Brick Yard Block, Scrappy Version

My quilt guild has a fun activity called 'Block Party', in which instructions are written up for a block, then offered to guild members to make. They can then bring in the block, entering for a chance to win all the blocks turned in. I've participated in this in the past, and found last month's block quite fetching. Here's one of mine that I'll turn in.

I ended up making 4 for the party, then decided to use up some old purple fabric and make a full quilt, but more on that later.

After making a bunch in purple, I contacted guild member Amy, the presumed designer, about putting out a tutorial for this block cause it's just so easy!

She told me she had redesigned a Missouri Star Quilt Co block, called Brick Yard. The technique shown is fast and easy, especially if using long strips.

Ah, but Amy's version uses scraps, measures 9" versus MSQ's 8.5", and doesn't lose the corners of the center unit when sewn with other blocks. Personally, I like Amy's version better!

But it does have a bit too much fabric waste for me. So, I did a bit of measuring and substituted a triangle for a strip on the corners. Much less fabric waste now, just tiny strings and a small background triangle. Check out this pretty trimming pile from 48 blocks - it's art in itself!

So, how about a tutorial on making a scrappy, redesigned Brick Yard block? The first couple pictures are drawn cause I didn't think to take pictures till later in the sewing process!

9" Brick Yard quilt block, scrappy version tutorial

Cutting
    2 (two) 2.5" x 8.5" strips of coordinating prints
    2 (two) 2.5" x 8.5" strips background 
    1 (one) 4" x 4" square print 
    1 (one) 4" x 4" square background

Sewing
Stitch 2 (two) 2.5" x 8.5" strips of coordinating prints together along the 8.5" edge.

Add 2 (two) 2.5" x 8.5" strips background to each side, pressing toward the prints or center.

Cut both 4" x 4" squares on the diagonal. 

Fold each triangle in half, pressing a mark in the seam allowance. Do the same with each 8.5" strip unit, as shown.

Stitch each background triangle to the print ends, matching both the triangle fold and triangle point with the center seam.

Repeat the process with each print triangle to the background side strips, matching the triangle fold with the fold at the center of the strip. Hint: finger press the fold mark on the strip unit, with right sides together. Press the fold mark on the triangles with wrong sides together. Then the folds will nest!

Finish by aligning a square ruler's diagonal with the center seam, trimming the block to 9" x 9" square. Then stand back and admire your work!

Have fun with this, making up different color combinations, and using up those scraps. I'll have more to show on the progress of my purple, scrappy version of Brick Yard on Monday.

Happy Quilting!

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