I really love this little quilt. The blocks look more complicated than they are, and there is tremendous potential for variations. But the pattern... right now, I'm not really in love with that. It's been a long, challenging summer and it seems as though little things are being omitted from patterns... or worse, one misplaced " can really confuse things.
So first, my apologies for the the omissions and additions. Here is what the bottom of Page 1 should say - Mercerie Clarification
To help clarify, I thought a little explanation of the block and my favorite Open Gate ruler - okay, one of my favorite Open Gate rulers... maybe my real favorite ruler! - the Fit to be Quarter 6.5 and Companion. It does the absolute best job for quarter-square triangles, for square-in-a-square units, and for this unit which I've always called a Shaded Four-Patch.
Monique - the genius that is Open Gate Quilts - has a terrific tutorial on using the ruler here - Fit to be Quarter Tutorial.
Random block from the quilt. Each block is made with two (2) fabrics and the background. To make this block, I needed two matching (2) grey charm squares and two (2) matching cream floral print charm squares. The charm squares need to measure 5" x 5". For the cream floral print charm squares, only three (3) of the strips will be used for the blocks. The 4th strip is a leftover - pincushions?
Here are two squares each of some lovely scrumptious fabric - make that Scrumptious.
Here are the strips you'll cut from each pair of charm squares. Pretend that one of those white print strips has been cut into 2 squares - see the correction/clarification sheet above.
The pieces are joined - the squares to the short rectangles and the long rectangles joined in pairs. Pretend that I remembered to take a picture before I cut one of the strips for the four-patches.
As I wrote in the pattern, it truly doesn't matter how these two pieces are joined - just so long as the squares are on opposite sides, that's all that matters.
The seam is clipped roughly in the middle - a little bit one way or another doesn't matter. It also doesn't matter if you nick the seam allowance because it's likely to be cut off in the seam allowance of the next seam/step.
Using a ruler with a 45-degree line, draw a line from the corner across the point of the square as shown. Do not - do not! - draw the line across the square itself.
Flip the piece around and draw a second line in the same manner. The two lines will be at least 1/2" apart but don't worry if they're more than that, or less than that. The only thing that matters is that the line is straight... crosses the seam junction of the corner square... and is at a 45-degree angle to the sides of the rectangle.
The drawn lines are your stitching lines. These are not guides for seam allowance, you will be stitching on the line.
After you've stitched on the line, cut the rectangle apart leaving a scant 1/4" seam allowance from the stitched line. And pretend that I didn't cut the white background rectangle a little larger than necessary.
Just so you know, I wanted to cut these larger so I could show you Monique's - Open Gate's - Fit to be Quarter ruler but I forgot to cut some of the pieces to the required larger size. Oops. It was that kind of a Friday.
I like to press the diagonal seam open because it makes the point of the square nice and sharp but toward the background/large triangle is fine.
Now for the trimming part - I recommend placing masking or GloLine tape to mark the lines for the "cut" size of the square - in this case, 4" x 4". If you're young and have perfect eyesight, this step may not be necessary. I'm not so it is.
This is why I love this ruler - there are so many guidelines and reference points to help you wind up with a "perfect finished square." And I do mean p e r f e c t.
Because the size of this square will be 4" x 4", the lines for the corner square will be at 2" x 2". Pretend that I had pieced this larger instead of to size.
The diagonal line of the half-triangle should line up on the diagonal line of the ruler.
After you have trimmed the first two sides of the pieced square...
Flip the square around and trip the two remaining sides. Again, line up the diagonal seam with the diagonal lines on the ruler. This is where I found the tape-markers to be especially helpful. Did you notice that the square is still exactly on line? Yeah, yeah... Monique is a genius.
Lay out the parts of the block as shown - oh, yeah, don't forget to make 2 four-patch squares. They're easy. The instructions are in the pattern.
Scant 1/4" seam allowance - press toward the four-patch. Yes, I did "pop" the seam on the four-patch though one seam will get flipped back at some point. But "popping" the seams on the four-patch squares - and the blocks - does help when the quilt top is assembled.
And there you have it. Uh... pretend that my iron didn't "spit" and leave a wet spot on my block... or that I noticed it before now.
And there you have it. Four charm squares - two pairs of two matching squares... with a leftover strip.
