This week still finds me playing around with different Christmassy blocks. I have a notion that I would like some new table toppers/runners this year. The tree and house blocks in the photo are from an old Nancy Martin book called Make Room for Christmas Quilts.
The book has a lot of really nice patterns in it, that are very well suited for Christmas quilts (or quilts for any season for that matter). Lots of decorating ideas in the book as well. I doubt it is still in print, but I've had great luck getting used copies of out of print books on Amazon.
I have to say, that in the past, Nancy Martin's construction techniques and I have not gotten along. Her method for half square triangles for instance, is just strange and very fussy in my mind. I won't go into her methods, but those of you who know what I am talking about, feel free to pipe up. The pattern I chose from this book is no exception to my previous experience, but I persevered because the blocks are so darn cute.
I even used templates that I made myself, if you can believe it. Perhaps that had something to do with my accuracy issues…. I had to re-do a number of units and do some clever trimming, but I am quite pleased with what I have accomplished so far. The house block is adorable. The tree block is rather different, in an abstract way-not really sure what those red and green half square rectangles at the bottom of the tree block are supposed to represent, but I went with it, as the pattern directed.
The tree block did call for these wretched half square rectangles, which are impossible for me to make with the technique given in the book. I remembered I had a Peaky and Spike ruler set from ages ago, and it turned out that the Peaky ruler was just right for the half square rectangles at the base of the trees. The results were so much better with the ruler than with the templates.
My plan is to make three blocks: two tree blocks and one house block. I want a narrow runner for my hall table, which is viewed from one side only. The one way orientation of the blocks will be just fine there.
I loved what you all had to say about the orientation of my trees in yesterday's post. And the pattern recommendations were awesome! Thanks so much to all of you who posted links to free patterns for Christmas blocks. What a great resource. If you read my blog, I hope you also read the comments. My readers have a lot to say that is entertaining and often extremely useful.
18 responses to “More Christmas Blocks”
I need to catch some of your Christmas spirit, Nicole and make something Christmasy! I haven’t been able to comment on blogs for the past couple weeks so hopefully this posts!!
I need to catch some of your Christmas spirit, Nicole and make something Christmasy! I haven’t been able to comment on blogs for the past couple weeks so hopefully this posts!!
I need to catch some of your Christmas spirit, Nicole and make something Christmasy! I haven’t been able to comment on blogs for the past couple weeks so hopefully this posts!!
I love the house block. You are certainly on a roll. I am on a mission to finished tops. So far, so good. I actually am making progress and haven’t started anything new. We will see how much longer I can hold out! Have a wonderful day Nicole.
Mary
I love the house block. You are certainly on a roll. I am on a mission to finished tops. So far, so good. I actually am making progress and haven’t started anything new. We will see how much longer I can hold out! Have a wonderful day Nicole.
Mary
I love the house block. You are certainly on a roll. I am on a mission to finished tops. So far, so good. I actually am making progress and haven’t started anything new. We will see how much longer I can hold out! Have a wonderful day Nicole.
Mary
“Make Romm for Christmas Quilts” is one of my favorite boooks! I, too, use construction techniques much different from Nancy’s methods, but the measurements and ideas are good.
Made your own templates?? You go, girl!
Hugs!
“Make Romm for Christmas Quilts” is one of my favorite boooks! I, too, use construction techniques much different from Nancy’s methods, but the measurements and ideas are good.
Made your own templates?? You go, girl!
Hugs!
“Make Romm for Christmas Quilts” is one of my favorite boooks! I, too, use construction techniques much different from Nancy’s methods, but the measurements and ideas are good.
Made your own templates?? You go, girl!
Hugs!
I didn’t know that I needed new Christmas runners…thanks for the inspiration! I started placemats yesterday…not quite runners, but they go on a table, so they count!
I didn’t know that I needed new Christmas runners…thanks for the inspiration! I started placemats yesterday…not quite runners, but they go on a table, so they count!
I didn’t know that I needed new Christmas runners…thanks for the inspiration! I started placemats yesterday…not quite runners, but they go on a table, so they count!
I’m not sure about the tree block it looks interesting but not what I would use for a tree block.
I hate to sew with templates and normally always find a way to twerk a pattern so it fits my sewing style.
I’m not sure about the tree block it looks interesting but not what I would use for a tree block.
I hate to sew with templates and normally always find a way to twerk a pattern so it fits my sewing style.
I’m not sure about the tree block it looks interesting but not what I would use for a tree block.
I hate to sew with templates and normally always find a way to twerk a pattern so it fits my sewing style.
I never tire of the house block…just so lovely and traditional!
I never tire of the house block…just so lovely and traditional!
I never tire of the house block…just so lovely and traditional!