tumbling blocks

[Annette R.]

Does anyone know of a tumbling blocks pattern used with success? I love this pattern and after a visit to Lancaster, Pa I am inspired to try..love those solid bold colors. Dot :?:

[Margo C.]

Dot, if you do a Google search for Tumbling Blocks quilt pattern you will get lots of sites with different ways to make this pattern!

I've never tried one, but I also like the Amish versions!

[Margo C.]

Thanks Margo, you always have the right answer...good to hear from you and hope all is well. Happy Thanksgiving!

[Annis C.]

The square in a square method by Jodi Barrows is the easiest. It uses 45 degree angles. You have to plan your color changes ahead of time though as different fabrics will be on different corners of the square. Marci Baker's "Not Your Grandmothers Tumbling Blocks" looks easy too. It uses strip piecing and 60 degree angles. She has a short video showing how it's done.

[Margo C.]

Here is a link to Marci's Tumbling Blocks video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...;v=DWpSETMbws4

She also has a lot of great other video tutes on her website: http://www.online-quilting.com/video...als/index.html

And here is Jodi Barrows website: http://softexpressions.com/software/books/AdvanOn.php

[Annis C.]

Thanks Margo for finding the links.

[Annis C.]

Thanks to you both..Margo and Annis, I do hope to try this one in 2013.

[Annis C.]

I used Marci Bakers tumbling block pattern for a quilt for one of the great grand children and I just loved the way it turned out. It was a lot easier way than the tradidtional method. I might have posted it but not sure. Nan in upstate NY

[Annis C.]

Here's the quilt I did using the square in a square method. I've outlined a few blocks to help you see the layout. The square in a square blocks are staggered and the sides are finished with flying geese. I believe these were 4" finished blocks. There were a lot of cutoff triangles using this method that I had high hopes of turning into a miniature quilt. They are saved somewhere in my stash. I would like to try Marci Baker's way too.

[Annis C.]

Beautiful! I love the color choice.

[Annis C.]

This months message from Jinny Beyer.com showcases a new 60 degree ruler developed by Jinny and instructions on how to use it and it is just the ticket for tumbling blocks. Take a look...she always gives the best instructions I think.

[Annis C.]

Another possibility, that has worked for me is: "Big Book of Building Block Quilts" by Sara Nephew. Mine came with a triangular ruler, but I can't see really why this is necessary - maybe easier, but you could figure it out, I'm sure

[Margo C.]

Lots of great free videos from Jinny here: http://www.jinnybeyer.com/quilting-w...ps-lessons.cfm

Here's the video with her new ruler: http://www.jinnybeyer.com/ax_commerc...E44820FBF401E5

Sara Nephew's book is now out of print: http://shop.online-quilting.com/shop...;category_id=1

However, Marcia Baker now owns all of Sara Nephews products and the web site is Alicia's Attic. You can get some of Sara's instructions in these patterns:
http://shop.online-quilting.com/shop....tpl&pop=0

Marcia also has a lot of really great free instructional videos: http://www.online-quilting.com/video...als/index.html

[Margo C.]

Margo, the site you posted in your reply is an absollutely marvelous tutorial for piecing tumbling blocks without set in seams. This is it... http://www.online-quilting.com/video...als/index.html

Thanks, Dorene

[Margo C.]

Glad you found something that would work for you!

Here is a direct link to the tumbling blocks video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...;v=DWpSETMbws4