What is this technique?
 

I was on the blue ribbon quilt shop site and saw they were offering a class called Hearts/Trees in my cabin -very pretty but I'm wondering what the belly button trick is - anyone ever hear of it?

Never heard of it. I guess you have to take the class to find out. Here's the page where it's referenced - http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/sto...3&Item_ID=2598

http://quiltbug.com/patterns/quilt-queen.htm

scroll to the xblocks ruler, which has the name belly button on it. apparently these rulers are to create the quilts shown on this page

I was shown by my first teacher for quilting that surplus belly was for holding quilt as you pin.

never heard of this but will keep watching to see what others say

Since there are no specialty rulers listed for class materials, I would assume it is simply a phrase coined by the class instructor for her method of making all 25 log cabin blocks at the same time. She is a quilter/instructor with very solid credentials.

My interpretation of the 'belly button trick' on this quilt would be that she has a method for centering the 'fussy cut' trees in the middle of the long cabin block. Only my guess!

I am burning up with curiosity to know what the belly button trick is...

I googled "belly button trick" and am sorry I did. All kinds of stuff about the belly button and a video of a kid doing a belly button trick.:rolleyes:

I did find a reference from "Thread" magazine that mentions sewing a bead behind a button to create a "belly button". Why? Who knows.

I don't know the "belly button trick" but the quilt is made from simple log cabin blocks with fancy cut Christmas tree rectangle centers. The stars on top of the tree are buttons.
Squinting at the photo, it could also be made using appliqued batik trees. Or you could make count house steps blocks as a variation.
Wish I lived close enough to go look at the quilt in person! :D

sewing a bead behind the button makes a shank on the button so that the button will work/look better with thicker fabrics.

LOL! That's beautiful, Dottymo! A good laugh to start the day. TY!

Andi quilts carries the belly button templates. I have both sizes but haven't used them yet.

I found this on you tube, which references the X-block ruler.
Here's the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqp0LMPFQ1o