Fat Quarter Mystery Quilt: January Block of the Month

JanuaryNineInch

Fat Quarter Mystery Quilt: January Block of the Month

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JanuaryNineInch

Introducing January’s Block: Goose in the Pond*

Welcome to the first block in the 2017 Fat Quarter Mystery Quilt! All twelve, 15-inch finished-sized blocks, will be created from one 24-piece fat quarter bundle and 2-1/4 yards of cream background fabric. We’re using the fat quarter bundle, Garnet, it’s my most recent fabric line from Penny Rose, a division of Riley Blake Designs. You’re definitely welcome to use another collection of fabric or fabrics from your stash! Garnet CakeStand Nancy Zieman

Choose the Fabrics

For the January Block, use the following fabrics from your Garnet fat-quarter bundle. If you have chosen another fabric collection, select three darker tones, two medium tones, and the background fabric for a total of six fabrics January QuiltingWithNancyZieman Fabrics

Cut and Create Patchwork Units

Goose in the Pond quilt block is created, using four basic units. BlockOfTheMonth Nancy Zieman Units

Unit One: Half Square Triangles (HSTs)

Cut the following:

  • Six squares measuring 3-7/8″ x 3-7/8″ from background cream fabric
  • Four squares measuring 3-7/8″ x 3-7/8″ from dark fabric
  • Two squares measuring 3-7/8″ x 3-7/8″ from light fabric
  • Pair a background fabric with each print fabric.
  • Align the blocks right sides together (the blocks are shown with right sides out).

January 2017 Block of the Month by Nancy Zieman/Sewing WIth Nancy

Make HSTs:
  • Option one: Mark each block set diagonally from one corner to the other, using a fabric marking pen and ruler.
  • Option two: Use a No-Hassle Triangle Gauge. The left side of the gauge is designed to create HST blocks.

January 2017 Block of the Month by Nancy Zieman/Sewing WIth Nancy

  • Depress the button on the sliding portion of the gauge and move to the 3-1/2-HST icon on the left side of the gauge.
  • Place gauge on the block set, corner to corner. Match corner marks of gauge with corner of block sets. Mark fabric through center of gauge with a fine-point, fabric-marking pen.

January 2017 Block of the Month by Nancy Zieman/Sewing WIth NancyNote from Nancy: The advantage of using the No-Hassle Triangle Gauge is accuracy. It’s easy to double-check that the block set fits within the confines of the gauge. If the block set extends beyond or is shorter, trim or cut another block. Stitch Half-Square Triangle Block Sets

  • Attach a 1/4″ patchwork/quilting foot.
  • Set machine for a straight stitch, 2.0–2.5 mm in length.
  • Align foot along one side of the center marked line; stitch a scant 1/4″ from center marked line. Do not cut the threads.
  • Kiss the next block set to the stitched block and chain stitch from one block to the other. Continue chain stitching until blocks have been stitched.

2 Chain HST NancyZieman

  • Clip threads between chain stitched blocks. Rotate blocks 180-degrees. Align foot along second side of center marked line; stitch. Clip threads between chain stitched blocks.

3 DoubleChain HST NancyZieman

  • With a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler, cut the blocks apart along centerline markings.

5Cutting HST NancyZieman

  • Press seam allowances open or toward the darker fabric.

5Pressing HST NancyZieman

  • Set 12 half-square triangles aside.

Watch the No-Hassle Half-Square Triangles episode of Sewing With Nancyfor a complete demonstration of the gauge and technique.

Unit Two: 9-Patch

From the medium and dark fat quarters, cut the following:

  • From Dark Fabric: Cut two strips 1-1/2″ x 13″. Cut one strip 1-1/2″ x 21″.
  • From Light Fabric: Cut one strip 1-1/2″ x 13″. Cut two strips 1-1/2″ x 21″.
  • Arrange the strips of matching lengths in groups of three, as shown below:
Nine Patch Block Nancy Zieman 1

.Nine Patch Block Nancy Zieman 8

  • Join a light and dark strip from each grouping; chain piece.

Nine Patch Block Nancy Zieman 2

  • Snip the chain stitching. Open and press both pairs.

Nine Patch Block Nancy Zieman 3

  • Add the remaining dark and light strips to each of the pressed pairs.
Nine Patch Block Nancy Zieman 4.Nine Patch Block Nancy Zieman 11
  • Open; press seam allowances toward the darker fabric.

