Brandywine Valley Quilters Block of the Month

Block of the Month -- January, 2009
“Northern Lights”

Block Size -- 8" x 8" finished (8½" x 8½" with seam allowance)

This year, to go along with our 2008 Quilt Show Theme, we’re going “Around the World with Many Quilts!” Most of the upcoming blocks will be based on a 4-patch grid and will finish to either 8½" or 12½" (including seam allowances).

This month we present yet another pattern from Maggie Malone's 5,500 Quilt Block Designs. We've simplified the cutting and piecing to make it quicker and easier to assemble. Make this block in fabrics to represent the beautiful and ethereal Aurora Borealis, common in the Arctic in wintertime. Have a wonderful holiday season, and treat yourself to some quilting time in the long dark days that follow!

January 2009 Block of the Month -- Northern Lights

Diagram: Fabric: Cutting Directions:

Dark blue (background) Dark blue tone-on-tone or starry print with dark blue background (1) 5" square
(1) 2½" x 10" strip

Fuchsia Bright fuchsia, green, purple or blue batik or tone-on-tone (1) 5" square
(1) 2½" x 10" strip

Assembly Instructions:

Place the squares right sides together. Mark a diagonal line between opposite corners on the lighter square; sew ¼" on both sides of the line. Cut on the marked line, open each unit and press seam allowance toward the darker (background) fabric; trim to 4½" square.
Place the strips right sides together and seam one long side; open strip unit and press seam allowance toward the darker (background) fabric. Cut across strip at 2½" intervals to make four 2-patch units.
Pair two 2-patch units right sides together, with opposite colors together and nesting seam allowances. Seam the long side, open square and press; repeat with remaining pair of 2-patch units.
Sew each 4-patch unit to a half-square triangle square, making sure the units are aligned according to the diagram; then join the resulting units to create the block.

Tips to consider:

Use 100% cotton fabrics for the block. Wash fabrics before cutting. Do not use fabrics that bleed or run!
It helps to arrange the patches on a piece of felt, flannel or batting before sewing to aid in assembly.
Stitch all seams a scant ¼". Please try to be accurate!
Unless otherwise specified, press seams toward the dark fabric if possible, taking care not to stretch any bias edges.

Block of the Month -- January, 2009 “Northern Lights”

Block of the Month -- January, 2009
“Northern Lights”