Block 53 Lucy + Block 67 Mrs Brown Tutorials

Today I have two blocks to share with you as a part of the Farmer’s Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt QAL! When I sat down and looked at these blocks, I could see why these blocks are being released together. They both involved the same basic nine-patch block structure, they both have four half-square triangles, and they both have economy squares aka square in a square. Mrs Brown keeps it simple, although one economy square has a different print for the outer triangles. Lucy has the added attraction of four patches in the middle of her economy squares!

I will show you how to rotary cut and machine piece both blocks, by making traditional HSTs, the on-point four-patches for Lucy, and showing two options for creating the economy squares.

Tutorial

If you wish to piece your blocks using these methods, you will need to cut some of your pieces a little differently. Refer to the Rotary Cutting Instructions on the CD.

Lucy

CUT
A: Print, 1 square per the rotary instructions.
B: Print, 2 squares per the rotary instructions for Triangle B but rounded up to the whole inch.
Print, 2 squares per the rotary instructions for Triangle B but rounded up to the whole inch.
C: Print, 8 squares per the rotary instructions, sub-cut each into two triangles
D: Print, 8 squares per the rotary instructions for Judy Square A
Print, 8 squares per the rotary instructions for Judy Square A

Mrs Brown

CUT
A: Print, 5 squares per the rotary instructions for Lucy Square A
B: Print, 16 squares per the rotary instructions for Grandmother Square B
Print, 4 squares per the rotary instructions for Grandmother Square B
C: Print, 2 squares per the rotary instructions for Triangle C but rounded up to the whole inch.
Print, 2 squares per the rotary instructions for Triangle C but rounded up to the whole inch

Half-Square Triangles

I prefer to piece my HSTs using the traditional method so that I don’t have to deal with the bias of pre-cut triangles. For both blocks, you use the same method and make the same amount.

1. For Lucy, use the B squares, and for Mrs Brown use the C squares. Place the block’s squares right-sides together. Draw a line diagonally across the back of a square. Sew 1/4″ on either side of the line.

2. Cut along the line, and press the HSTs open, pressing the seam towards the print. Trim to the same size as Square A.

Four-Patches

Little Lucy needs 4 sets of four-patch units for the centre of the economy squares. Thankfully, the sizes of the squares play nicely for rotary cutting without templates.

1. Sew the template D squares together, pressing seams toward the darker print. Sew two pairs together, nesting the seams. Press the seam open. Trim to a scant (aka the tiniest smidge under the line) square the same size as the squares you cut for template C. If you have the From Marti Mitchell templates, you can use D28 to trim to size.

Economy Squares

There are two ways you can make economy squares – use squares to make the outer triangles, or to use triangles. For Mrs Brown, I used squares, and for Lucy, I used triangles.

Squares

This method is best when the inner square can be cut “straight” (compared to the on-point four-patches in Lucy) and is easy as it doesn’t involve pre-cut triangles and bias!

1. Draw a line diagonally across the back of all template B squares.

2. Place a square right-sides together with the template A square. Sew along the line, and trim 1/4″ away from the line towards the outer corner. Press the triangle open, and repeat for all four corners. Make 5 for Mrs Brown.

Triangles

For Lucy, I chose to use triangles, as they are easier to manipulate when the centre square is already at the correct size. Be aware that the bias edges can stretch, so be gentle and press carefully.

1. Place the template C triangle right-sides together with the four-patches. To make sure that they’re centred, align the point with the seam lines. Sew 1/4″ from the triangle edge, and press the triangle open. Repeat for all four corners. Make 4 for Lucy.

2. Trim the economy squares to the same size as the Square A.

Using all your units and remaining pieces, piece your blocks together. Be careful to make sure your units are rotated correctly… just ask me how I know!

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below!

You can follow my progress on Flickr, or on Instagram – @blossomheartquilts and #thespanishfarmerbhq – and see all my blog posts for my Farmer’s Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt.

Important Links

• All the block tutorials by Angie and bloggers.
• Any and all FAQs for the sew along.

The Farmer’s Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt: Inspiring Letters from Farm Women of the Great Depression and 99 Quilt Blocks That Honor Them by Laurie Aaron Hird for Fons & Porter/F+W; RRP $28.99 – Click here to purchase.

 

 

I was gifted the From Marti Mitchell templates as a part of being a blogger for the sew along. All opinions are my own.