Squash Blossom - #86

 I am glad this block was included with the FW book, because it stretched me.  I learned a new way to use the companion angle.  You can use the following cutting instructions, and use the cut away method, OR, you can cut using my diagrams.

Background:

4- 1 1/2" X 3 1/2"
4- 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"
4- 1" finished half squares (1 1/2" strip Companion Angle)

Dark:

2- Triangles cut with Companion Angle (CA) 1 1/2" strip
2- 1 1/2" X 4 1/2"
4- 1 1/2" x 3 1/2"

Medium:
2 - Triangles cut with Companion Angle (CA) 1 1/2" strip

Generally when we use the easy angle, the fabric goes to the tip of the triangle.  This time, we don't want a point at the top, so we are going to line up the ruler with the bottom of the strip.  Since we want a mirror image, place your fabrics with wrong sides together.

Background:

• Cut 4 pieces lining up the 3 1/2" marking of the Easy Angle with the bottom of the strip. You should have 2 face up and 2 reversed.

• Cut 4 pieces lining up the 2 1/2" marking with the EA with the bottom of the strip.  You should have 2 face up and 2 reversed.

• Cut 4 triangles with the EA from the same 1 1/2" strip (1" finished triangle - not illustrated)

Dark (red)

• Using a 1 1/2" strip wrong sides together, Use the CA and line up the 4" line with the bottom of the strip and cut both sides of the triangle (make 2)
• Use the CA to cut 2 flying geese

• Cut 4 rectangles 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" - Use the diagram to cut away the triangle corners.  Repeat with the other corner making a diamond shape.

Medium (orange)

• Cut 2 flying geese with the CA

Lay out the pieces like the diagram and join in Rows.  Each of your rows should measure 1 1/2" x 6 1/2"

Join the Rows to complete the block.  

I pressed the center rows (where the orange geese join) open.

Finished block measures 6 1/2"