Welcome to our first stop on the
I'm Sarah Maxwell and I'm one of the owners of Homestead Hearth, a brick-and-mortar and online quilt store located in Mexico, Missouri. Our store is located in a really unique building just off the town square. Originally built as a chicken hatchery in the early 1900s, the building had many uses over it's lifetime and in 2001 my husband and I bought it with the idea of opening a quilt store.
Dolores Smith, my long-time quilt show buddy, had previously owned a store so we decided to go into business together. 12 years later, Homestead Hearth occupies the majority of the 10,000+ square foot building. We're known for our carefully labeled block-of-the-month shipments and our huge selection of 1800s reproduction fabrics. In recent years, we've expanded to carry more modern, brighter fabrics, too, to appeal to all customers. You can see our selections and visit the store online if you're too far away to visit!
This week, we'll be talking about Sarah's block for the quilt. In a few weeks we'll be back with a post featuring Dolores' block. Let's get started!
Dolores Smith, my long-time quilt show buddy, had previously owned a store so we decided to go into business together. 12 years later, Homestead Hearth occupies the majority of the 10,000+ square foot building. We're known for our carefully labeled block-of-the-month shipments and our huge selection of 1800s reproduction fabrics. In recent years, we've expanded to carry more modern, brighter fabrics, too, to appeal to all customers. You can see our selections and visit the store online if you're too far away to visit!
This week, we'll be talking about Sarah's block for the quilt. In a few weeks we'll be back with a post featuring Dolores' block. Let's get started!
Cutting Instructions:
Background print (1038-0188)
*Cut 2 squares 2 7/8” x 2 7/8” – Cut once on the diagonal
Red print (1034-0111)
*Cut 2 squares 2 7/8” x 2 7/8” – Cut once on the diagonal
Gold print (1033-0128)
*Cut 4 squares 2 7/8” x 2 7/8” – Cut once on the diagonal
Black print (1035-0112)
*Cut 4 squares 2 7/8” x 2 7/8” – Cut once on the diagonal
Green print (1702-0116)
*Cut 4 squares 2 7/8” x 2 7/8” – Cut once on the diagonal
Sewing Directions:
This block is made up of half square triangles (HST). There are many ways to construct these units and I'm going to show you my personal favorite. I use a tool designed by Judy Martin called the Point
Trimmer. You can order it here!
After cutting our triangles as listed above, we use the handy point trimmer to nip off those little pointy ends--it makes lining up the pieces much easier & really improves accuracy.
*
Sew the red print and background triangles
together. Make 4 HST press toward the
red print. Each HST will measure 2 ½” x 2
1/2 “ unfinished. (Note how there are no pesky "dog ears" hanging off the ends of the pieced unit thanks to the point trimmer?)
Repeat these steps to make the other HST units for this
block.
* Sew 4 of the black print and gold print triangles
together to make 4 HST. Press toward the
black print.
* Finally, sew the 4 green print and black print triangles together to make 4 HST. Press towards the black print.
* Now it's time to sew the rows together!
Row 1, press seams to the right.
Row 2, press seams to the left.
Row 3, press seams to the right.
Row 4, press seams to the left.
If you are worried about lining up the seams and points when sewing the rows together consider using fork pins. You can order them here.
They work miracles! Just line up the points you are trying to match & then use a fork pin to anchor the intersection.
Press the seams for each row. The block should measure 8 ½” x 8 ½” unfinished. And that's it, another block is done.
They work miracles! Just line up the points you are trying to match & then use a fork pin to anchor the intersection.
Press the seams for each row. The block should measure 8 ½” x 8 ½” unfinished. And that's it, another block is done.
If you prefer the ease of accessing a pattern via a PDF file, then click here for a PDF version.
Are you excited to see how the entire mystery comes together? Be sure to check back each week for another installment. If you want to make a quilt just like ours, you can still buy a kit of fabrics.
