August Block Lotto — Equinox (MQG Exclusive)

overhead shot of the Equinox block on a wool mat next to an iron

For August we’re making Equinox blocks! This Block Study from the MQG was designed by Lou Orth from Oxfordshire MQG for the first issue of Modern Monthly in 2019. You will need to be logged in to the MQG website to see the links, as they are for members’ eyes only.

This block is a beginner-friendly foundation paper piecing design. If you are unfamiliar with that technique, here’s a tutorial that may help:

Use the 1″ square on the printout to ensure your pattern is the correct size (i.e., check for that block to be 1″ square). You might need to adjust the setting on your printer to get the result needed. Don’t skip this step!

Follow these guidelines to make your block:
— For the background, use white or white-on-white. These are sections 2, 3, 4, and 6 on the FPP pattern. The pattern refers to this fabric as peach.
— For all four triangles, use black or reads-as-black fabric. This is section 1 on the FPP pattern. The pattern refers to this fabric as black and fuschia.
— For the outer square, use a lighter value of the same color as the inner square in a solid or small print. The pattern refers to this fabric as cream. This is section 5 on the FPP pattern.
— For the inner square, use a darker value of the same color as the outer square in a solid or small print. The pattern refers to this fabric as rust. This is section 7 on the FPP pattern.
— For the center, use a light value in a color that contrasts with the squares in a solid or small print. The pattern refers to this fabric as gray. This is section 8 on the FPP pattern.

an image of the FPP pattern used to make the block
It might be helpful to mark each section in pencil with your color choice.

For example, you might make a block with an outer square outline in a light warm color, an inner square outline of the same warm color in a dark value, and a center from a light cool color. You might make the reverse! Either way, the triangles will be black and the background (including the bit separating the light square outline from the dark square outline) will be white.

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

BONUS: The two patterns written for this block are Warbler and Riverside.

July Block Lotto — House

three house blocks on a cutting mat

For our July block we’re making houses! This pattern is by Amanda Castor, who is a local quilter.

The pattern has both a house and a tree pattern. The unfinished house block size is 5 ½” x 7”—make one or more of them to be included in the drawing. Tree blocks are optional contributions that are welcome but won’t count as a lotto entry.

Follow Material Girl Quilts’ My Town Quilt Blocks tutorial using the following guidelines:
— For the house, door and roof, go wild! Use whatever colors you like. Fussy cuts welcome!
— For the background, use blue in a small scale print or solid. We want the background to represent the sky, so keep that in mind.

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