Nine Patch Block Nancy Zieman 5.Nine Patch Block Nancy Zieman 12

  • Subcut the strip sets into 1-1/2″ widths.
  • From the shorter Dark-Light-Dark set, cut eight pieces 1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″.

Nine Patch Block Nancy Zieman 13

  • From the longer Light-Dark-Light set, cut four pieces 1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″.
  • Save the remaining portion of the strip set.

Nine Patch Block Nancy Zieman 7

  • Arrange the 9-patch blocks with the darker fabrics at each corner.

Nine Patch Block Nancy Zieman 14

  • Join the top two rows, locking seam allowances.

Nine Patch Block Nancy Zieman 15

  • Open; add the remaining row.

Nine Patch Block Nancy Zieman 16

  • Open; press.
Nine Patch Block Nancy Zieman 17.Nine Patch Block Nancy Zieman 18
  • Make a total of four 9-patch blocks, which should measure 3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″.
Nine Patch Block Nancy Zieman 19

Unit Three: Stripe

  • From the Light-Dark-Light remaining strip set portion, cut four squares 3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″.
Nine Patch Block Nancy Zieman 20.Nine Patch Block Nancy Zieman 21

Unit Four: Solid Square

  • Cut four blocks 3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ from cream fabric.
  • Cut one block 3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ from center print fabric.

CutSquares QuiltingWithNancy

Create Block

  • Arrange the large block as shown:

Arrange Jan Block Nancy Zieman 1

  • Join pairs of blocks to create rows.
Arrange Jan Block Nancy Zieman 3
  • Stitch one row at a time, starting with the top row.
  • Row One:

Arrange Jan Block Nancy Zieman 2

  • Row Two:

Arrange Jan Block Nancy Zieman 4

  • Row Three:

Arrange Jan Block Nancy Zieman 5

  • Row Four:

Arrange Jan Block Nancy Zieman 6

  • Row Five:

Arrange Jan Block Nancy Zieman 7

  • Press odd numbered row seam allowances in one direction and even numbered seam allowances in the opposite direction.
  • Arrange the rows.

Arrange Jan Block Nancy Zieman 8

  • Join rows one and two.
  • Join rows three and four.
Arrange Jan Block Nancy Zieman 9
  • Interlock the seam allowances at each unit.

Arrange Jan Block Nancy Zieman 10

  • Press.

Arrange Jan Block Nancy Zieman 11

  • Add the fifth row.

Arrange Jan Block Nancy Zieman 13

  • Stitch the final row seam to create the block.
Arrange Jan Block Nancy Zieman 14The first block in the 2017 Fat Quarter Mystery Quilt is solved!
JanuaryNineInch
* Goose in the Pond, illustrated in The Quilter’s Album of Blocks & Borders by Jinny Beyer. Published by EPM Publications, Inc.  Copyright 1980, Jinny Beyer
 
If you are on social sites, let all your friends know you are working on Nancy Zieman’s 2017 Fat Quarter Mystery Quilt by tagging your post with the hashtag: #NZBoM. Share you finished blocks with Nancy and her team by emailing them to [email protected].


Updated to add: Wow! You have created fantastic quilt blocks. See the January Quilt Block Gallery on my Facebook Page.

In the 2015 Quilt Adventure and the 2016 Quilt Extravaganza, I shared three virtual quilt designs made with the month’s single block. This year, I’m changing it up and sharing one quilt and block color variations. Wait ’til you see how interesting each block becomes when the light, medium, and dark color values are mixed up! Please note that the fabrics required for color-varied blocks will be slightly different than the original block of the month directions presented.

Take your Block to the Next Level

  • Visualize an entire quilt made from this block. Each block will measure 15″ square when sewn into a quilt. The image below shows 20 blocks framed with 3″ sashing and pieced corner-stone blocks. Read more on finishing the quilt in my book Fearless Quilting Finishes. This digital quilt, as shown, would measure 82″ x 100″.

QuiltConcept January NancyZieman

  • Notice the subtle differences in these four color variations of the Goose in the Pond block:
Jan BlockVariation 4 NancyZiemanspace
Jan BlockVariation 3 NancyZieman
space
Jan BlockVariation 2 NancyZieman spaceJan BlockVariation 1 NancyZieman

Virtual concepts presented in this post are created using Electric Quilt 7 (EQ7) software, available at Nancy’s Notions.

Watch No-Hassle Triangles Quilt Blocks on Sewing With Nancy online.

NoHassle1 2Triangles SewingWithNancy

If you missed any of the complete block tutorials, find the 2017 Fat Quarter Mystery Block of the Month on my blog.

