The Tumbling Blocks pattern was the one I was most excited to try when I signed up for the FREE Craftsy 2013 Block of the Month class. I love the 3-D effect you can achieve with the combination of the design and the colour of the fabrics. I am quite happy how it turned out!
Instead of doing the traditional block construction for this design, by making each tumbling block individually, complete with 'y' seams, instructor Laura Nownes simplifies the process by joining 60-degree triangles and diamonds in vertical columns instead. There is a small centre seam in the lightest part of the tumbling blocks where the two equilateral triangles are joined, but it is hardly visible in the busy fabric.
When I started the assembly of this block I felt really stupid! As Laura takes down each fabric pair from the column she says "well, where do they match? Looks like at the beginning"...but then sometimes they match at the end. I was so confused! As someone else commented, "How do I know where they should match?" Then, by the time I had done a few of them, and un-sewn a few of them!, it kind of started to make sense. Not perfect sense, but I got it done.
Of course, like all the other blocks, I did not end up with the correct final size. The block is supposed to trim up to 18-1/2" x 17-1/2" but mine is 18-1/2" x 18". If I cut off the extra 1/2" I will take away my 1/4" seam allowance at the points of the blocks.
While I think this is a beautiful block and the illusion of tumbling cubes is so cool, I don't see myself making an entire quilt using the pattern. I'm glad I learned the technique and got another square done for this year's Craftsy quilt. If you haven't joined in and would like to, just use the link above (or below) and sign up. It's completely free and you own the class forever. Even if you don't want to participate now, geez, sign up for both last year's block of the month class and this year's and you'll get a detailed video lesson for allll those different kinds of blocks - plus the FREE patterns! You never know as a quilter when you might want or need those designs and techniques!
Only 3 blocks left and we finish up the quilt. I'm excited to do some applique in August and September.
I love it!!! Tumbling Blocks is a favorite of mine, even though making one is swear-worthy. :)
Posted by: Maureen | July 23, 2013 at 06:21 AM