But... what if you wanted something a little scrappier?
One charm square - or a 1/3 yard of fabric, or 32 matching strips - the short ones - for what will be the triangles in the block.
Add two very scrappy four-patch squares.
With the way the blocks are laid out, the scrappy squares will be completely "contained" by the navy polka dot triangles. Pretty cute, don't you think?
This is the ruler. You don't absolutely positively need one to make the blocks but when the results are so good - so p e r f e c t - it's kind of hard not to use it. To help with that, I have two rulers that I am going to give away. Since I know you want to get started with this, this is a quick drawing - leave a comment before Midnight on Sunday night - 12:01 AM Monday morning and you're too late - and you're entered to win. I'll pick winners on Monday - two of them.
I hope you have a terrific weekend - I'm hoping to stay inside and work on a binding or two. And pack some patterns. And finish up some patterns. But mostly I want to get the binding on this...
And yeah, I need to learn how to do one of those draped quilt-y pictures. Mine looks like its wadded up on the chair getting ready to fall off... which it basically is. Is there a class for that sort of thing?
Ilove thier rulers. This one looks like it would be a great addition to my list of favorites.
Posted by: Judy Snider | September 06, 2013 at 06:35 PM
I would love to win one of these rulers. It looks like it would be very useful. Hoping i can figure out the block without the ruler if I don't win. Love the scrappy look of the block.
Posted by: Brenda | September 06, 2013 at 07:10 PM
I love anything that makes my sewing time go smoother. Thanks for giving us all a shot at winning one. I hope your weekend goes as planned and you finish you projects. I need to hand finish the binding on a lg. twin size quilt, wish me luck. ;->
Posted by: Toni Anne | September 06, 2013 at 07:12 PM
Just an FYI - I pop seams frequently and find that it really helps! I referred to your tutorial until I had the process memorized ( which, by the way, didn't take that long).
I hope that you have some free time soon. Or at least, that you have a few free minutes to listen to some fun music. Or watch a good tv show. Or dance a little. Or sing. Maybe nibble a nice bar of Ghirardelli chocolate.
;-)
Posted by: Margaret | September 06, 2013 at 07:15 PM
I'm completely intrigued by the ruler. And, of course, I love all your patterns. Thanks for the generous giveaway.
Posted by: Anne | September 06, 2013 at 07:25 PM
Looks like a great ruler. Thanks for the chance.
Posted by: Carol | September 06, 2013 at 07:26 PM
Those rulers look like a great way to achieve precision! Love the scrappy version!
Posted by: cynthia | September 06, 2013 at 07:54 PM
I already ordered the pattern I sure hope I win a ruler Thanks Sharon
Posted by: sharon macpherson | September 06, 2013 at 07:56 PM
I just ordered the pattern and look forward to making the quilt. Thanks for the chance to win a ruler. I love your scrappy Trip Around the World quilt. All those small squares make a very impressive looking quilt!
Posted by: Renee | September 06, 2013 at 08:19 PM
Shaded four-patches have caught my eye lately. The ruler looks like one that would be a great addition to my collection! I hope the fall season isn't as challenging for you and your family. I am always glad when life lets you post to your blog!
Posted by: Ann in NC | September 06, 2013 at 08:19 PM
Wow! That looks like a great ruler for the perfect finishes. Thanks for the clarification.
Posted by: Mary | September 06, 2013 at 08:34 PM
I'd love to try that ruler--I've never seen it during any of my shopping expeditions.
Posted by: Glenda in Florida | September 06, 2013 at 08:39 PM
I LOVE your Mercerie Schnibble and your beautiful Scrappy Trip quilt!!!
Monique's Fit to be Quarter ruler sounds great. Thanks for the chance to win one.
Posted by: Becky S | September 06, 2013 at 09:09 PM
What a cool ruler; you're right, Monique is a genius! Thanks for the chance to win one. btw...don't worry about getting that last photo 'just right', draped, with cookies and floral arrangements or anything - your quilts are so cool it is inspiring just to see a picture of them!
