QBOTMC News - Cross 1 Block, Block Math and Coffee Shortbread

Published: Tue, 07/18/17

Hi ,

We hope you've had a great week this week.  We've had fun - we did go a couple of days
ago and spend the day exploring some caves not far from here.  They were beautiful, and
it was really great to get out and see something in the great outdoors.  And guess what?? 
We didn't hear any talk about online games or ipads for THE WHOLE DAY!!!! Master 13
had fun exploring and has declared that he wants to do more of this kind of thing!!! 
It was a miracle!

I just got in trouble from Miss 11.  There were some stunning stalagtites called shawl formations
as rather than a long drip, the water runs and creates what looks just like soft folds of fabric. 
When I pointed this out, I was told that I'm obsessed.... 

Oh well.. something for everyone that day anyway!

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This week's block is a nice easy one that would be good for showing off larger print fabrics
or perhaps used as a border.

Please click the link below to download the Cross 1 Block.

http://www.quiltblockofthemonthclub.com/download.php?file=cross-1-block.pdf

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This week too, we look at some basic quilting math to resize your blocks.

"Changing the size of quilt blocks is much easier than it looks. Plus, learning how to modify
the size of your quilt blocks can open the door to new quilt design possibilities. Once you
know the basics, you can adapt quilt patterns to the finished quilt size you desire.

Resizing quilt blocks just takes a few simple math formulas—no calculus involved!

The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide the size of your finished quilt block.
You can arrive at that choice a variety of ways—doubling a pattern, cutting your pattern in
half, or by choosing the size based on the fabric you have available.

Note: When working from a pattern’s cutting instructions, make sure you remove the seam
allowance before your double or triple the size. For instance, if your pattern calls for 3-1/2”
squares first you’ll subtract the ½” seam allowance, double the finished block size to 6”,
and add the seam allowance back in so you cut a 6-1/2” piece of fabric.

Here are the formulas to modify a few basic blocks (taking seam allowances into account):
 
Resizing a Square Block:

Square blocks are the easiest to resize.  Simply add ½” to your finished block measurement.
For example, if you’d like your finished block to be a 4” square, you’ll need to cut a 4-1/2”
square of fabric.

Resizing Rectangular Blocks:

Similarly to the square, for rectangle blocks you’ll add ½” to the length and width
measurements of your finished block. If you’re doubling block that measures 3” x 4”
in your quilt, you’ll cut a 6-1/2” x 8-1/2” rectangle of fabric."

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Coffee Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients

    250g (1lb) butter, at room temperature
    1 cup (150g) icing sugar
    3 teaspoons instant coffee
    3 teaspoons water
    2 3/4 cups (415g) plain flour
    Demerara (coarse sugar for coffee) sugar, to sprinkle


Method

Step 1
    
Preheat oven to 180°C/356F. With an electric beater, mix 250g (1lb) butter, at room temperature
and 1 cup (150g) icing sugar until pale and creamy (almost white). Dissolve 3 teaspoons instant
coffee in 3 teaspoons water. Beat into butter mix.
    
Step 2
    
Stir in 2 3/4 cups (415g) plain flour until well combined (the mixture will appear crumbly at first -
keep stirring). Roll walnut-sized balls and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
    
Step 3
    
Use a fork to flatten the balls and sprinkle with demerara sugar. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until
golden and crisp. Set aside to cool.

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It's bag pattern week this week too, so keep an eye on your Inbox for it to arrive shortly.

Until Next Week - Happy Quilting!

Regards,

Jody & Annette