|
This week, Sewcialites 3 brings us Block 22, Down To Earth, designed by Wendy Sheppard of Ivory Spring. At its heart, Down To Earth is a square-in-a-square-in-a-square block, but Wendy's innovative piecing method creates the illusion of two additional outer squares. This fresh interpretation of a classic design introduces a clean, balanced composition. Each successive frame naturally guides the eye toward the center, making the block an elegant study in geometry, value, and proportion.  Its versatility is a qualities I appreciate. The design readily adapts to a wide range of fabric choices—bold contrasts emphasize the nested shapes, tonal palettes create a quiet sense of depth, and scrappy combinations bring an entirely different energy. The block responds beautifully to each approach, revealing a new personality with every color palette.  For my version, I selected Early Dawn, Sugar Rose, Fuchsia, and Cranberry. Rather than relying on dramatic contrast alone, I focused on the relationship between color and value to distinguish each nested square. The interplay of these fabrics gives every layer its own identity while establishing a gentle visual rhythm that draws the eye inward and highlights the elegance of the block's geometric structure.  One of the joys of a block like Down To Earth is discovering how much influence fabric selection has on the final result. A subtle shift in color or value can completely transform its character, making it a wonderful reminder that quilting is as much about composition as it is about piecing.
Happy Sewing! -Robin
0 Comments
Stacy Iest Hsu designed block 22 and named it, Lucky Charm. This block is a combination of the Cat's Cradle block with a nine patch center. This configuration can take many forms as the color studies show, anywhere from a Windmill block to a Daisy-in-a-square on point block. I like how the center can pop out as an individual diamond more or look like part of the background. Each week the color studies uncover new and unexpected modern designs. It's a way for me to get acquainted with a design.  The construction of the Lucky Charm block is shown here in greyscale for clarity. See the third block in the first row, in this version a Friendship Star appears with a nine patch in the center. A unique block unto itself! The guiding lines here help highlight the core structure of the block.  The Dotty Thatched Turquoise and Lime fabrics compliment each other beautifully. The calming element here is the light blue half square triangles in the Cat's Cradle. The turquoise Dotty Thatched reminds me of the ocean in the summer. A wave that ripples and curls under itself, causing small bubbles underwater. I just want to dive in.  I've sized up the Lucky Charm block to fit it into my quilt layout. At 18" finished it's twice the size of the pattern provided. To size up a square block you subtract 1/2" from the original size = (original size - 1/2"). Multiply with how big the new square should be, in this case x2, then add 1/2" back in. The center nine patch square in the original size is 1 1/2". To size that up (original size: 1 1/2" - 1/2") = (1"). (1") x2 =2” then add 1/2"= 2 1/2" square - each center nine patch square for the 18" block is 2 1/2" square. Use this formula for the other squares.  To size up a half square triangle the formula is the same in principle but the value of the seam allowance is different. The formula is as follows: the original size - 7/8" then multiply with the size you want, for this block x2, then add 7/8".   In the Snuggly palette, this block looks softer and quieter than the popsicle palette. It is a big difference this week! Thatched in Mocha, seen in the center nine patch, has a lot of contrast to the lighter colors. It has a slightly reddish cast which compliments the Pink Grapefruit and Petal colors in the quilt.  I must admit assembly is underway! (That is why I sized up this block- so I could fill one of my larger corners.) Check out the first square in my 9 patch layout! I love seeing this come together!!  This is a 27" block. My overall quilt top layout will be 9 large 27" square sections assembled as a giant 9 patch. This is one of those sections and will be set in the lower right hand corner of the quilt. See the layout below.   We're almost there.
Happy Sewing, friends! |
About ROBINDesigner of colorful florals and Thatched basics for Moda Fabrics . Modern to transitional quilt designer, cross stitch designer, sewist, crafter. I am proud to be a designer for Moda Fabrics!
Shop Robin's Designs
 I am an affiliate for Fat Quarter Shop and may earn a small commission through my links. Thank you for your support!
Check the March 6, 2017 Episode!
Categories
All
Archives
November 2025
© Robin Pickens Inc. All rights reserved. No images may be reproduced without permission.
|
RSS Feed