Posted by: Lisa | September 06, 2013 at 09:56 PM
You make it look so easy. The ruler looks like an amazing tool. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Jocelyn | September 06, 2013 at 10:05 PM
Carrie, I have to tell you that I recently had one of your books made into a spiral bound version. I use your books so much the pages came loose, and duh! spiral binding makes it so easy to lay it open and follow along!
Please pick my for the ruler giveaway!!
I am going to get all my favorite quilt books (that would be 2 more of yours included) spiral bound next.
PS I am with you in the newest issue of Quilts and More!!! I feel so honored to share magazine space with you.
Posted by: Wendy Barker Paull | September 06, 2013 at 10:12 PM
I'm kinda sorta understanding how you did that....... What a great result! One of those rulers would be fantastic.
Posted by: Carol Campbell | September 06, 2013 at 10:32 PM
The ruler does look useful. I keep reminding myself to look for one, but It seems I keep forgetting. I guess I'd better make the effort to have the ruler so I'll be ready when my pattern arrives.
Posted by: Carol C | September 06, 2013 at 10:38 PM
I just finished a king size quilt with that block. Too bad I didn't have that ruler!
Love your scrappy Trip Around the World!
Posted by: Cathy | September 06, 2013 at 10:38 PM
This ruler sounds fantastic. Thanks for explaining because I couldn't figure out why you cut the pieces larger when using Monique's ruler. It would be great to win and give it a try.
Posted by: Ramona Chester | September 06, 2013 at 11:27 PM
Two of my favourite things - your patterns and monique's rulers
Posted by: Chris Deveson | September 06, 2013 at 11:57 PM
I love your patterns and I love Monique's patterns! Btw, I just started your six degrees pattern with some Bonnie and Camille fabric, it's looking good!
Posted by: Dorothy | September 07, 2013 at 12:51 AM
I love your pattern, all your patterns, I have the Fit to be Geese ruler, so the Fit to be a Quarter would be a bonus.
Thank you for the opportunity to win one.
Your Trip Around the World is lovely, its on my 'to do' list
Posted by: Janet Clifford | September 07, 2013 at 01:11 AM
ok love this block and tutorial you make it look so easy
I NEED that glo line tape too! that would make my life easier :)
the eyes are just not what they used to be!
love the pix of the tatw you get to see so many more of the fabrics and the great word fabric on the back :)
thanks, don't include me in the giveaway I am LUCKY enough to own those rulers already.
Kathie
Posted by: kathie | September 07, 2013 at 01:50 AM
Her rulers are pure genius! I would love one since I have two of her books, beautiful designs. Thank you for the opportunity and for a wonderful tutorial.
Posted by: Fleurette | September 07, 2013 at 02:50 AM
Your patterns are so great! And I love your Trip Around the World---so happy! Thanks for the chance to win the rulers.
Posted by: Susan | September 07, 2013 at 03:39 AM
Thanks for your little tutorial! I've already thought about using Scrumptious for my Mercerie ... now I'm sure:-)
Please say hi to your mom and Rosie and have a wonderful weekend, Hildy
Posted by: Hildy | September 07, 2013 at 03:45 AM
Fun tutorial on the blocks!! Happy September. I heart Fall!
Posted by: rebecca | September 07, 2013 at 03:51 AM
Wonderful tutorial! I must try the GloLine Tape. Thank you for a chance to win the Fit to be Quarter ruler...I need all the help I can get. LOL
Posted by: Ann in PA | September 07, 2013 at 03:53 AM
Love the pattern and thank you for sharing the
tutorial with us. The fit to be quarter ruler
would be great to make those blocks so accurate. Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Gwen | September 07, 2013 at 04:19 AM
I love those blocks and that quilt pattern - such a clever way of making the blocks, you're a genius! I love your scrappy trip quilt (I also need to attend the same quilt arranging/photography class!) and can't wait to see which fabric(s?) you choose for the binding. I hope you, your mam and Rosie are well xx
Posted by: Archiethewonderdog | September 07, 2013 at 04:39 AM
Thanks for the chance to win ! Anything that helps with accuracy is a real plus.
Posted by: Sandra | September 07, 2013 at 05:15 AM
Wow! This is so much easier than paper piecing this block (which is how I have done it in the past).
Posted by: DebrafromMD | September 07, 2013 at 05:21 AM
Would LOVE to add that ruler to my "stable" ... love making those PERFECT blocks ... life is so much better then ;-) Scratches to Rosie!!!
