These cheerful blocks are part of the Riley Blake Designs 2025 Challenge. They release a new block pattern each week, and I am using some of them. The other blocks are from the Riley Blake archives of past Challenges. It is a great resource for 10 1/2" block patterns. I am not really following along with the sew-along; I am just doing my own thing as the spirit moves me.
I didn't want to spend any money on this project, so I am using scraps from my Lori Holt stash. Using fabric you have on hand plus free patterns equals a free quilt, don't you know?
While making the two most recent blocks, I used two tools that I highly recommend.
This ruler is a tool from Lori Holt called a "Cute Cuts" ruler. They come in umpteen sizes and are really useful when you need to square up blocks for a quilt. As you can see this block was not completely square due to its construction method and needed major trimming. The great thing about the Cute Cut tools is that they have multiple markings that make positioning your block perfectly a breeze. I've got the center right on the nose, and all the diagonal, vertical and horizontal lines on the ruler line up with my seam lines in the block. All I have to do is trim around the outside and my block will be a perfect 10 1/2" unfinished.
We all know and love our BlocLoc trim tools for making half-square triangles. But did you know you can use it for other units as well? Here I am using a 6 1/2" BlocLoc ruler to trim my unit to 3". That is another thing, you can use the larger size BlocLoc ruler to trim smaller units down to size. You do not need to buy multiple BlocLocs in different sizes. One 4 1/2 or 6 1/2" ruler will trim anything smaller.
At any rate, the unit above has the same feature as a half-square triangle, with the long diagonal seam. You can just line it up as you would a normal half-square triangle and trim it the size you desire. You can see the points and seams are all lining up as they should.
I do think these blocks are coming along great and I am happy with my rather unorthodox color scheme.
Hope you all had a great weekend and a Happy Easter if you celebrate.
ADDED LATER:
I forgot to mention that Archie has made a complete recovery from his overeating incident of a few days ago. He is back to his energetic and mischievous self.
7 Responses
It is coming along beautifully. I am wondering how is Archie?
Your blocks are coming along nicely, such beautiful summery colors. I didn’t realize that they finished at 10 inches. I’m going to have to look at the RBD website. 12” blocks seem so large. Hope Archie is back to his normal self and you had a lovely weekend. 🌷
These blocks really are pretty together. I’d like to try the Riley Blake challenge some year. The blocks are interesting and a little different from the same old same old.
Hope Archie is back to his old self!
Thank you for adding an update on Archie’s health. You all must be breathing a huge sigh of relief! Your ruler tips are always helpful & I appreciate you sharing what works. That’s going to be a cheerful quilt when it’s finished…and FREE is always good!
Yay for Archie and Yay for your cheerful blocks!
I agree, blocks in the 9-10” range are perfect size.
Colors and fabric are lovely.
Glad all is well at your house. What a scare with Archie.
Vickie
I love that Crossroads block! it would be a bit tedious to make a bunch of them but it would be a fab quilt if you did.