July | 2020 | The Lilac Cat

Quite how we’ve got to July so quickly in this weirdest of years I don’t know, but we have. And for the Siblings Together bees that run from September to July this will be the last block for this particular year.

I had got a design up my sleeve but it was relatively complicated and I thought I would think on. But then today I saw this picture on Bonnie Hunter’s blog.

Bonnie’s blog is absolutely wonderful. It’s essential daily reading for me with my first cup of tea. She documents what she’s been doing and boy is this one woman who can cram so much into so few hours. She has an interesting life as a professional quilter in that she runs a retreat centre and travels to teaching across the world. Or would normally, but of course has been locked down like the rest of us. I highly recommend it.

Bonnie puts up a vintage quilt every day with a quote. This vintage quilt struck me as having potential for a Bee quilt. It’s interesting, relatively straight forward and scrappy.

I had my morning cancelled because it was too wet and cold to meet in the garden for a cup of coffee with a friend. (Which also explains why these pictures are so dark!). That gave me time to think through how this could be made into a slightly easier block to make and therefore quicker. So I made up four blocks of 12 1/2 in.² so you can see the effect. On the diagonal makes it work just that much easier I think. I love the lattice effect.

So to make each block and I’d like at least two please. You will need

2 x 7 1/2″squares of contrasting colours

1 x 6 1/2″ square of white/neutral but please make sure there is enough contrast with your coloured fabrics.

4 strips 2.5” x 6.5” of coloured prints or solid

2 strips 2.5” x 6.5” of white or neutral but again please make sure there is plenty of contrast between your neutrals and the coloured fabric

Please use scant 1/4″ seams through out.

First off make the quarter square triangles. I’m sure most, if not all of you, could do these in your sleep but if a refresher is helpful then follow along.

Iron one of the squares diagonally (or use a pencil to mark a diagonal line) then lay right sides together and stitch either side of the ironed line by 1/4″. Cut through the marked line and you will end up with 2 half square triangles like this.

Now iron one of them (or you can use a pencil to mark a line) that bisects the seam going from corner to corner. See below

Put them right sides together making sure opposite colours are adjacent to each. Make sure the two seams are perfectly aligned. I use pins….

Then sew 1/4″ either side of your mark and cut up the centre to reveal two quarter square triangles. Put one aside for your next block.

They will need trimming. Take a ruler that has a diagonal marking and trim to 6 1/2″ square. You can see from the pictures below how I’ve done it by lining up my centre point at 3 1/4″ on the diagonal rule line. If you don’t have a ruler then just eye ball it. It will be fine!