Spectrum QAL 2020 Block 9: The Little Girl in the Blue Armchair collection by Anthology Fabrics

I’m so excited to share the instructions for Block 9 of the Spectrum Quilt-A-Long! Now, I like to believe this block is very similar to Spectrum QAL2020 Block 7. I remember designing Block 9  after finishing Block 7 and thinking there’d be a simpler way to make the block. See how the design completely changes when changing the direction of the flying geese?

Presenting: Spectrum QAL2020 Block 9

Outline of Spectrum QAL Block 9

Here are the cutting instructions for Block 9 of the QAL 2020 using the Little Girl in the Blue Armchair collection from Anthology Fabrics.

If you remember when cutting Block 3 – I suggested fussy cutting the center block? I recommend doing the same here. But this time it’ll be when cutting your unit D! I chose to position the design so the dandelion (or firework explosion, whichever you see!) is positioned neatly centered in the square as in the photo below.

The Little Girl in the Blue Armchair collection by Anthology Fabrics

Once more, we’ll start with some Flying Geese blocks. If you feel like you need more information on how to make them, you can read my blog post on 4 best kept secrets to accurately make a Flying Geese!

Step 1

• Take 4 – B1 squares and, on the wrong side of the fabric, mark a solid line diagonally in the center, as well as two dotted lines at ¼” on each side of the centerline.
• Take 2 – B1 squares and align diagonally on your C1 square.
• Stitch on the two dotted lines.
• Cut on the solid line.

Step 1

Step 2

• Take a B1 square and align on the corner of a unit made in Step 1.
• Stitch on the two dotted lines, beginning on the corner edge to ensure stability.
• Cut on solid line.
• Makes two flying geese rectangles size 2½” x 4½”.
• Press open the triangle on each unit.
• Repeat to make 4 units.

Step 2

Step 3

• Take 4 – B2 squares and, on the wrong side of the fabric, mark a solid line diagonally in the center as well as two dotted lines at ¼” on each side of the centerline.
• Take 2 – B2 squares and align diagonally on your C2 square.
• Stitch on the two dotted lines.
• Cut on the solid line.

Step 3

Step 4

• Take a B2 square and align on the corner of a unit made in Step 3.
• Stitch on the two dotted lines, beginning on the corner edge to ensure stability.
• Cut on solid line.
• Makes two flying geese rectangles size 2½” x 4½”.
• Press open the triangle on each unit.
• Repeat to make 4 units.

Step 4

Step 5

• Stitch a Step 4 to a Step 2.
• Makes a 4½” square.
• Repeat to make 4 units.

Step 5

Step 6

• Take 4 – B1 squares and, on the wrong side of the fabric, mark a solid line diagonally in the center as well as two dotted lines at ¼” on each side of the center line.
• Align a B1 square with a B3 square, right sides together, and stitch together on both dotted lines.
• Cut on the solid line.
• Press the seams to the darkest fabric and press open.
• Makes a 2½” square (trim off excess).
• Repeat to make 8.

Step 6

Step 7

• Stitch a Step 6 to an A1 square.
• Makes a rectangle size 2½” x 4½”.
• Repeat to make 4 units.

Step 7

Step 8

• Stitch a Step 6 to an A2 square.
• Makes a rectangle size 2½” x 4½”.
• Repeat to make 4 units.

Step 8

Step 9

• Stitch a Step 8 to a Step 7.
• Makes a 4½” square.
• Repeat to make 4 units.

Step 9

Step 10

• Take 2 – E triangles and stitch on opposite ends of your D square.

Note: I suggest finding the center of your D square edge and aligning to the center of the hypotenuse of the triangle for a perfect alignment.

• Press and open triangles.
• Take 2 more E triangles and stitch on the other two opposite ends of your C square.

Note: I suggest finding the center of your D square edge and aligning to the center of the hypotenuse of the triangle for a perfect alignment.

• Press and open triangles (trim off excess).
• Makes a 4½” square.

Step 10A

Step 10B

You’re almost done! You can now align all your units on the design wall!

Setting your block

Step 11

• Stitch 2 – Step 5 units to your Step 10 unit.
• Makes a 4½” x 12½” rectangle.

Step 11

Step 12

• Stitch 2 – Step 9 units to a Step 5 unit.
• Makes a 4½” x 12½” rectangle.
• Repeat to make 2.

Step 12

Step 13

• Stitch 2 – Step 12 units to either long side of your Step 11 unit.
• Makes a 12½” square.

Step 13

Congratulations! You’ve just completed Block 9 of the Spectrum QAL2020! Be part of our sewing and quilting community by adding #TheSewGoesOn when showing off your blocks on Facebook or Instagram. We all enjoy seeing the great blocks and quilts being made!

And come back next week to see how Paul and Elaine make their blocks using their own choice of fabrics. Elaine is using fabrics from the Blue Stitch by Riley Blake Designs while Paul is using the Wave Texture from Benartex. Same design, completely different look. I’ll be back in two weeks with instructions for Block 10 of our Spectrum Quilt-A-Long 2020. See you then!

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