What's a sewalong without giveaways? Please
post a comment right here for a chance to win. If you're stumped for a comment topic, tell us what your favorite method of making HST units is and whether you have tried the Point Trimmer featured in this post. I'll choose a winner the morning of August 18th. (Please do not email your comments as only comments left on the blog will be eligible.)
8/1 Pam Buda ~ Heartspun
Quilts www.HeartspunQuilts.Blogspot.com
8/8 Paula Barnes ~ Red Crinoline Quilts www.RedCrinolineQuilts.Blogspot.com
8/15 Sarah Maxwell ~ Homestead Hearth www.HomesteadHearth.Blogspot.com
8/22 Pati Violick ~ Marcus Fabrics www.MarcusMentions.com
8/29 Gloria Parsons ~ Olde Green Cupboard www.OldeGreenCupboard.Blogspot.com
9/5 Nancy Rink ~ Nancy Rink Designs www.NancyRinkDesigns.com/blog
9/12 Mary Ellen Robison~Red Crinoline Quilts www.RedCrinolineQuilts.Blogspot.com
9/19 Dolores Smith ~ Homestead Hearth www.HomesteadHearth.Blogspot.com
9/26 Lisa Shepard ~ Marcus Fabrics www.MarcusMentions.com
10/3 Red Crinoline Quilts ~ Quilt Revealed! www.RedCrinolineQuilts.Blogspot.com
72 comments:
I love this sew along!! Your block is great, I like to make my tri's by making two squares and sewing on each side of the drawn line. I always make them a scant larger than needed so I can trim them to the perfect size.
Thank you so much for your wonderful block Sarah, I hope that someday I am able to come and visit your shop, love your blocks of the month, you always do so many amazing quilts.
I really like the look of this block and I am going to start working on it today. You learn something new everyday too, I have never heard of fork pins. It looks like I will be getting a new "quilting tool."
My favorite method of doing half square triangles is taking two squares, sewing all around the edge and cutting on the diagonal both directions. So loving this quilt along! Thanks
Having fun with these blocks. Making mine from plaid scraps. My favorite way of making HST is with the paper or going that 1/8" bigger and trimming down so the size is perfect.
Love your block. I am a bit behind but plan to catch up with the rest of you. My favorite way to make HST is to make them oversize and trim using Bloc Loc rulers. I am also interested in your fork pins, need to check them out.
Love this block - it looks so much more difficult than it is. I have a point trimmer, and really love it - takes out some guesswork on some blocks.
Thanks for the "fork pin" tip -- I have some I use for knitting, but hadn't thought to use them in quilting!
I can't wait to get started on this block.
I'm trying to make my blocks half-sized! So far, so good. Actually, they're dear blocks and I eagerly await each one!
Love your block! I use a variety of methods for HSTs depending on how many and what size I'm making. I've used the point trimmer, Thangles, and my AccuQuilt dies. Can't wait to try the fork pins - this will be a new tool for me - and who doesn't love a new gadget?
Oh, I get it…Great pinwheels…Thank you for this mystery sew along…Having fun now!
I have not used the Point Trimmer by Judy Martin, but after you showed how to use it I have put it on my list to buy. Love the block.
Would love to try the point trimmer. Am really enjoying the sew along. Love our fabrics.
Carol L in NE
I have not tried the point trimmer but usually cut my fabric a little bigger and trim with a Quilt in a Day ruler designed for half square triangles. I also like to use the papers for accuracy when the pieces are small. I like your block and hope to sew it together tomorrow
I love your block! I usually make my HST from squares cut larger, diagonal line, sewing on each side of line and trimming to size. I have the point trimmer and think I will try it on this block, maybe I will like your method better. Thank you for sharing your block with us.
I love this block! It has such a 3 dimensional look. Thank you for all the sewing tips. I am really enjoying the SAL so far.
I haven't tried the point trimmer or the forked pins--looks like I need to add a couple things to my sewing tool collection! If I have to make a lot of HST's I use my Triangulation's CD to print out papers.