Posted by: Linda Hoch | September 07, 2013 at 05:37 AM
Thank you so much for the really excellent instructions/tutorial for making that "half half square triangle" corner unit!
Posted by: Joyce Triezenberg | September 07, 2013 at 05:39 AM
Thank you for the tutorial,. I love perfect and I love your paterns.
Posted by: Melody Wathor | September 07, 2013 at 05:55 AM
Great tutorial! Now I think I can do it! (I'm sure I can get the water spot duplicated perfectly!!) Thanks for the chance to win the ruler.
Posted by: Vicky | September 07, 2013 at 06:08 AM
I have the Fit to be Geese ruler and love it. I wish I had known about the Fit to be Quarter when my guild made our opportunity quilt. I chose you Jellystone quilt that has a million units just like this in the bear paws. We got it done, and it is gorgeous, but it was a challenge teaching some members how to make that unit.
Your trip around the world quilt is beautiful no matter what the photo set-up!
Posted by: Mary | September 07, 2013 at 06:20 AM
Am I the only one who doesn't have one of those rulers yet? You make it look so easy!
Is that what people used to call "Mary's Triangles"? I have an old Moda pattern/kit that uses that- I'll have to take a peek. Love the new pattern & Canasta also. I am a paper type gal, and will order when it's up on the site.
Starting to get "fallish" here in the mountains. Our summer was so short with lots of rain, I may have to head south for some Florida sun!!
Posted by: Linda P | September 07, 2013 at 06:24 AM
Just got your Crumbler ruler, but would <3 to add the Fit to be Quartered one to my collection too! Here's hoping you find the time to get that binding done!
Posted by: Sandie | September 07, 2013 at 06:25 AM
I love Monique's rulers, but don't have this one. Yup! I think I need it. And I'm with you on the drape-y quilt photos. Can never get that shot right. You have some pull - maybe you can get Camille to do a tutorial for those of us drape-y quilt challenged?
Posted by: Cindy | September 07, 2013 at 06:32 AM
Wow a ruler that gives PERFECT results---Boy do I need that!!!!
Posted by: Glynette | September 07, 2013 at 06:54 AM
Hey Carrie,
The best to you, your mom, and of course the one and only Miss Rosie.
Someday might you contemplate an online trunk show? I saw another wonderful designer's work displayed on a blog and loved the show. Unfortunately I missed the tell part, but pictures do mean a lot. I have four of your books and use them often.
Posted by: pam hansen | September 07, 2013 at 07:09 AM
I loved seeing your technique! And would love to win a ruler :)
Posted by: Linda | September 07, 2013 at 07:21 AM
Oh, I would love to win one of those rulers! I've got the pattern for Mercerie (as well as many others by you) but I'm a little intimidated by the pattern. Maybe a ruler would help me.
Posted by: Pati Elliott | September 07, 2013 at 07:22 AM
Very intrigued by the ruler because who doesn't want to be perfect?!?
Thanks for the giveaway! Merci
Posted by: Sharon Meek | September 07, 2013 at 07:24 AM
I'm only just discovered Monique's ruler, but I'm really enjoying what little i've done. I love how the navy dot looks in that block. Thanks for the giveaway.
Posted by: Ann | September 07, 2013 at 07:30 AM
Thanks, Carrie, for the demo. Would love to win the ruler. I love, love, love Monique's flying geese rulers! About as much as I love, love, love Schnibbles!!
Posted by: Karen Shackleford | September 07, 2013 at 07:39 AM
Nice to see that someone else likes to press the diagonal seams open rather that the straight-set ones - makes so much more sense in my mind, and like you say, it does a great job of reducing the bulk in the corners. Great pattern, too. I have a whole box of scrap squares and triangles that would play oh so nicely with this one. I already have some of Monique's rulers, but a smaller one would be delightful. Thanks for the giveaway and the opportunity to win...
Posted by: Anne Reimer | September 07, 2013 at 07:53 AM
I love the pattern, looks so scrappy and complicated but really deceptively simple, kind of like life. I would love to win the ruler. That would move this project to the front of the line.
Posted by: Cathy C | September 07, 2013 at 07:54 AM