Yes, I totally forgot! Yesterday I thought about it several times but only after I read the emails saying “WHERE IS IT??” did I remember today!
Here’s the block for April – it’s called Contrary Wife and I think it is quite appropriate . . around here at least!
Contrary Wife
If you’re making a 9″ block, here’s what you need:
- 4 – half square triangles (dark purple and background) – Make using your favorite method. They need to be 3-1/2″ unfinished or 3″ finished. I would cut 2 background squares and 2 dark purple squares 4″ each, draw a diagonal line, sew a scant 1/4″ on both sides of the drawn line, cut on the line, press and square up to 3-1/2″.
- 2 – medium purple squares – 3-1/2″ each
- 3 – pink squares – 3-1/2″ each
In the morning I’ll add a link box for last month’s blocks.
Thanks to all who reminded me about the block!
Diana in RR, TX says
Once again I will say maybe this month! Painters finished up today, so now the luving room, dining room and front entry also have a fresh coat of paint. Maybe I will get more sewing time now!
Diana in RR, TX says
Forgot to say that is one of my favorite blocks!
Audrey says
Love this block too! Great choice, Judy!
Glenda says
As an inexperienced quilter, measuring to the eighth of an inch scares me and I don’t believe I would be able to do it accurately. I’ve seen some instructions to cut to the sixteenth of an inch! Also, I’ve read that cuts on the bias tend to stretch. So I’ve hesitated to try anything but straight lines lengthwise or crosswise. Now I want to try this block but I’m thinking I’d rather use the foundation paper piecing method. Could you comment on why you words about how you feel about foundation paper piecing for a block like this, whether you think it’s a good method and why you don’t use it. Maybe because you started out the other way and you see no need to try FPP? Or is there some specific reason you don’t like it or don’t want to do that? I know you’re busy and don’t want to take up a lot of your time, but would really like to know what your opinion is.
JOY says
I’m not Judy, but I have an opinion 😉
I am not a fan of paper piecing, so I won’t use it on this block. I use the the method Judy uses here, s tarting from squares and sewing before cutting the diagonal line. While they are still squares, they don’t distort as much as if they already have the diagonal cut. Plus, and added benefit is that I have a little bit of wiggle room and when I trim them to square, they all are perfectly sized 🙂
Glenda says
That’s helpful. The web sites that explain paper piecing always point out it’s easier and that worries me about the other way. So I really appreciate your points. I’m going to try this. Thanks!
Cindy Weber says
Glenda,
I started quilting with paper piecing so never have understood why people find it difficult — all you have to do is sew on the line. however, for this block, i might even cut those squares four and a half inches then mark the center line corner to corner and then sew a quarter inch (i hate the “scant” ) cut them apart on the line, press open and trim to size. a little more waste, but i come out with accurate size half square triangles that way. if i do the 4 inch squares, i tend to end up with one corner off. you can also buy a ruler that is a half inch wide with the center line marked and just place it corner to corner and draw down the sides and you have your sewing lines. try a few and get comfortable with them and it will open a whole new world of block choices for you.
Glenda says
That doesn’t sound complicated! I’m going to try it.
Thanks!
Jo says
I love the half inch ruler too. It works very well.
I also cut that little bit bigger and trim block down. It seems to work better for me. I don’t do well with
1/8 ths
Sara Schmidt says
I do love this block. (could it be describing me?? no, of course not. LOL) I did this in a swap with Civil War Repo fabrics. It was great, one of my best quilts. Alas, it was in the house fire, so is no more. sigh. It is on my “to do list”, to make another. Great choice!