July 2007

Maple Leaf

This month, an easy leaf block to combine into a quilt for one of our favorite people. I know it doesn't seem much like Autumn now, but when we present the quilt, it'll be just right.

We're making these at a finished size of 9 inches, so unfinished, your block should measure 9½ inches. Use any fall colors for the background and leaf and stem. You may choose to piece, paper piece, hand or machine applique the stem, whatever method you like best.

You'll need 3 leaf color and one or two background color 3½ inch A squares for your block (depending if you applique or piece the stem.)

You'll need 4 background color and 4 leaf color B triangles. I like to cut my triangle fabric 4 inches square, then cut in half on the diagonal to make triangles, then sew my seams, and trim to 3½ inches after I've pressed them.

If you choose to piece the stem, you could use a shape like the template D to the right, and two smaller C triangles in your background color fabric on either side.

Or you may choose to cut your squares the exact size, as shown in the rotary cutting EQ chart to the left.

The colors in the chart correspond to the sample block at the top of the page.

When the block's done, press and trim, if needed. It should measure 9½ inches square when it's all sewn together, before being combined with the other blocks.

Here's what a sample quilt might look like, with blocks of different leaf colors and background colors. This quilt layout used 52 leaf blocks. Surely with more than 100 of us in the guild, we can get at least that many?

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