When Hawthorne Threads asked if I'd like to make a quilt using their new Fair Isle fabric line. . . yes, please! Bears, narwhals, sleds, igloos, ice floes, snowflakes, icebergs, arctic trees, paw prints, you name it it's on this fun fabric. This is a tutorial for a 15" (finished) block. Add a border and it's a great project for a pillow, too! There are also super cute Fair Isle panels, and I hope to make an accompanying pillow with the giant polar bear.
This block is a cross between a bear paw and a snowflake, in my opinion.
This one makes me want to strap on some snow shoes. I fussy cut the Fair Isle Stripe print here.
Sledding, anyone?
Cutting intructions:
Fabric A: Cut five 3.5" squares
Fabric B: Cut four 3 7/8" squares each in two solids (grey and white, as pictured). There will be 8 squares total. Cut each square in half diagonally to yield 16 triangles.
Fabric C: Cut four rectangles 3.5 x 5". Mark the center on one of the short ends and 3 7/8" up on each side. Using those marked spots, trim the corners off to form the arrow shape. This is far easier with the template I've provided. .
Fabric D: Cut four 4 3/4" squares. Mark the center of the top and 2 7/8" up on each side. Using those marked spots, trim the corners off to form the arrow shape. Again, the template takes the confusion out of the cutting. ;)
Fabric E: Cut one 4 1/4" square and cut it diagonally twice to create four triangles.
**It is extremely helpful to download and print out template page 1 and page 2 before starting to cut the fabric. Templates can either be cut and traced onto the fabric or used for accuracy when cutting freehand. Be sure to have your printer set to print at 100% and double check the 1" scale on the printouts after printing.
This block is all about the digaonals. Start with one of the corners. Assemble A, B, B and D as shown.
Sew the AB piece to the DB piece. Trim the triangle points off as you go.
Sew two C pieces to B pieces as shown, then sew all three pieces together.
Add the corner triangles, set aside and repeat for the opposite side of the block. Set both aside.
Assemble the middle. Finger press the centers on the square and (E) triangles. Right sides together, line the creases up and stitch.
Trim the points off and add the side (E) triangles. Set aside.
Assemble the last two corners as you did in step one.
Sew these three pieces together. I want to high five this polar bear.
Align the seams and assemble the 15.5" block!
High five!
This will be backed in white minky. I'm a little nervous about quilting something this large with minky; I've only done smaller projects. The kids are already fighting over this, as if they don't already have enough quilts and blankets! It's going to be super snuggly in front of the fireplace this winter.
We have one patch of snow left here in New Hampshire. Hopefully by the time this 46" square quilt is done I'll be able to take some great shots out in the snow!
