Modern HST Sampler #16: Whirly-Gig

Today, we have the talented Keera back again, sharing a second block for the Modern HST Sampler QAL. If this is the first time you’re reading this, fear not, you can join in at anytime. Start with this one or go back to the beginning, it’s up to you. This year, we’re making 24 modern half-square triangle quilt blocks, and by the end of the year, you will not only have a beautiful sampler quilt, but you will have some well-honed HST making skills. If you need more information, you can find out more about:

This quilt along has been structured so that you slowly ease your way into half-square triangles. We started off with 4″ finished HSTs (4.5″ unfinished), and then conquered 3″ finished HSTs (3.5″ unfinished). This time, we’re back to making 4″ finished HSTs, but also adding in half-sized ones too that finish at 2″ (2.5″ unfinished)! We’re still using the same methods of making the half-square triangles – 2 at a time, 4 at a time, and 8 at a time – but now we’re making two different sizes within the same blocks.

Keera is cattle farmer’s wife, mother to two beautiful girls, quilter, designer and teacher for LIVE.LOVE.SEW Pattern Co. She sets out to design and share her patterns, drawing inspiration from the place and space around her; her beautiful home in rural Australia and the colour and pattern of gorgeous modern and contemporary fabrics. Keera’s patterns are designed to give quilters the skills to make something truly beautiful and to help share their own story.

You can also find Keera at:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter

Whirly-Gig was inspired by the windmills of my childhood. Before I knew what a windmill was, or even its name, they were whirly’s or whirly-gigs and the spinning and the turning amazed me to no end. There was an old windmill on my Grandparent’s farm that had bits of broken steel hanging from it; it made the most unbelievable sound when the wind picked up. The HSTs in this block utilise two methods and create so much movement and intrigue.

HST are my favourite quilt block unit; and trimming is made all the more bearable (with guaranteed perfect points!) with the help of brilliant tools like the Bloc Loc rulers, Triangle Square-Up Ruler by Quilt in a Day and Carol’s Quilts Squares to Triangle Rulers.

Whirly-Gig

Fabric Requirements

Fabric A (Print)
1 – 7” x 7” square

Fabric B (Pink)
1 – 4.5” x 4.5” square

Fabric C (Teal)
2 – 5.75” x 5.75” squares

Background (White)
1 – 7” x 7” square
1 – 4.5” x 4.5” square
2 – 5.75” x 5.75” squares

Block should measure 12.5” x 12.5”. Use a 1/4″ seam and press seams toward the darker print, or as directed.

Instructions

Step 1. Use the 7” Fabric A and Background squares to make four HSTs. Open the HSTs and press the seam towards the print. Trim to 4.5” square.

Step 2. Take the 4.5” Fabric B and Background squares to make four HSTs. Open the HSTs and press the seam towards the print. Trim to 2.5” square.

Step 3. Take the four 5.75” Fabric C and Background squares to make 16 HSTs with the 8-at-a-time Method. Open the HSTs and press the seam towards the print. Trim to 2.5” square.

Step 4. Take the Fabric C HST units and make four corner units: Lay the HSTs out in the following unit layout, taking care to match directional prints (4 in total). Sew HSTs in pairs, then pairs in rows creating four HST four-patches. Press well and trim to 4.5” if needed.

Step 5. Take the Fabric B HST units and make centre unit: Lay the HSTs out in the following unit layout, taking care to match directional prints. Sew HSTs in pairs, then pairs in rows creating centre HST unit. Press well and trim to 4.5” if needed.

Step 6. To assemble the block take: 4 Corner Units, 1 Centre HST unit and 4 4.5” HST (Fabric A):

Step 7. Lay out the pieces in the following block layout. Join the block in rows, pressing seams in each row in alternate directions in order to nest seams and reduce bulk. Join each row to complete the block.

Step 8. Press the finished block, and trim to 12.5” square if necessary, keeping 1/4″ between the outer HST points and the edge of the block.

Alyce’s Block

Fabrics used from the Modern HST Sampler Kit:
Rhoda Ruth Petal Southwest Key, Blueberry Park Valentine Sprouting Row
Blueberry Park Ultra Marine Sprouting Row Yardage, Kona Oyster

As you can see, I decided to do half of the corner units in the same colour/print as I used for the centre unit, but still making 4 and 8 of each as per the instructions. I like the light/dark play with the pink!

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.blossomheartquilts.com/modern-hst-sampler-qal/" title="Modern HST Sampler QAL"><img src="http://www.blossomheartquilts.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/The-Modern-HST-Sampler-QAL-400x399.png" width="250" alt="Modern HST Sampler QAL" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

We hope you have fun making Whirly-Gig! You can share them on Instagram using #modernHSTsampler (and feel free to tag us too – @blossomheartquilts and @livelovesew), or in the Blossom Heart Quilts group on Facebook. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments.

Click here for all the Modern HST Sampler quilt block tutorials

Quarter 2 Linky Update

August has five Mondays, which means that instead of another tutorial, August 29 is the time to share your blocks from April-June (blocks 7-12). So make sure you’re all up to date so that you can be in the running for some pretty special prizes!