Great Paper Piecing Project 3 -- Pinwheel Square

Now that the process is becoming more familiar, it's time to get a bit more complicated with our designs.  More pieces on this one but lot's more interest as well.  Just keep following those basic instructions and this will go together for you without a problem.  Go to www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com to download the project. Check out some of the other patterns and projects that are available while you're there.  They're all free!

Double Pinwheel Whirls Block -- Project 2 in the Great Paper Piecing Project

This fun block is the next step in my Great Paper Piecing project.  It's a fun block that is still very simple but the added dimension gives a bit more flair than the Pinwheel Block.  The cut sizes for the patches are included in case you want to pre-cut instead of using the scrap method.  I personally don't usually pre-cut my patches unless I'm making more than one of the same block but some people prefer the more precise cutting method.

 

Go to www.crazyladyquiltdesigns.com to get the free pattern and instructions!

Thinking through what to do....???

Well as I fondled the fabric from the Quilt Minnesota shop hop, visions of quilt blocks danced in my head.... what to do with these printed panels and coordinating fabrics.  Well, obviously I have to make some blocks!  Remember though, I don't want any waste.   Aha!  Patti Anderson's No-Waste Flying Geese method to the rescue!!!

Here is the link to the most spectacular method of making flying geese EVER!!!

http://www.patchpieces.com/files/flyinggeese.pdf

Keep this sheet handy because the way they are written you can make absolutely any size flying geese you want!

Here are the step-by-step photos of my No-Waste Flying Geese.

This method results in 4 perfect flying geese that are just the right size because the cutting directions begin with the measurements.  I wanted my geese to be 2 1/2" high and 5" wide finished size.  That means at this point they measure 3" x 5 1/2" because of seam allowances.  So I cut 4 corner squares 3"x3" and trimmed my 5" printed panel picture to 5 1/2" and laid them out.

 

TA-DA!!!

Quilt Minnesota 2012

The fabric for Quilt Minnesota 2012 is all about the outdoors -- obviously.  We love our little piece of the world up here and with 10,000 lakes, boats are a given.  Our state bird, the loon, is also a featured player.  I really like the woodsy feel that these fabrics bring every year and I faithfully purchase some of these Northwoods themed fabrics every year.  Since they are outdoorsy all the way, the quilts I make with these fabrics tend to go to the men in my family. 

Because fabric costs have risen quite a bit this year, I didn't purchase as much fabric as I have in years past on my annual Shop Hop.  This means I have to be a bit more frugal when it comes to actually making my blocks.  I want to get at least a full-size quilt out of the yardage.  I know I have enough to do this, but there can be absolutely no waste.

So, here's my challenge to myself.  I am going to create this quilt with as little throw away as possible.  Since I'm working with printed panels with 11"x15" and 5"x5" pictures, I may be biting off more than I can chew...