Thank you for the sew along. I've been keeping up using some civil war like fabrics I've had in my stash.
Am loving the colors and fabric choices used for this project. Not sure I would have picked those had I chose them for myself.
I also use and like the point trimmer.
My favorite way to make HST from squares cut larger, diagonal line, sewing on each side of line and trimming to size.
And thanks for the tip on fork pins, have never heard of them..will have to give them a try.
Thanks,
Michaela
shwill2432@aol.com
This is my first sew along. Loving these blocks! Looking forward to getting this next one done quick! Can't wait to see them all together!
I love your block...especially because you made it nice and easy with the use of HSTs. My favorite method of making HSTs is using the Easy Angle ruler, but I've never tried the method you mentioned (I'm always up for trying new things)!
HST...such a great piece for so many quilts. I have tried many methods for these but not the tool you spotlighted. I do think there are many different "right ways" to make HST...it just depends on the quilt and how many you need. Right now I am stuck on the Spinning Stars papers but I have been know to upsize and trim the HST down alot. Thanks for the chance to win.
Nice design! I can't wait till I have time to put yours together...and the rest.
D.G. L
He usado los alfileres de horquilla y me encantan , ya que los angulos quedan perfectos.
el bloques es una maravilla.
Gracias!!!
Thanks for the sew along. I like all the blocks so far. I make my hst by drawing a line and sewing on either side of the lines.
I love your block. It will be perfect for this project. Thanks for your hard work.
I usually draw a diagonal line and sew 1/4" both sides of the line and then trim. I love my block! Thanks!
Thanks for the tips. It is fun to learn new ideas. Love the block and this Sew-along. I have never tried one before and I am enjoying the blocks so far!
Wonderful block, thanks. Love this fabric line! Hope to visit your shop one day and I'm sooo glad you're also online!
Beautiful block I make my HST by making two squares and sewing on each side of the drawn line and also with two squares and sewing around and them cut diagonal and finally trim them.
Thanks for offering the sew along, every Friday is like Christmas. Love all the patterns so far. My favorite method of half square triangles is the square with a diagonal line drawn and then sew on either side, it works for me.
I usually use the Easy Angle Ruler to cut my triangle pieces to make HST. Love your block!
Beautiful block and fabric choices. I love participating in the SAL and appreciate all the effort and time you gracious Ladies do on our behalf.
I use a lot of different methods to make my hst's. Depends on how many I need of the same two fabric's.
Thanks for a chance.
I use two squares and draw a line. Sew on either side of line and cut. I trim them down for accuracy.
I think it's more accurate when I sew around a square then cut an x for my hst. I've also never used a tool to trim off the dog ears.
Like your block very much Sarah, can't wait to make it. I do my HST's the only way I know how, draw the line and sew on each side. Thanks
I enjoy anything in reproductions fabrics; I love what I see so far. I either use the draw a line and sew on either side then trim down or the recently discovered spinning stars, really depends on how many I have to make for the project. Love your site have participated in several BOM and you always give much more than I need. This is an amazing idea: free pattern; prizes and at home in your PJ's.... Priceless!!!!
I'm looking forward to making block 3 in the morning.
I like making oversized HST and trimming with the Bloc Loc ruler. Thanks so much for the block and the tips using the fork pins. Great quilt along! Love Homestead Hearth's scrap bags of Civil War fabrics!
What a wonderful block, I love your design. I usually make my HST by placing 2 squares together and then drawing a diagonal line. I then sew a bare 1/4 inch seam each side of the line and trim through the line. For this block I am going to try your method with the pint trimmer. I use the fork pIns all the time they are wonderful. Now to go start my block. Thank you for your very clear instructions
I love your block! Thank you for the fork pin tip. I like to make my HST with two larger squares so that I can trim to the correct size. I have never tried the point trimmer. Thank you!
Beautiful block! I use Thangles to make my HST. I've never tried fork pins; they look awesome.
