The rail fence quilt block dates back to the 1800s. It’s yet another block that can make completely different quilts depending on color placement, number of strips in each quadrant and the direction of the strips. It’s basically a 4 patch where the patches are squares made of the multiple strips of the same size….
Each state has an official quilt block, much like a state bird or state flower. In 1907, the popular farm magazine Hearth & Home, kicked off its States-of-the-Union series of quilt patterns where readers from around the country were asked to contribute a quilt block representative of their state. The 48 best patterns, including original…
Jacob’s Ladder, block 7, is one of the many quilt blocks with religious roots. A few other examples are King Solomon’s Temple, Adam and Eve, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, Noah’s Ark and the list goes on.
This block is very much like the Log Cabin where a simple 90º rotation in a quilt full of Jacob’s Ladder blocks renders a completely different quilt design! In addition, this block offers many more quilt design possibilities depending on where you put your lights and darks.
“Trim Size” measurements include 1/4” seam allowance, once sewn into a quiltthey’ll measure 1/2” smaller as shown in “Finished in Quilt” column.
When I forget to click record or turn on the mic, or just plain don’t like the video clip just recorded, I start over. This means lots of extra blocks if you’re a newb to video taping like me! Not sure if I’ll save them for an orphan quilt or make a second throw quilt…
As I’m working on the newest video for the Traditional Quilt Block Series, I couldn’t help but notice – this quilt layout with 9″ blocks is PERFECT for a new quilter! These simple blocks are a great way to improve on the 1/4″ seam (or slightly scant for wiggle room). Already after only 3 blocks…
Log Cabin blocks usually start with a square. Strips are added around the square, often with two sides being of lighter fabrics and the other two sides of darker prints. A red center square was thought to symbolize the hearth of the home, and a yellow center was believed to represent light shining through the…
The name Log Cabin is likely related to Abraham Lincoln’s history of reportedly growing up in a log cabin, and his 1860 presidential campaign. Written mentions of a Log Cabin quilt date back to 1863 when an honorable award was given for a “log cabin quilt” at the Ohio State Fair. Later that year fundraisers…
The Shoo Fly is a 9 patch variation originating around 1850. It was named after a wild plant called Clover Broom or “Shoo-Fly”. Juices from the plant were mixed with milk to attract and kill flies. It’s reported the Shoo Fly was part of the Underground Railroad quilt code indicating people at that location could…