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Since our theme for April is scraps, we’re going scrappy with Scrappy String Blocks for Block Lotto.   String blocks are the perfect way to use up all those scraps.  

Here are the details:

• Strings should be a scrappy as possible
• Use strips from 1” to 2 ½” wide, using a variety of widths.
• Lay your strings on a 45 degree diagonal
• Unfinished block will measure 8 ½”

If you’ve never made a string block before, be sure to check out this tutorial we found that includes lots of information, including recommended string sizes, and options for foundations. 

Link to tutorial: https://newquilters.com/how-to-make-string-quilts/

At the meeting on April 16, you’ll have an opportunity to create your block lotto string blocks after the Scrap Lecture.

Any questions? Email blocklotto@indymqg.com. Also reach out if you’d like the mailing/drop-off addresses.

As a reminder, these blocks will be turned in at the May 2023 meeting and the lotto is open only to current, paid members.

For our March block, we’re going old school with Granny Squares! These blocks are simple to make but can have a big impact. We found a tutorial that makes a 9″ unfinished block using 2 1/2″ squares.

Here are the details:

• For the fabric on the outside edges, use solid white
• For the fabric surrounding the X use solid black
• For the X fabric, us bright, bold colors – solids or prints

Here is the Mama Sparks tutorial:

https://mamaspark.blogspot.com/2012/04/granny-square-and-tutorial.html

As a reminder, these blocks will be turned in at the April 2023 meeting and the lotto is open only to current, paid members.

For our February block, we’re making a super easy block that can make a big impact. The Arrow block is so easy to make, you’ll want to make more than one!

The block comes from a blog post at Riley Blake Designs, and is simply a Flying Geese unit and a rectangular Rail Fence unit.

The Flying Gees unit measures 3.5″ x 6.5″ – Use your preferred method for piecing these. The Rail Fence unit measures 3.5″x6.5″. For each segment of the Rail Fence, cut three 2.5″x3.5″ rectangles – two background rectangles and one main fabric rectangle. Sew these rectangles together to make the Rail Fence unit. Then sew the two units together to make an arrow. This block will measure 6.5″x6.5″ unfinished

— For the arrow fabrics, use bright rainbow colors, solid or small prints.
— For the background, use low-volume from white to cream.

One Arrow equals one entry in the Block Lotto

On the Riley Blake Design blog, they made a cute pillow with nine arrows. Here’s the link to that blog post:

https://blog.rileyblakedesigns.com/make-it-modern-pillows-april-tutorial/

As a reminder, these blocks will be turned in at the March 2023 meeting and the lotto is open only to current, paid members.