Bye for now, Nancy Zieman The Blog

Content in this feed is © copyright 2017 by Nancy Zieman and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website. The FTC requires us to tell you that Nancy Zieman has provided products by other companies in the course of her business. The FTC requires us to advise you to take this information into consideration when reading this posting.
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59 Comments

  • Marty
    January 21, 2017

    A very nice block, Nancy! Going by your past two years more ‘modern’ looks, for this series I had selected ‘urban-motif’ fabrics in masculine hues of browns & greens (with a bit of turquoise) thinking I’d make this sampler for my son. But I’m not certain they will look good if all the blocks will have a more ‘traditional’ theme. Perhaps I should choose other fabrics for this year? Quandry of the mystery!

  • Mary K Bell
    January 21, 2017

    This is a fantastic looking block. This will be the first time I have started with your Block of the Month, and I can’t wait to start. I plan on using much of the fabric that I have stashed just for something different.

  • DebbieW
    January 21, 2017

    Beautiful fabrics, Nancy, love paisleys and can’t wait to make this block.

  • Linda
    January 21, 2017

    I have always loved this block, but thought it looked more involved then I wanted to deal with. After reading this, I now realize it isn’t so complicated after all. I am going to try this block in a table runner first. Thanks, Nancy, for this tutorial that breaks it down so easily. I remember watching you on PBS nearly 30 years ago. I no longer make my kids clothes, now I sew for my great grand kids. I started quilting about 6 years ago and absolutely love it. I quilt every day now at I’m retired. I have always enjoyed watching your shows.
    I have a question tho…how come I got old and you didn’t?

  • Nola
    January 21, 2017

    Nancy, This my 1st time making a quilt. I too have had to change my colour as I picked up fabric at my local Quilting store “Sugar Town Quilt Co.” Tammy helped me pick the blocks of blues and grey. So looking forward to each month. Now I will get started on the “Goose in the Pond” Wish me luck.

  • Shannon Miller
    January 21, 2017

    What a beautiful block!! I love your new fabric line. I’m a big fan of yours and never miss your show (especially the quilting episodes). Keep up the magnificent work!!

  • Candice
    January 21, 2017

    Love this! You always do a fantastic job of instructing, and inspiring, so even we “block” heads can understand easily!!

  • Beryl Rasmussen
    January 21, 2017

    I love this block…can’t wait to try it!

  • Jennifer Fried
    January 21, 2017

    Nice block to start off the new year. Happy sewing 2017.

  • Marie Kozma
    January 21, 2017

    Nancy,
    What an exciting and fun project to work on throughout 2017. I have already completed my January block and LOVE it! Although I have chosen other fabrics for my quilt, I know it will be very special. Thank you so much!

  • Barbara
    January 22, 2017

    What is the finished size of this quilt? Would like it to be able to fit a full double or queen size bed. I have already picked out a fat quarter bundle, but want to be sure it will fit the bed.
    A fantastic project!

  • Clovis
    January 22, 2017

    I finished my block for January. It is not perfect, but it looks good. Waiting for the next block.

  • Linda Rupe
    January 23, 2017

    Wow! What a beautiful block! I love these fabrics, too! As always, your instructions are spot on. I was teaching my husband to piece and (hand) quilt but think it will be better for us if I just direct him to your website. (We watch together on our local PBS station.)

  • Nancy Kriner
    January 24, 2017

    Love the block. First time I have done a block of the month. Would it be possible to get the instructions in .pdf format? My desktop computer is on the first floor and my sewing room is on the second.

    Thanks so much.

    • Mary
      January 31, 2017

      There is a PDF link at the bottom of the blog and before the comment section.

  • Lynn
    January 25, 2017

    Ordered the Garnet fat quarter bundle and anxiously waiting for it to come! Worried the Garnet fabric will bleed onto the cream background when washed. What do you think?

  • Cynthia Bunten
    January 26, 2017

    I haven’t done a block of the month since I was pregnant with my daughter. She just turned 14! Looking forward to this one very much! However, I had to write down the directions from your site into a notebook to make it easier to have directions by my sewing machine. Are you considering having a printable PDF to accompany your posts?

