I was so happy with the way the first of Nettie's blocks turned out that I photographed the process of making the second block so that I could write a little tutorial.
This process may be a bit fussy for some, but I think it's a great way to make a random looking block that is actually planned in a way that a) ensures that different fabrics/colors are distributed evenly throughout the block and b) allows for easy fussy cutting. It's also a great way to use scraps!
In addition to your regular quilting supplies, you'll need a square ruler (any size is fine, but I used a 9.5" square), scissors for cutting paper, freezer paper and colored pencils.
Freezer paper is available in most larger supermarkets -- Look near wax paper and foil or with canning supplies. It's useful for this project because it has a backing that makes it possible to temporarily iron it onto fabric.
You'll also need fabric scraps divided into about five groups. I divided mine by color, but you could also divide by types of prints. Assign a different colored pencil to each pile of scraps and set aside.
Start by tracing in pencil around your square ruler on the paper (not waxy) side of a piece of freezer paper. Use your regular quilting ruler to subdivide the resulting square into five columns.
Your columns should be at slight angles and of varying widths, but keep in mind that a little wonkiness goes a long way! In order to keep your finished block nice and flat, all of these lines should be perfectly straight (i.e. not curved).
Now, subdivide each column into smaller chunks of varying size. Notice how my lines are still straight, but at slight angles. Notice also how none of the lines match up with the lines in adjacent columns.
Starting in the upper-left corner, write a code in each space. I numbered my columns 1 through 5 and the squares using letters, starting with A at the top and working down. For example, the top-left space is 1A. The third space down in the third column is 3C.
This is where the whole "map of the states" part comes in. I remember in elementary school being asked to color in a map of the United States using as few colors as possible and making sure that no adjacent states were the same color. If I remember correctly, the idea was to see who in the class could accomplish the task using the fewest number of colors. (I've realized in retrospect that my elementary school was kind of odd.)
Anyway, this step is sort of like that. Use the five (or however many) colored pencils you've assigned to your piles of fabric scraps to color in the spaces on your block, making sure that no adjacent squares are the same color.
When you're finished coloring, carefully cut out each space/square.
Divide the cut pieces by color and place each with the corresponding pile of scraps.
Starting with one set of scraps and freezer paper pieces, iron each freezer paper piece to a fabric scrap, making sure to leave room to cut a quarter inch seam allowance around each piece. Because the freezer paper squares don't include any seam allowance, it's easy to place them in ways that will allow you to capture your favorite parts of a print -- sort of like fussy cutting.
Note: Waxy colored pencils like Prismacolors can mess up your iron! It's a good idea to protect it with a scrap piece of muslin or other pressing cloth during this step.
Use a ruler and rotary cutter to trim each piece, adding a quarter inch seam allowance on all sides.
Repeat with all sets of scraps and freezer paper pieces.
Using the codes you wrote on the freezer paper as a guide, lay out all pieces in the block arrangement.
Starting on one side and working across, sew the pieces in each column together, removing freezer paper as you go. The codes you wrote on the paper will help you know which side is "up." Press seams open.
Note: If you're making more than one block, the freezer paper shapes can be retained and used again. The stickiness will eventually wear off, but you should be able to iron on and remove them several times before that happens. If you're looking to make a whole quilt, I recommend making two or three different pattern sets of freezer paper squares -- just to add some variety.
Now, sew the five columns together. This is a little tricky, since there are so many seam allowances that don't match up with anything. Just take your time and concentrate on sewing a straight seam. Press seams open.
Because we added seam allowance to all the freezer paper pieces, you should also have about a quarter inch "extra" around the edge of your block. Center your square ruler on top of the block and trim all sides with your rotary cutter, making the block a perfect 9.5" (or whatever size your ruler is) square.
And here's the finished product. I wish I had time right now to make an entire quilt like this!
Wow! What a great tutorial!! I always wondered how to make those wonky blocks. I love them but I also like a plan. Thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: Molly | July 15, 2009 at 02:39 PM
I agree - great tutorial - and a perfect way to use up scraps!
Posted by: Amber | July 15, 2009 at 02:42 PM
This is great! I really love the way you organize and plan your quilts. You are a girl of my own heart.
Posted by: Liz Harvatine | July 15, 2009 at 03:03 PM
I love this. I have such a hard time being random and improvisational---this way I can still plan but get that improv look!
