2015 Adventure Quilt: Block of the Month #9

NancyZieman BlockOfTheMonth September 2wm

2015 Adventure Quilt: Block of the Month #9

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NancyZieman BlockOfTheMonth September 2wmDuring this Block of the Month lesson, learn the secret to stitching perfect circle shapes. Not to worry, you will not be cutting curved shapes; the magic happens with rectangles, fusible interfacing, and a short stitch length. My quilting tip of using fusible interfacing is the key, which practically guarantees a smooth, gradual curve. September’s Block of the Month in The 2015 Adventure Quilt is the Celestial Circle. To create the Celestial Circle, use the Trace ‘n Create Carefree Curves Template Set. Here’s how:

Block #9: Celestial Circle Quilt Block

All blocks in The 2015 Adventure Quilt measure 12-1/2″ x 12-1/2″, creating a 12″x 12″ finished block. 1/4″ seam allowances are included.

Notions, Fabrics, and Supplies:

Get started by choosing fabrics. Any three color combinations will work. I had a surplus of black, white, and chartreuse green in my quilting fabric scraps. If you’ve been following along, you know that this Block of the Month series is a scrap fabric adventure.

2a Choose Fabrics copy

Cut Fabrics

Cut the following fabric and interfacing pieces:

  • Cut two 6-1/14″ x 12-1/2″ fabric rectangles (background).
  • Cut two  5″ x 9″ fabric rectangles (for circles).
  • Cut one 1″ x 12-1/2″ fabric rectangle (dividing strip).
  • Cut two 5″ x 9″ interfacing rectangles (for circles).

NancyZieman BlockOfTheMonth September aCreate the Semi-Circles

  • Using the 5″ x 9″ fabric and interfacing rectangles, pin the smooth side of the interfacing on the right side of the fabric. Make two pair.
  • Align the Carefree Curves circle template centerline with the cut edge of the fabric/interfacing pair.
  • Using a fine tip marking pen to trace the 8-1/2″ semi-circle onto the interfacing. (This is the pink ring on the template.)

NancyZieman BlockOfTheMonth September b

  • Straight stitch, using a short stitch length, 2.0—2.5,  directly on the marked curve.
Note from Nancy
Use a short stitch length to ensure a smooth stitching line when sewing a curve. I often compare using a short stitch length to driving in the mountains. To maneuver the curvy road, a slower speed ensures that you’ll stay on course.

NancyZieman BlockOfTheMonth September c

  • Use a rotary pinking blade to remove excess fabric.

NancyZieman BlockOfTheMonth September d

  • Remove the excess interfacing from within the circle, leaving approximately 1″ of interfacing.

NancyZieman BlockOfTheMonth September e

NancyZieman BlockOfTheMonth September f

  • Press.

NancyZieman BlockOfTheMonth September gBuild the Block

  • Fold the background fabric in half to find the center. Lightly finger press.
  • Fold the semi-circles in half to find the center. Lightly finger press.
  • Align the centers and cut edges of each semi-circle and background fabric.
  • Pin semi-circles to the backgrounds.

NancyZieman BlockOfTheMonth September h

  • Edgestitch with monofilament thread.
NancyZieman BlockOfTheMonth September i
  • Lay out the block with the center dividing strip.

NancyZieman BlockOfTheMonth September j

  • Use a 1/4″ seam allowance to join the center dividing strip to the left side of the block.
Note from Nancy
Here’s where accuracy is important. If the seam allowance is wider or narrower than 1/4″, the finished block will not be square.
  • Press seam allowances towards the center dividing strip.
NancyZieman BlockOfTheMonth September k
  • Use a 1/4″ seam allowance to add the right side.
NancyZieman BlockOfTheMonth September l
Note from Nancy: Notice in the picture I used a narrow blanket stitch to stitch the circle to the background. Each point takes a small dip into the circle itself. Choose a blanket stitch, decorative stitch, or straight stitch to apply the shapes.
  • Ta-dah! Another block is complete.
NancyZieman BlockOfTheMonth September 2wm
NancNancyZieman BlockOfTheMonth September 1wm

Share your 2015 Adventure Quilt Blocks Socially

If you have a blog site, website, or online social sewing group, feel free to grab the code and share this button.

Nancy Zieman Block of the Month

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 If you are on social sites, let all your friends know you are working on The 2015 Adventure Quilt Blocks by tagging your post with the hashtag: #NZBoM.

The hashtag is a searchable “word” associated with an event or activity, which when searched on popular social websites, like Instagram, Twitter, Flickr, and Facebook, will show every single post using that hashtag. Hashtags are a fun way to network and connect with people who share similar interests.

What would a Quilt Look Like?

As part of this Block of the Month series, included are ideas of what a quilt might look like if you made it with only this month’s block. This block inspired me; I have four digital concepts rather than three. To my surprise, I did not use sashing in any of these designs.

  • This Celestial Circle is arranged in an alternating traditional grid pattern. The result is anything but traditional.
VerticalAlternatingQuilt NancyZieman2
  • I wanted to include a small design of only nine blocks. This concept lends itself to featuring the small, but bold, center dividing strip. Notice that the center block is a square without patchwork.
BabyCelestiaCirclePlus2
  • Sometimes quilts can be completely organized, symmetrical, and create great rhythm in repetition. The following quilt is one of those designs.
OCDsFriendHorizontal2
  • I took a bit of liberty with the block when creating this last concept quilt. For the second row, I omitted the circle appliqué on four blocks and simply created a feature-bar element in the design.

ModernCelestialCircleQuilt Twin2Watch Carefree Curves (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy online.

To watch Sewing With Nancy on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone, download the app.

Sewing With Nancy/Nancy Zieman Carefree Curves

Don’t Miss the Other 2015 Adventure Quilt Block of the Month Features

In the 2015 Adventure Quilt Block of the Month series, we’ll be making twelve fun blocks from five different templates/tools: Carefree Curves TemplateDresden TemplateGrandmother’s One Patch TemplateLone Star Template, and the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge.

See all the 2015 Adventure Quilt Blocks HERE.

Bye for now, Nancy Zieman The Blog

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8 Comments

  • Sally Fester
    September 19, 2015

    Did not know you were doing a block of the month.. Maybe I will start on one next year when you do a new one…. TY for sharing your time with us!

  • Elizabeth Rivera
    September 19, 2015

    I will start one next year also like Sally. I also thank you for all the great lessons you have given. I hope you are in good health.

  • Mary B
    September 19, 2015

    I’ve been following the block of month series but due to difficulties in printing have been unable to have copies of all the blocks. Will there ever be a print copy available??? Love the modern look but think it would work with any fabric design, I really like the ideas using each individual block. Thanks so much!!

  • peaceful
    September 19, 2015

    Anything that helps with curves & circles is a good tool. Very good instructions, as always.
    Thanks for your sharing and caring.

  • Gail
    September 19, 2015

    Thanks for sharing another great tutorial!

  • Lucy
    September 20, 2015

    Would love to make this quilt but unfortunately not able to afford the rulers for this project. Great instructions, love the quilt blocks in this block of the month. Thanks.

  • Kate
    September 22, 2015

    I just love you to pieces Nancy ! I pray you’re having an easier time now. I do remember the “Home” Recordings!! A note to Lucy, if you just take paper, a ruler, and protractor there is no reason you can’t make the blocks. May be more time consuming, but definitely can be done. I also know if Nancy puts her name on something, you know it’s quality!

  • Lucy
    October 9, 2015

    Thanks Kate for the advise – will try it.

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