QBOTMC News - Resizing Block, Cross Within Cross Block and Choc Coconut Slice
Published: Tue, 03/21/17
We hope it's been another good week for you this week. I was looking at my diary this morning,
and this year is already nearly 1/4 through. I have crossed off a few things on my ever-growing
"To Do" list, but I got a bit of a shock when I counted out that there's only two weeks of school
left (of a 10 week term!!!) before our Easter holidays.
I'm always happy to have the kids home, but Easter is when it starts getting colder again, and it
seems only a few weeks ago I was complaining about our crazy hot summer. Where did THAT
time go??? I need to figure out how to bottle time - it's the one thing we all seem to want more of.
Can you imagine how great it would be to just open a jar and give yourself a couple more hours?
Sigh.... Wishing won't make it so, and I need to concentrate now and get some things done today!
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Today's block is called Cross Within Cross Block. It's got a great 3D effect when it's laid out
together in a grid, although I like it just as much when it's separated out a bit too.
Please click the link below to download this week's block pattern.
http://www.quiltblockofthemonthclub.com/download.php?file=cross-within-cross-block.pdf
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And this is a very useful tip on resizing blocks from the APQS blog:
"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.
Half-Square Triangle Blocks:
When you want to change the size of a Half-Square Triangle block, add 7/8” to the desired finished
block size. To make a 4” finished block, you’d cut 4-7/8” squares.
Quarter Square Triangle:
Since there are two cut lines and two seam lines in a Quarter-Square Triangle block you’ll need to
add 1-1/4” to the desired finished block size. For a finished block that’s 4”, you’d cut your squares
to 5-1/4”."
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Chocolate and Coconut Slice
Ingredients
3 wholewheat breakfast biscuits (This is a breakfast cereal bar you have with milk usually like
weetbix/weetabix or full size shredded wheat - NOT US 'biscuits'. Google weetbix image if unsure.)
1 cup (85g) desiccated(finely shredded) coconut
1/2 cup (120g) caster (fine white) sugar
1 cup (150g) self-raising flour
2 tablespoons cocoa
150g (1/3lb) butter
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 1/2 cups icing sugar mixture
Extra 1 tablespoon cocoa
2 tablespoons hot water
Method
Step 1
Preheat oven to 180°C/356F. Lightly grease a 16x26cm (6 x 10in) baking pan and line with baking paper.
Break up biscuits. Place into a mixing bowl with coconut and sugar. Sift over flour and cocoa and stir.
Step 2
Melt butter in a small saucepan over a low heat. Pour over dry ingredients. Add vanilla. Mix well.
Step 3
Spoon mixture into prepared pan and press down to level. Bake for 15 minutes or until cooked.
Step 4
Sift icing sugar and cocoa into a small bowl. Add water and stir well. Ice slice while still hot. Cut into
squares to serve.
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Until Next Week - Happy Quilting!
Regards,
Jody & Annette