This block is the first block of 13 featured in the 2007 Quilting Passion
 "Surpassing Life's Challenges" Quilt.

Terry, OK

1. Cut one (1) square that measures 7 1/4" x 7 1/4".  This is represented by the bright pink batik fabric in the sample block above.  Refer to Diagram 1 below.

2. Diagonally cut the square into four (4) triangles.  This is accomplished by cutting it across from point to point, in both directions, in an "X" fashion.  Be careful to not let the fabric slip as you cut.  Refer to Diagram 2 below.

3. Cut four (4) strips of fabric that measure 9 3/8" x 4 3/4".  This fabric is represented by the purple spotty batik in the sample block above.  Refer to Diagram 3 below.

4. Refer to Diagram 4 to see the proper placement of the ruler on the rectangle.  The 45 degree line should line up precisely with the bottom edge of the fabric, making sure that the corner of the ruler ends at the lower left corner of the rectangle, as shown.

5. Once you have the proper align-ment of the 45 degree line described in step 4 above, then cut the "hanging" triangle in the top left corner, as shown in Diagram 5.  This triangle is a scrap and can be discarded or used in another project.

6. With the right sides of the fabric facing up, lay one of the triangles from Diagram 2 next to the cut piece in Diagram 5, as shown below:
   
   Be careful to put the 90 degree angle of the triangle next to the 90 degree angle of the other piece.  The bias edges of both fabrics will go from the top left down to the bottom right.

7. Flip the triangle on the left over onto the right piece, making sure that the 2 90 degree corners line up perfectly, and also making sure that the edges line up all the way down, as shown:
   

8. Sew a 1/4" seam down the edge, from the top corners.  Press the pieces with the seams to the darker fabric.  Notice that you have a little "bunny tail" on the bias edge.  You know you've sewn the seam accurately when you get to the bottom and your needle moves right through the middle of the area that forms a small "v".  When pressed open, this small "v" is what creates the "bunny tail".
   

9. Sew the remaining three (3) triangles to the remaining pieces, just as described in steps 6 through 8.

10. Once all four (4) sections of the block have been sewn, lay them out as shown in Diagram 9 to the right.

11. Next, pick up two (2) adjoining sections, place them right sides together, and sew 1/4".  It is best to begin at the 90 degree angles, which, in Diagram 9 are in the center of the illustration.  Press the seam toward the solid piece that does not contain the triangle.

12. Repeat step 11 with the last two (2) sections.  Refer to Diagram 10 at the right.

13. There is only one seam to match in this entire block and that is the middle seam where the block comes together in the center.  Pin this in place, if needed, however, if you've pressed the two (2) sections in Diagram 10 in the direction given in step 11, the opposing seams "lock" together.  Sew one continuous seam, joining the block together.  Refer to Diagram 11.

14. Press the block flat, then trim the block to 12 1/2" x 12 1/2", making sure that the diagonal of your ruler lines up with one of the diagonals of the block.  The finished block is shown in Diagram 11, at right.

15. View the finished blocks below that have been submitted, then Refer to the sample quilts below, showing different layout possibilities for this block!

     "Whirlwind" measures 12.5" x 12.5", unfinished.  It is a very simple pieced block that looks much harder than it actually is!  There is only one (1) seam to match!  Instructions are lengthy so that anyone can make this block, even a beginner.

     I, Terry Crawford, have chosen this block because of several reasons.  First, the Quilting Passion Forum was begun in September 2001 after a whirlwind of negative events occurred on another forum and I felt compelled to leave it, but found no other quilting forum in which to go.  Second, my life for the past four (4) years has been a whirlwind of events that has changed my life's journey drastically; most noticeably a severe decline health-wise.  My life just doesn't seem to calm down and continues to be a whirlwind of emotion for me, but I am claiming 2007 as my year to begin a more peaceful and less stressful life!  The quilt that I complete from this forum project, called "Surpassing Life's Challenges", is just what it says.  I refuse to be beaten down by circumstances that I cannot control; I refuse to just "get by"; I refuse to give up; I refuse to give in.  I will not be satisfied with "Meeting Life's Challenges":  My objective is to surpass them and I know that many of you have come to the same conclusion.

DIAGRAMS

Diagram 1

Diagram 2

Diagram 3

Diagram 4

Diagram 5

Diagram 9

Diagram 10

Diagram 11

QUILT LAYOUTS