  • Dixie Billups
    January 28, 2017

    My sister has been trying to get me to quilt for years and years…just was never interested until I started a mystery quilt!! I have only done one block and oh my am I hooked!!! Two weeks later…what did I see on Facebook but your BOM for 2017!!!! Well, you know I ordered the fabric, which I love love love and it arrived yesterday!!!! I am so excited to start!!! Thanks so much for the wonderful instructions to a new quilter even tho I’m a senior!!! LOL

  • deb
    January 28, 2017

    Hi, I just found out about your 2017 BOM, and I am so excited to join in! I have a different color scheme in mind, but I am wondering in your 24 fat quarter bundle, are there any duplicates? I am not sure if I should use 24 different fabrics or should I have some duplicates. What do you recommend? I am still new at this, so I appreciate your advice! Thank you !

  • Jean TenBrook
    January 29, 2017

    Is there a way to post our finished blocks for everyone to see? Thank you! It was fun making this block.

  • Brenda Hanser
    January 30, 2017

    I bought your new Garnet bundle and finished the first 2017 BOM. The block is stunning. Thanks Nancy. Is there somewhere to post my finished blocks. Would love to see others.

  • Lisa
    January 31, 2017

    Did you wash your fat quarters first

    • Brenda Hanser
      January 31, 2017

      I finished the first block with the Garnet bundle. It is georgous. I did not wash the material. Should I do that.

  • Sherry Moran
    February 1, 2017

    I don’t usually prewash my fabrics, and since I’m using the fat quarter bundle, won’t it be difficult to prewash?

    Are you recommending prewash for this fabric?

    I do love red quilts and your fabric is gorgeous!

  • Terrie
    February 1, 2017

    Love the idea of a mystery quilt love the design when does the next block come out

  • Nancy
    February 2, 2017

    First time participating in your BOM. So excited. I am using a different color scheme. In the comments above you mentioned the finished size if the quilt is 57″ x 75″. Should I purchase more fabric for borders, etc? Or have you included it in the background yardage. I would like it to all match. Sorry if this a silly question but I am a first timer. Love the first block. Thanks. Nancy

  • Kristy
    February 2, 2017

    Hi Nancy,

    Will we be using 3 unique fabrics in each block? (No fat quarter used in more than one block?)

    Thank you…

  • Carolyn
    February 6, 2017

    Would a very light pink work for the background using your fabric’s

  • Alicia Haak
    February 6, 2017

    Where do I purchase the fabric listed in information above? Thank you

  • Kristy Loghry
    February 7, 2017

    In creating this quilt, will we be using each fat quarter only one time? Three fabrics for each block?

    Thank you!

  • Edna
    February 7, 2017

    I am trying to pick fabrics from my stash for this BOM. I am wondering if you could tell me how many darks, mediums and lights will be used. I have lots of fat quarters!

  • Jeannette Wellman
    February 10, 2017

    I am trying to choose a different color scheme. I am not fond of red. Could you possibly tell me how many of the 24 fat quarters are dark, medium, and light? It would be a great help.

    • Jean TenBrook
      February 10, 2017

      From what I can tell, there is about 8 of each. I’m also doing mine in other colors. Blues, reds and creams from my stash. I’m using 8 of each. Hope that helps

    • Priscilla
      February 11, 2017

      Has the Feb. Mystery block been posted? Wondering if it is has and I am just missing it!!!

        • Priscilla Cook
          February 12, 2017

          Thank you for the reply. Somehow missed that little bit of info!

  • Jennifer
    February 24, 2017

    Hi this is awesome!!! My name is Jen I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m looking to buy a better sewing machine I bought a little start up one around Christmas and I fell in love. I love all crafts from woodwork to crocheting. Thing is my husband will kill me if I spend more than 300. Can someone please tell me of a good one for that price. I’d really appreciate it

      • Jennifer
        February 25, 2017

        Thank you so much I will definitely give it a try.

  • Margaret Varga
    February 25, 2017

    How do I post a picture of my BOM block on facebook or all your followers to see? Confused on this.

  • Cathy
    March 25, 2017

    Hi,
    How do I sign up for the BOM quilt block?
    Thank you
    Cathy

  • Carol Anne
    April 8, 2017

    The block I like the best is the card trick.I love them all as it good to see how they all come together

  • Lisa Toth
    June 27, 2017

    Just got the materials yesterday so now I am ready to start. Trying to download the January BOM

  • LynnAnn Weed
    July 11, 2017

    Hello Nancy
    THANK YOU! – you inspire and motivate me with your wonderful teaching style – l watch one of your shows every morning with my cup of coffee, go to work and can’t wait to come home and work on a quilting project. Looking forward to starting this quilt soon. I’m a novice quilter getting better every day because of you.
    LynnAnn from Connecticut

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