. These blocks would be so great as a large format. I'd love to see a tutorial on how you did these. ;)
ReplyDeleteSo cute. I love the bright and cheery colors.
ReplyDeleteYour colour combinations are fabulous. I love anything you do, and these spool blocks are no exception. Can't wait to see them finished.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely quilt! Your fabrics just MAKE it zing. Fabulous!
ReplyDeleteHow darling! Your colors and fabrics are so fun!!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun -- and your Y seams are perfect, of course!
ReplyDeletei can hardly take how cute this is!!! ghaaaaaa
ReplyDeleteYour blocks are so pretty!
ReplyDeleteThis is soooo nice. Look forward to seeing it finished.
ReplyDeleteLove the scissors in the center of that one spool. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteThe block with the little pair of scissors in the middle is just so cute!
ReplyDeleteRidiculously good :)
ReplyDeleteI can see why you like that magazine - it loks great.
ReplyDeleteCute blocks!! The Butterfly quilt looks darling too!
ReplyDeleteLOVE.
ReplyDeleteYour work always impresses me - love these spool blocks!
ReplyDeleteI cannot begin to describe how much I love this quilt and how happy it makes me! I always feel more empowered when choosing my fabrics because of you!
ReplyDeleteBeth