2018 QuiltCon Charity Quilt – Improv Dresdens

Back in June, we had a design challenge for the guild’s 2018 QuiltCon Charity Quilt. Cecelia Lehmann‘s design was chosen, though we’re going to put a bit of an improvisational spin on it.

Note in the diagram below: “Pick center to match one of the fan blades. Pick outer (background) to match a different fan blade.” [We are asking for the background to be white or off-white.] OR as shown, one of the blades can be ‘split’, consisting of both the center and background fabric. There is one other option, which will be shown in the tutorial.

We’ll be using the color palette chosen by the Modern Quilt Guild, with fabric generously donated by Paintbrush Studio – beautiful Painter’s Palette Solids in (from bottom, below) White, Rice Paper, Purple, Tangerine, Tomato, Daisy, and Fuschia.

At our meeting last week, bundles were handed out. Contact Louise or Debbie if you’d like to participate – we have just a few bundles left.

In each bundle you’ll find:

1 – 12″ neutral for background + 1 spoke

1 – 8″ x 9″ color for block ‘center’ + 1 spoke

3 – 6″ x 8″ colors for spokes

PLEASE read through the block tutorial before cutting, as there are some options available. Also note that your finished block should measure 10 1/2″ square.

Begin by cutting into one of your 6″ x 8″ colors. Cut a couple of spoke ‘wedges’ as shown below, cutting so they are 8″ long. Repeat for your other two 6″ x 8″ pieces.

Next, cut one 8″ long wedge from the end of your block center color. Set the large piece aside for later.

Now cut one 8″ long wedge from the corner of your background piece. Set the large piece aside for later.

Begin to lay out your wedges to create a quarter circle. The side and bottom angles should be approximately at a 90-degree angle.

Piece your wedges together in pairs, then keep piecing until all wedges are sewn together.

Remember there are a couple of options in including the background and center colors in your ‘spokes.’ You can include one of each color as shown above OR a ‘split’ spoke using both the background and center color.

OR two split spokes – one using the background color and pointing to the background; another using the center color and pointing to the center.

Once your wedges are all sewn together, place a clear ruler over them to make sure they are at least as large as the 10 1/2″ block size we are after. I actually added one more spoke to the bottom, to give a little wiggle-room.

Once you determine your wedge section is large enough, slip the center piece underneath….

and cut a curve to your liking. Remove excess trimmings.

Flip your wedge piece over on top of your center piece, and start sewing from edge, easing in the curves as you sew. Sometimes it helps to stop your machine, lift the pressure foot, adjust your fabrics, then continue. It is not necessary to pin to fit the two curves together. It’s improv, and we’ll be trimming later, as needed.

Your sewn curve will be a bit ‘full’ and that’s ok!

Press seam up towards the wedges. Flip right-side up and press again.

Now lay your wedge shape on top of your background fabric, with the cut-out section hidden underneath. Place your clear ruler on top of your block and consider your overall block size.

I decided I wanted more background fabric showing, so I cut my curve accordingly. Discard trimmings. Flip the background piece over onto the top of your wedges and sew the curved edges together. Again, no need to pin or match ends exactly. Press seam toward background, then turn right-side up and press again.