My American Dream

November was a slow month for me. I had no quilt finish to share. It is because I was working on (distracted by) many small items. I was working on two quilts simultaneously. As a result, a lot happened but nothing got finished. Sounds like the holidays - running helter-skelter with many loose ends. But then miraculously it all comes together on Christmas Eve!!!

My American Dream

Magical December will have two finishes to make up for Lethargic November. I think it is appropriate - it is finishing (2014) in style or at least with a big ta-da!!! Here is the first finish of December. Meet My American Dream!!!

"My American Dream" started in July with the QST tutorial. I got some AAAHMAZING feedback from you guys!!! It also resulted in a few blocks.

4-patches and QSTs

4 QSTs at once!!!

More QSTs

And some more...

The idea was to use the leftover charm squares, remnants and scraps to develop the tutorial. I had no intentions for the finished blocks. Frankly, I did not think much of the blocks. They were just blah...
I decided to make a charity quilt. That is when the miracle happened...

QSTs pieced and quilted

I pieced the blocks trying to distribute the reds and whites all over, succeeding marginally. I added a light blue skinny border and a wider navy border.  The batting is Warm and Natural. I used a sheet for backing. Yes, it is 100% cotton. I quilted it simply using a wavy stitch - stitch over the ditch method. The blue binding came from leftover wide backing.

Paul, the Model

100% Cotton Sheet for Backing

Red, White & Blue, Some Purple too...

Forgive me for gushing, but I had no idea that all those blah blocks would come together and look so good. It is a very simple block, uses very ordinary fabrics and yet the finished look is so chic and so modern. I am going to have some serious separation anxiety as I part with this baby.

Lights up my Yard...

The quilt uses 54 QST blocks, arranged 6 by 9. The finished quilt measures 41" by 58".
Here is the label, because all quilts must be labelled.

This is my 15th finish of 2014 and I am very happy with it!!! Do you like the quilt name - My American Dream? 

I had a hard time naming this. I muddled over it so long that I decided to put the label sans the title. Here are some of my initial thoughts - "Independence Day", "Free & Brave", "Star Spangled", "Patriot's Crossing" all based on the quilt colors. I also considered "Crossing Over" and "Coming Together" based on the QST pattern. What would you name it and why? I would love to hear from you!!!

Quarter Square Triangles (QSTs) Revolutionized

English is my second language. Therefore, many words and phrases that seem normal, routine, or commonplace to a native speaker make me go WOW. How did they come up with that phrase? For example, there is more than one way to skin a cat!!!

I have a cat, Jonesie. He is adorable, a bit shy around strangers, but very affectionate. To picture him in pain is painful to me. Skin a cat??? No way. Research tells me that the "cat" in that phrase refers to a catfish. That makes sense. Phew!!! what a relief.

Now since the cat-catfish-skinning mystery is resolved, I agree that there are several ways of getting to your destination. Today's destination is Quarter Square Triangles or QSTs.

What is a Quarter Square Triangle?
It is a square made up of four same sized triangles.

How do you make QSTs?
Well, you could cut 4 small triangles and join them to a make a square (YUCK).

In my opinion, that is not a method that requires a blogpost.  All other methods of making QSTs start with making HSTs (feel free to check the internet) or require paper piecing.

So what is new about this method? It is SIMPLE & EASY. Allow me to show you.

Fabric Requirements - 8 squares of fabric 5" each.  You can use charm squares.
I am using 4 different squares, two of each kind.

1. Make two four patches. See pictures below.

Layout of the 4-patch blocks

Place RST 

Chain piece the squares.

Chain Piecing

Cut the connecting threads and iron to the dark sides.

Match the two halves of the 4-patches

Place RST and chain piece.

Placed RST

Chain Piece

And you have your completed 4-patches :-)

Completed 4-patch blocks

2. Starch and iron the finished 4-patch blocks. At this time, you can square up the blocks. They should measure 9.5".

3. Place the two completed 4-patch blocks RST and stitch all around using a 1/4" seam.

4-patch blocks placed RST 

Can you see the 1/4" seam?

4. Cut on the diagonal, both ways.

5. Open, iron and enjoy your QSTs. You will get 4 QSTs each measuring 6 1/4".

Magical!!!

Ironed and Ready to go!!!

Yes, there are several ways to make QSTs. Why do I like this method?

Because, I got four QSTs without drawing any lines or using any special rulers.

If you like this method, please leave me a comment. Because getting a comment from you is like getting an e-pat on the back!!! 

Based on a comment received from Quilter Jackie of So Cal, I am including the size chart here. 
In the tutorial, I started with 5" squares and the resulting QST is a little larger than 6.25". You can square it down to 6" (red highlight). See chart below. I am hoping that this chart will be helpful to you!!!