Ruby Floral Mini

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I made a little mini quilt that is 12 inches square and have a easy tutorial to share with you.

I started out with a charm pack of Ruby and some white bleached muslin 8.5 inch squares.

I cut the entire charm pack into 2.5 inch squares.

Then I arranged them around the 8.5 inch center block. You will use a total of 24 - 2.5 inch minis to make each block.

Tip: if you use a charm pack that has 42 pieces you can make 7 of these blocks....if you lay them all out before you start sewing. I didn't and by time I thought of it.....after 4 blocks I had lots of the neutral pieces left over so I only got 6 completed blocks.

Now take 4 of the 2.5 inch blocks and lay them upside down on your center square in the corners. Mark at an angle as shown. I have been using the Frixon pens that disappear when you apply heat to the markings and just love them!

Stitch across the block as shown above.

Then fold along the stitching line, lightly press and trim it even with the background fabric corner.

I like to leave the background fabric for stability so I carefully trim the square as shown.

Now sew your rows together. You will make 2 rows of 4 and 2 rows of 6.

Your finished block!

I used my Sizzix Big Shot cutter to cut some flowers and leaves, you could use any flower pattern you have. I applied Heat & Bond Lite to the back. I did my usual free motion applique.

This time I decided to use telephone pages on the back to stabilize my stitching. I used 2 pages.

I wasn't sure how well it would rip off but it only took me a couple minutes to remove the paper....of course I stitch close/tight.

I used a 40 wt. Coats & Clark 100% Trilobal  Polyester machine embroidery thread. I'm not picky about what threads I use, if the color is right I just adjust my tension and try it out. I had bought a bunch of this thread when it was on sale 50% off and figured I had better try it.

I used Warm & Natural batting and white bleached muslin for the back and did a small meandering or stipple quilt with 100% cotton thread.

You can click on the photo for a closer view. I just do a little wiggle around the edges.

I cut my binding 2 1/4 inch and sewed it to the front.

Then I fold it over and stitch along the binding to catch it. I haven't done hand-stitching for a long time.

I almost forgot to show you all 6 of my blocks. I always like runners.......and everyone else does too so I will probably make a 3 block and a 2 block runner with the rest. You can see that you could also make a cute baby quilt.

Now I need to get caught up on my email, work on a new header.....I'm tired of the green and St. Patrick's Day is over.

Our weather is unbelievable! 80 degrees is unheard of here in Iowa at this time of the year and over the week-end the boaters were out like crazy and I even saw someone water-skiing, that has to be a first! It is really hard to stay inside..........................how is your weather?