Blocks given to me by former students arranged
on the design wall in my quilting room.

 

The tradition of friendship quilts is as old as quilting itself.  They can be made by a group or by an individual.  They can honor a special occasion or person, or one of life's passages--a family reunion, wedding, the retirement of a special teacher.  Like an autograph book, they can include signatures, poems, or simple quotes of inspiration.  But friends need no excuse for creating a friendship quilt. 

If you'd like to create a friendship quilt like the one pictured here, you may wish to begin with the "Quotations" signature block pattern.  You can have fun with settings by rotating the orientation of the blocks.

To help you get started, follow these simple instructions (seam allowances are included).

For each block, you will need the following:

     (1)  5½" square unbleached muslin or light beige print
     (2)  3" squares different dark print squares
            small piece of freezer paper
            Pigma pen or fine-point permanent fabric marker

Assemble a Block (5" finished;5½" unfinished):

For accurate sewing lines, use a pencil to mark a diagonal line on the wrong side of each of the 3" dark print squares.

With right sides together, align a 3" square with one corner of the 5½" muslin/light print square (see illustration at left).  Stitch on the marked line; trim away the excess fabric, leaving a ¼" seam allowance.  Press triangle open with seam allowance toward triangle. 

In the same manner, align the second dark print 3" square with the opposite corner of the muslin/light beige print square and repeat.  The pieced block should measure 5½" square, including the seam allowance.

Write a quotation on the light fabric.  For stability in writing, first press a piece of freezer paper to the back.  Then, using a Pigma pen, write the name of your favorite quilt block or an inspirational quotation, your name and the town where you live.  Remember, don't write too close to the edge and leave at least a ¼" seam allowance around the perimeter of the block.

Remember:  If you send a block to me, I'll make one for you.  Please send blocks to Bonnie Hunter, 28 Shore Rd., Pembroke, ME  04666.  Don't forget to include your mailing address so I can mail a block back to you.  Thanks!