Dear Challenge Champions and Contenders, its Tuesday and time for another set of Dear
Hannah blocks. I hope you have time to piece this week, enjoy Independence Day and
Canada Day and let Susan Stickle know if you meet the challenge. Miss Connie
Dear Hannah Challenge #45
Appliquéd Block
This week I chose C-3 Mabel’s Eagle to appliqué, since we celebrate Independence Day
on the weekend. If you want an exact copy of the block, be sure to mirror image when
you print. The eagle is sewn first, then the thinnest stem and the smallest stem next
followed by the third. You might want to use patriotic colors for the blossoms.
Pieced Block
A “tour de force” in miniature is B-5 Aracely’s Star. I rate this block for experienced
sewers. It’s done in the manner of the Dear Jane block called Justin’s Star. It has set-in
seams and diamonds meeting at the center. If you are hand sewing this block, as I will,
be sure to stop at the seam allowance to avoid a bulge. If you’re using your machine take
time to use your ripper and remove any stitches in that last quarter inch. Though it takes
time penciling in the seam allowances it saves ripping. Since these pieces are so tiny,
even a small error in seam allowance will make the block unmanageable. Take it slow
and if you accomplish this block, you can be proud of yourself.
A: Cut sixteen patches 1” square of background fabric.
B: Cut nine background patches 2 ¼” x 1” these will be cut into triangles using an angle
of 41 degrees from center top to each bottom corner.
C: Cut 8 background and 4 medium color patches 2 3/8”x1” these will be center sashings.
D: Cut background 2 1/8” square and then diagonally into fourths.
E: Cut background 2 1/8”x7/8” and then cut a 35 deg. triangle from center top to each
bottom corner. You will need three patches.
F: Cut two squares each of medium and background fabrics then cut in two on the
diagonal.
G: Cut nine patches 1 1/4”x7/8” of dark fabric, cut 9 diamonds on a left angle of 45
degrees
H: Cut three patches of dark fabric 1 3/8” x 7/8” then cut three diamonds on a right angle
of 45 degrees.
I: Cut dark fabric 1 ¼”x1” then cut 9 diamonds at a right angle of 45 degrees.