Quilting has a magical way of turning fabric pieces into cherished heirlooms. I recall the first time I saw the “Blue Cheese” quilt design; it immediately captured my attention with its striking combination of colors and intricate patterns. This quilt, with its sophisticated blend of cheddar and indigo fabrics, offers a fresh take on traditional quilting motifs, making it a favorite in my collection.
The “Blue Cheese” quilt project holds a special place in my heart. Not only is it a testament to the beauty of geometric patterns, but it also showcases how color play can transform a simple design into something truly extraordinary. This quilt, measuring 70” x 84” with blocks sized at 12” x 12”, is a perfect example of how thoughtful fabric selection and precise cutting can lead to a stunning finished product.
A Symphony of Colors: The “Blue Cheese” Quilt
The “Blue Cheese” quilt is a vibrant exploration of colors and patterns. Using the Cheddar and Indigo Fat Quarter Stack from Penny Rose Fabrics, this quilt combines blue, cream, and cheddar fabrics in a way that brings a dynamic visual interest to the traditional block design. Each block is a different combination of these fabrics, making every part of the quilt unique yet harmonious.
What makes this quilt particularly captivating is its blend of assorted print triangles and squares, creating a complex yet cohesive look. The quilt features a variety of fabric cuts, including small and large triangles, which are expertly pieced together to form intricate blocks. This project is perfect for quilters who enjoy playing with color and pattern to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
The Intricacies of the “Blue Cheese” Block
The heart of the “Blue Cheese” quilt lies in its 12” x 12” blocks. Each block is composed of various triangles and squares, carefully arranged to create a visually stunning design. The process of cutting and assembling these pieces is both challenging and rewarding, resulting in a quilt that is as beautiful as it is unique.
Materials
To create the “Blue Cheese” quilt, you will need the following materials:
- 1 Cheddar and Indigo Fat Quarter Stack (FQ-4890-18)
- 1 7/8 yards (1.75 m) blue main (C4890 Blue)
- 2 yards (1.85 m) cream leaves (C4894 Cream)
- 1½ yards (1.4 m) cream wish (C4895 Cream)
- ¾ yard (70 cm) binding
- 5 1/8 yards (4.7 m) backing
Full Pattern: Click Here
Cutting Requirements
Before starting, read through all instructions to ensure accuracy. Measurements include ¼” seam allowances. Cut the fabric as follows:
- Fat Quarter Stack:
- 6 squares 5¼” x 5¼” from blue main, cut twice diagonally (24 small triangles)
- 3 squares 5¼” x 5¼” from cheddar main, cut twice diagonally (12 small triangles)
- 2 squares 4⅞” x 4⅞” from cream main, cut once diagonally (4 large triangles)
- 2 squares 4⅞” x 4⅞” and 16 squares 3” x 3” from blue vine, cut once diagonally (4 large triangles)
- 3 squares 5¼” x 5¼” from cheddar vine, cut twice diagonally (12 small triangles)
- 4 squares 4⅞” x 4⅞” from cream vine, cut once diagonally (8 large triangles)
- 32 squares 3” x 3” from blue small floral
- 6 squares 4⅞” x 4⅞” from cheddar small floral, cut once diagonally (12 large triangles)
- 3 squares 5¼” x 5¼” and 16 squares 3” x 3” from blue petals, cut twice diagonally (12 small triangles)
- 4 squares 5¼” x 5¼” and 6 squares 4⅞” x 4⅞” from cheddar petals, cut twice diagonally (16 small triangles), cut once diagonally (12 large triangles)
- 8 squares 4⅞” x 4⅞” from cream petals, cut once diagonally (16 large triangles)
- 32 squares 3” x 3” from blue leaves
- 8 squares 3” x 3” and 30 squares 2½” x 2½” from cheddar leaves
- 6 squares 4⅞” x 4⅞” from cream leaves, cut once diagonally (12 large triangles)
- 32 squares 3” x 3” from blue wish
- 1 square 5¼” x 5¼” and 6 squares 4⅞” x 4⅞” from cheddar wish, cut twice diagonally (4 small triangles), cut once diagonally (12 large triangles)
- Blue Main:
- 8 strips 6½” x WOF for Border 1
- 1 strip 3” x WOF, cut into 10 squares 3” x 3”
- Cream Leaves:
- 3 strips 4½” x WOF, cut into 20 squares 4½” x 4½”
- 5 strips 2½” x WOF, cut into 80 squares 2½” x 2½”
- 13 strips 3” x WOF, cut into 160 squares 3” x 3”
- Cream Wish:
- 17 strips 2½” x WOF, cut into 49 rectangles 2½” x 12½” for sashing
With these materials and cutting instructions, you’re ready to embark on the journey of creating your own “Blue Cheese” quilt. Let’s move on to the detailed step-by-step instructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Blue Cheese Block
- Unit A:
- Sew two assorted print small triangles to opposite sides of a cream leaves 4½” square. Press.
- Sew two more assorted print small triangles to the remaining sides to complete Unit A.
- Center Unit:
- Sew two assorted print large triangles to opposite sides of Unit A. Press.
- Sew two more assorted print large triangles to the remaining sides to complete the Center Unit.
- Half Square Triangles (HSTs):
- Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of 8 cream leaves 3” squares.
- Place each cream square on top of an assorted print 3” square. Sew ¼” on each side of the drawn line.
- Cut on the drawn lines to create 16 HSTs. Press and square up to 2½”.
- Unit B:
- Sew four HSTs together to create Unit B. Repeat to make four Unit Bs.
- Unit C:
- Sew a Unit B to the right and left sides of the Center Unit to create Unit C.
- Unit D:
- Sew a cream leaves 2½” square to the sides of the remaining Unit Bs to create Unit D.
- Sew Unit D to the top and bottom of Unit C to complete the Blue Cheese Block. Repeat to make 20 blocks.
Posts and Sashing
- Post and Sashing Rows:
- Sew a cheddar leaves 2½” square to a cream wish 2½” x 12½” rectangle. Repeat to make a row with 5 posts and 4 sashing rectangles. Make 6 rows.
Quilt Center Assembly
- Block and Sashing Rows:
- Sew a cream wish 2½” x 12½” rectangle to a Blue Cheese Block. Repeat to make a row with 5 sashing rectangles and 4 Blue Cheese Blocks. Make 5 rows.
- Sew the rows together to complete the center of the quilt.
Adding the Border
- Border 1:
- Measure through the center of the quilt before cutting border pieces.
- Sew the side borders first (72½”), followed by the top and bottom borders (70½”).
- Finishing:
- Layer the quilt top, batting, and backing. Quilt as desired.
- Bind with your favorite fabric from the Cheddar and Indigo Collection.
Additional Tips
- Precision Cutting: Accurate cutting ensures all pieces fit together seamlessly. Double-check measurements before cutting.
- Chain Piecing: This method speeds up the sewing process and keeps your pieces organized.
- Pressing Matters: Press seams correctly at each step to ensure your blocks lie flat and fit together nicely.
- Layout Preview: Lay out your blocks and sashing before sewing to ensure a pleasing arrangement.
Creating the “Blue Cheese” quilt is an exciting journey that blends traditional techniques with modern design elements. This project allows you to play with color and pattern, resulting in a beautiful and unique quilt. As you piece together each block and see the design come to life, you’ll find a deep sense of satisfaction in your craftsmanship. Quilting is not just a hobby; it’s a way to create art and preserve memories.