Your block is wonderful. I have never tried this particular point trimmer but have one by Fons and Porter that I rarely use. I usually make my hst by drawing a line diagonally from corner to corner on a square and sew 1.4 inch away on each side, cut on the line and press to the dark side. If I need lots of units I use a grid on a larger piece of fabric and make several that way.
Thank you for another beautiful block. My favorite way of making 1/2 square triangles is sewing a scant 1/4 inch on both sides of a center drawn line, with two blocks placed right sides together Gives me some wiggle room and very seldom have to trim. Love the idea of the point trimmer and have put on my list of notions to order. Also love the fork pins, they do help in lining up the seams. Love your offerings and I am happy you have designed one of the blocks.
I love Thangles to make HSTs. Thanks for the great looking block. The fork pins are one of my favs. I have not used the Point Trimmer. Totally enjoying this sew-along.
another terrific block! can't believe i am totally up to date on this sew along...no i haven't used the trimmer tool, usually use the easy angle ruler....
I, too, make my HST larger and square them down to size. Love your block and visiting your shop is on my bucket list! This is lots of fun!
I have never done a sew along before and I actually bought the kit for this one. I am so glad I did! I love fabrics and have enjoyed making each block.
I cut my squares 1 inch bigger than the finished unit. I sew 1/4 inch on both sides of the diagonal, cut them in half and then trim to size.
So happy that a fellow blogger posted about this Sew-Along, it is a wonderful way to get a project done!
The point trimmer and the fork pins are new to me. Thanks for the demo and the chance to win.
I haven't seen the point trimmer, looks very useful. Beautiful block.
Block #3 went together like a dream! I also used the two squares, diag. line method described by the other quilters. I really look forward to Friday each week. I'm having a lot of fun!
Love the block! I usually make my HST starting with two squares and sewing both sides of the diagonal. I make them a little larger than need and trim them down.
I'm off to make block 3 this evening. I usually make my HST by sewing on either side of a middle line. New ways are fun to learn, though. Thanks for sharing.
Love this block! Went together quick.
I make half square triangles by layering two squares and sewing along both sides of a diagonal line that goes from corner to corner. I like them to be oversized, so they can be trimmed up with the Bloc-Loc ruler.
I'll paper piece them if I have to make a bunch out of the same fabrics
Thanks for great instructions! My favorite HST method is to cut them two layers, right sides together with a triangle ruler. I use an old Omnigrid 96 with superb results.
Please put a button on your blog that will take us to your store, thanks!
I just found your web site and have book marked it. Looking forward to making this block.judy j
Great block, Sarah! I always try to cut squares for my HSTs about 1/8" bigger so I can trim down very accurately. I like using the Spinning Stars papers too.
So happy with this Sew-Along. Have plenty to do already, but this is 'just a little thing in between'!
Another great block, Sarah. This is an awesome sew-along. I love how the colors are coming together. My favorite way to do 1/2 square triangles is to put 2 squares together, sew a 1/4 inch from the center diagonal, cut and trim. By the way, I also grew up in Camdenton and your mom worked for my dad at one time. Small world! :) Jeanette
Another wonderful block, but I'm having technical problems. I got an error message when I tried to download the PDF file and only got the first page. And my e-mail with the directions did not arrive. I've been unable to save it from the website. Help! Please!
I have NOT tried this point trimmer but I can see how it would be a very helpful tool! My favorite way to make HSTs is to do it eight at a time and save any leftovers for a scrap quilt! Loving this SAL!
Love this block! I like to make my HST's with two squares together and sewing down each side of a diagonal line and then trim to size. I have not used the point trimmer.
Thanks for this sew along, I'm keeping up with this and can't wait to make your block.
Love your block and fabric choices. I use the Easy Angle for most of my HST's.
Got my block done! Loving this quilt along!
Thank you! This block has always mystified me. Now I know how to make it! Hooray!
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