Posted by: Brooke | July 15, 2009 at 03:07 PM
Here's to all the planning girls! I'm the same way. These blocks are wonderful : )
Posted by: Michaela | July 15, 2009 at 03:13 PM
these are beautiful!!! you guys are lucky to have each other in your block party!
Posted by: Anna F. | July 15, 2009 at 03:31 PM
Thanks for sharing this fabulous tutorial! I cannot wait to try it out.
Posted by: Heather | July 15, 2009 at 03:31 PM
That is great! I really love the greens, but it looks like more work than I like to put in to anything. I love to see your work as you are so much more organized than I am.
Posted by: Bethany | July 15, 2009 at 03:49 PM
SUPER cute tutorial.
i think a whole quilt of these blocks would be darling!!!
Posted by: rachel | July 15, 2009 at 04:27 PM
I love my freezer paper for so many reasons, this is another to add to my list. I like a plan but I love a wonky block, so this is perfect.
And FYI - your elementary school wasn't weird, I did that too, but I think it was in high school. I didn't do so well; we had a know-it-all math teacher who ended working for NASA - he did the map with like 4 colors ... show-off.
Posted by: Brittney | July 15, 2009 at 07:17 PM
I so love this block! Thanks for sharing the process!
Posted by: Renee | July 15, 2009 at 07:56 PM
beautiful! I LOVE it! the colors, the tutorial, everything! Thanks
Posted by: leigh | July 15, 2009 at 08:19 PM
Fantastic .... thanks for the tutorial .
Posted by: Lorraine | July 15, 2009 at 09:16 PM
Oh! This tutorial is absolutely wonderful. It is great to get to know a system that allows good design and still makes it feel very unplanned at the same way. I have been missing your posts, so this was a very pleasant surprise. Thanks for the tutorial! : )
Posted by: Nicky | July 15, 2009 at 11:59 PM
I love it all! The blocks and the tutorial but why is it called map of the states???!
Posted by: aneela | July 16, 2009 at 01:32 AM
Beautiful - I can see why your quilts are always so great - nothing is simply 'thrown together'! Truly inspiring and helpful for newbies like me.
Posted by: Debbie vds | July 16, 2009 at 01:37 AM
wow you are super detailed... i don't think i would have used the freezer paper but its a good idea!!
Posted by: jaybird | July 16, 2009 at 05:01 AM
Terrific block and a wonderful tutorial, Thanks!
Posted by: Jackie | July 16, 2009 at 05:11 AM
There is something called the "four color theorem" that says any map can effectively be colored in using just four colors.
I think I learned about that in grade school too. (But it came up most recently in a GIS class I took)
Posted by: fillyjonk | July 16, 2009 at 05:37 AM
Please, PLEASE don't take this the wrong way... but I have to laugh when I see that you've made a "freeform" style block using such detailed construction methods. I appreciate that you enjoy the detailed, organized aspect of quilting. So do I for some quilts. But for me, the best part of this style is the freedom of piecing it without rules. Just grab from the stash, sew, trim, and move on. Different strokes...
Posted by: Sandi | July 16, 2009 at 06:02 AM
I love the fabrics in your blocks. And of course there are a couple I should have purchased when they first came out. Now they are super hard to find...so of course I'm obsessed with finding them. Great tutorial.
Posted by: Live a Colorful Life | July 16, 2009 at 07:08 AM
wow. I was wondering how you made the blocks actually. In your previous post I noticed how the same fabrics were not next to each other in different blocks. But this process is more than I expected! thanks for posting.
Posted by: Diana | July 16, 2009 at 07:45 AM
We must have to similar schools. When I saw the "Map of the States" title I instantly "got it"! I am definitely going to use this. I, too, love the wonky look, but HAVE to plan. I don't like surprises in quilting, like running out of a certain fabric!
Posted by: Michele | July 16, 2009 at 08:40 AM
Wow! I adore those blocks and thank you so much for the tutorial! I think I might try this on something small first to get the hang out it. One question though (I'm VERY new at quilting, so bear with me!) - why cut the 1/4 seam allowance at the end? Wouldn't you want to leave that for joining the blocks or sashing?
Posted by: kelly jo | July 16, 2009 at 09:15 AM
Thaks for the great tutorial!
Posted by: sandra | July 17, 2009 at 02:16 AM