whirlygigs your way and an award

So here it is, the tutorial I promised you all for making whirlygigs or pinwheels to suit your taste in size instead of only being able to make them the size of whatever random  pre-cut acrylic piece you can find in the store.  The measurements I'm going to give here will give you a finished block of 11X11.  You can adjust your measurements for whatever size you would like to end up with.  So for instance, if you would like a 12.5 inch finished block, just add 1.5 inches to the initial measurements I give of 6.5 X 6.  So you would start with a block measuring 8 X 7.5.

Here we go.

Firstly, cut out four blocks measuring 6 X 6.5 in the materials of your choice.  I used white and a light blue print.  I cut two of the light blue print and two of the white.

Now, with the right side of the fabric facing up (this is important) and cutting along the edge that is longer (6.5), cut each block 1/2 inch from the center on one edge to 1/2 inch from center on the opposite side.  (this is how I cut the pieces for the pinwheel garden quilt, however, I think next time I'm going to increase those measurements to 3/4 or 1 inch from center to make it a little more "edgy").

 

Next, align the contrasting fabrics right side facing each other, the long edges lined up, and so the pieces overlap 1/4 inch at the ends where the orange arrows indicate.  Now sew together with a standard 1/4 inch quilting seam. 

 

Repeat this process to complete the four blocks that make up a whirlygig.  Press the seams to one side as you sew.  (I have found if you are diligent with pressing, your block will be more precise when you finish!)

 

Next, sew the two top blocks together followed by the two bottom blocks making sure to press as you go..

 

Then sew the top half to the bottom half, making sure the center seams are lined up.  (it's ok if the edges are a little off, you can always square it up once you've pressed it, the most important area to line up is the center)

 

And there you have it, a whirlygig, pinwheel, whatchamacallit block!

This is how they will look once you start sewing them together

 

Now onto the exciting news of a kreativ blogger award

I received from Anna!  I am so honored she would pass it on to me!  Anna makes some beautiful bags, quilts, and most importantly, has the biggest heart ever.  I can tell she is a blessing to everyone she comes into contact with and from her picture, has the most beautiful, genuine smile. 

Thank-you Anna, you have truly blessed my life! 

I'm going to pass this award onto:

Jacquie at Tallgrass Prairie Studio

Candace at Squash House Quilts

Judy at Brocante and Etc.

Stacey at Libby & Co.

Lolly at Lollychops

Amy at mommyandbeyond

Amy at Parkcity girl

and Christy at Sweet Tidings!

And please ladies, participate only if your heart desires!

Yay for awards!

~Penny

Comments

[Amy @ parkcitygirl]

A great tute and an award!! Thank you for sharing your experience with us - I've thought that this but be attainable without the acrylic :) thanks for the award too - you are so sweet! Happy Valentines

[Christy]

Hi Penny! Thank you for sharing your fabulous award! I haven't done any serious quilting but I shall try your tutorial.

Hope your valentine's day was fun!

[josie]

hi! thank you for sharing the tutorial! i would love to try it in my next quilt! yes, i learned to sew just 9 months ago and made 2 quilts among my other things. when you are excited about something, nothing seems impossible!!!!

[Anna M.]

Wow! Thanks for your sweet words, Penny! You've made my day! Also thanks for the great whilygig tutorial...you are always so wonderful to share with all the rest of us! Hope you have a great week! =)

[Candace]

Hi Penny - I've been slow catching up reading blogs since we've been away and what do I find here....thank you so much for passing on your award to me! What a sweet and wonderful surprise! I'm so glad to have you as a new friend! And thanks for the terrific turorial - I'll use it for sure on my Zippty Doo Dah fabric!
Cheers!

[Deb]

I love the pinwheel quilt and thank you so much for sharing the how-to. I love making quilts, and the simpler the better. I enjoy the creativity of fabric choices over design and this one looks so easy to do!

I had wandered over initially to let you know I'm having a giveaway at my blog, A Fine Feathered Nest, if you're interested.

Cheers!