Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Zig-Zag Flag and Other Patriotic Quilt Blocks

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
–Francis Scott Key, The Star Spangled Banner

Last Wednesday {July 4th} was kind of a big deal around these parts. There are parades and flags and fireworks and red, white and blue everywhere. I had the day off work {it's a national holiday, after all} so I decided that I wouldn't be any farther behind on my quilting to-do list if I took a break from what I am currently working on to do a little something fast and fun, but still on the to-do list. You see, I was distracted inspired by a super cute door hanger by Karen at The Recipe Bunny, who'd linked up to my July Finishes page. I thought her zig-zag flag block would fit perfectly in my Patriotic Sampler quilt. I had picked a couple of blocks that I just wasn't feeling the love on, which is probably why it has sat in its box all sad and lonely for . . . a really long time. I pulled it out, thinking I could throw together a scrappy 12" block with 108 HST's in an afternoon.

I tend to over estimate my powers of fabric persuasion. It took me the afternoon just to cut the fabrics. I got the HST's and the blue section {which may or may not have appliqué stars added to it later} put together before fireworks. I had a busy work week last week, so I fit in a bit of sewing time when ever I could and finished the rest of the block over the next few days {instead of hours}.

When I open my box of red, white and blue fabrics, I always wonder why this quilt isn't finished. I've been working on it since before LadyBug was born. I love the fabrics and colors and theme so much. So while I had it out, I put together a couple more blocks. I did a banner flag, which finishes at 5" x 12" {odd size, I know}, and I love it! Getting a good photo of it is another story.

I also put together a Patriot's Star and I think this is my absolute favorite block of the whole quilt. I reduced the pattern to 5" and omitted the black stained-glass effect outline. I just love how it turned out.

I've got 13 of the 15 blocks finished now. I'm pretty sure what the last two 12" blocks will be, and then after that I've got to paper piece 27 - 1" five-point stars for the sashing. I'm not really looking forward to that.
This quilt is on my list of quilts to finish this year, so hopefully I'll get back to it soon. In the meantime, I'm off to work on another distraction important project.

9 comments:

Karen said...

Well, all those HSTs are killer, but I'm glad you liked the block! :) I'm looking forward to seeing your whole quilt once you've got all the blocks finished. For more inspiration, you should check out the Red, White & Blue blog hop: http://janesfabrics.blogspot.com/2012/05/redwhiteblue-blog-hop-schedule.html

Anonymous said...

When I first saw the picture, I thought it was a full quilt, then I realized it was a 12" block. I've never done HST that small! I love this block and I'm not even American. Great job!

Lane said...

Ha! I also overestimate what I can accomplish. Love the quilt. And, I love the new blocks and the long block. Happy belated Independence Day! Lane

Paulette said...

LOVE the zigzag flag block, which I thought was wall hanging size when I first saw it (wouldn't that be cool?). Then I thought your cute banner block was wall hanging size (I'd want one of those too). But seeing them all together in the quilt, they look marvelous. I hope you do get this one finished, because it's really cool!

Shay said...

I've seen a few cute American quilts/ hangers / wall quilts lately but honestly yours is the cutest I've seen.

Is it weird that I now have a desire to make an American mini quilt ?

Deanna said...

Fun projects. I can see why you are easily (distracted) inspired to start new things.

QuiltNut Creations said...

Great quilt! I love the zigzag flag.

pinksuedeshoe said...

These blocks are turning out so cute! LOVE the chevron flag though. It's so great!

whimsyfox said...

Wow when I saw the picture I also thought the flag was a larger stand alone wall hanging. 12" block! Have I ever told you you are crazy woman?! ;). Your sampler is terrific. Loving the other two blocks you made as well! I too love patriotic colors. I know this has been a Phd for a while....but at least it's getting there. I have had a flag wallhanging in my head for 10 years, have all the fabric, and have't even started.