SparkleCON Project #1: Paper-Pieced Quilt Blocks

We kick off SparkleCON 08 with a paper-pieced quilt block project.

This quilt block pattern is known as Shoo-Fly, a 'nine patch' (like a tic-tac-toe grid--see it?) block. My blocks use Stampin' UP!'s lovely Bella Rose double-sided designer paper with Riding Hood Red cardstock. The blocks are matted on Pink Pirouette and Kiwi Kiss cardstock. All three colors are from SU's '08-'09 In Colors Collection.

In the block on the left, the designer paper forms the focal point and the solid cardstock serves as the background. I reversed them in the block on the right for a different look.

So, let's get started on your block!

1. Gather the needed supplies (posted last night).

2. Punch your focal paper (3 squares) and your background paper (6 squares) with a 3/4" (or larger) square punch.

3. From neutral cardstock, cut a backing that is thrice the width/height of your squares. (So, when using a 3/4" square punch, your backing should be 2.25" x 2.25"; with a 1" punch, a 3" x 3" backing; a 1.25" punch, a 3.75" x 3.75" backing; etc.)

4. Cut 2 background squares on the diagonal and adhere each right triangle on a corner of your backing.

5. Cut 2 focal paper squares on the diagonal. Adhere each right triangle so it completes a 'patch' (remember the nine-patch/tic-tac-toe grid?) on each corner of your backing.

6. Adhere your 4 remaining background squares between the corner patches. Then adhere your remaining focal paper square in the middle to complete your block.

7. Double mat your block. I used mats that were .25" and .50" larger than my block.

8. Stand back and admire your beautiful block!

Now, what are you going to do with your lovely creation?