patricej

If you're trying to make a PinWheel (and if I can attach the files correctly) maybe these will help.

If you're trying to make Broken Dishes, somebody posted this link to another thread in this forum:
http://www.equilters.com/library/blocks/broken_dishes-hstB.html

patricej

If you can't remember how to make those half-square triangles, check the thread "Triangles" in the "Main" forum index. Bazillions of ideas.

patricej

Hmmm ... another link to Broken Dishes instructions. These assume you're using only 2 colors

http://quilterscache.com/B/BrokenDishesBlock.html

Or ... because I am apparently feeling REALLY full of myself this morning ( :shock: ), you could try these ...

Norah

Sondra,
Maybe the purpose for constructing the 4-patch in that manner is that the quilt was designed to use scraps, instead of yardage. You can't make strips out of small pieces, but using that method, one could use most any piece of fabric, and have a large variety of patches when done.

Sondra

I'm going to try and scan--not sure about this, but my daughte gave me her scanner. Here goes, let me know if it works.

patricej

Are you trying to remember how to get the BACK of your new blocks to look like the first ones you did? If so ... here's the deal ...

First, do as Winnie suggested above:

Cut strips along the width of your fabric. Cut the strips 1/2" wider than you want each of the individual squares to be when the patch is done. [If you want a 12" block, each patch will be 6", so each square will be 3", so the strips need to be 3.5" wide.]

Sew the strips together - right sides of the fabrics facing each other - down the length of the strip. Use a 1/4" seam allowance. Press the doubed strips open, to the dark side.

In our example, your strips will now be the width of your fabric and 6.5" "high". Cut the long strips into pieces that are 3.5" wide by the 6.5" "high".

Flip every other piece, and sew them together - right sides facing each other, and the dark square from the top piece laying on the light square from the bottom piece. Again ... be careful to use a 1/4" seam allowance.

Before you press them open, undo the FIRST FEW stitches of the short seam. Then when you press the patch open, you can press each of the 4 short seams to the dark side. The result is no lump in the middle.

Sondra

Yes, that is the idea---but the only difference is that I don't initially cut strips. For instance, I am making 4" blocks, so I cut the blocks 4 1/2"--a block of each color--you sew them somehow--then you cut them into 2 1/4" strips--sew, then cut again, place them together, first interlocking the seam lines, and you get a finish like on the scan, except you really can't see the interlocking seams. I will send the info when I get it. Thanks to everyone for the great suggestions. Anyway, I'm never going to get it until I see it face to face.

patricej

Can you tell? This challenge has really taken hold of my imagination! LOL

The only other way I could think of was the one illustrated below. If you start with 2 pieces measuring 4.5" x 4.5" you will end up with 2 patches measuring 4" x 4".

When sewn together, each block of 4 patches will measure 7.5" x 7.5" (which finishes to 7" x 7")

If that isn't what you're shooting for, please call your teacher and tell her to FedEx those instructions overnight! This question is driving me batty from curiosity. (I think I need a life! LOL)

:shock:

Sondra

Looks pretty close to being what I am striving for. thanks.

Winnie

I'm feeling the same way as you do, Patrice. I'm quite curious and anxious for Sondra to solve her problem. What you illustrated makes it so much simpler to follow and is similar to what I described several posts back except that you end up with 2 four patches in my description. It's so true that a picture is worth a thousand words.
Winnie