June 29, 2004
INDEX
Sashings
At this point, you should have 16 sashing strips cut, measuring 2.5" x 10" each.
Refer to the diagram below to become familiar with the components of this quilt. The focus blocks are labeled A, B, C, D, and E. Lay your focus blocks on a flat surface so that they are positioned like the ones below. Be careful in how you lay out your blocks! It is important to position the focus blocks BEFORE sewing the sashing strips to the sides. Why? So, that the focus blocks are facing the right direction in the finished quilt top. It only takes doing it wrong one time to learn a lesson.
Next, sew the first sashing strip to focus block A so that it is in the same position as illustrated above. Then sew sashing strip two to the other side.
Continue by sewing sashing strips three and four to focus block D and sashing strips five and six to focus block B. Next, sew sashing strips seven and eight to focus block E. Finish by pressing each block flat, so that the seam is pressed toward the darker fabric.
The photo on the left is my focus blocks laid out as I want them in the quilt top. The photo on the right is my focus blocks with the eight sashing strips sewn according to the instructions given above. Note that the middle block, C, does not have any sashing strips sewn to it at this stage.
The final step in this lesson is to sew the three focus blocks (B, C, D) together. Again, be sure to pay special attention to how you have the blocks positioned, especially block C. Below is a photo of my quilt top sewn to this point.
Lesson 5 will finish sewing the sashing strips to the focus blocks, plus also put in the cornerstones.
