Moda Blockheads 6, Block 22

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!