You know, when I did my graduation thesis, one of my professors once said that if you want to become EXCELLENT at something, you have to do the same thing over and over again. Continue to want the same thing…
This inspirational quote comes to mind when I look at the work of Janeen van Niekerk, our weekly contributor who gives us a free quilting workshop every week. Today mark’s the 4th week in the quilt sampler workshop. Janeen presents the material on how to make a hourglass quilt block. I have to say that each week, the blocks get more and more beautiful.
The quote equally applies to Janeen’s own paper piecing quilt designs, which are completely unique and have moved from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’ in just the short time I have known Janeen. I have added a few new paper piece designs by Janeen at the end of this article for your enjoyment. So you can see what I mean. Now, be encouraged by Janeen’s own progress and let’s move your quilting skills from good to great also. Here’s block #4 in our sampler quilt. Do join in and quilt along!
– Hourglass Quilt Block –
Free Online Quilting Workshop
Here’s Janeen’s post for this week:
Tips for Quilting Beginners – Workshop Series
Sampler Quilt – Week 4
The Hour Glass Block
This is more of a variation on the Hour Glass block. The block is divided into 4 squares and each opposite side has a Four Patch or Four Square and then the Hour Glass as well.
These are really traditional blocks and although simple to make, still remain popular. Use more modern fabrics to give these blocks a lift, or use more ‘traditional’ small flowery fabrics to keep with the old timey look.
The Plan:
(Photo 1 & 1A)
You can see that this block has only an A and B type block to it. Really simple.
Your combined 4 A blocks must be the same measurement as your B block.
Cutting Your Quilt Fabric
For the A blocks
You will need 3 different color fabrics (Photo 2)
White fabric: Cut a 3” (7.6cm) strip and cut from it 4 x 3” squares
Orange fabric: cut a 3” (7.6cm) strip and cut from it 2 x 3” squares
Yellow fabric: cut a 3”(7.6cm) strip and cut from it 2 x 3” squares.
For the B blocks
We will be making 2 Half square triangles for the B block
…. and her unique quilting and paper piecing patterns
::
Quilt artist Janeen van Niekerk is an avid quilter. In particular, she’s an accomplished paper piecing designer. She does it all with a passion. Our latest news of quilt making instructor Janeen van Niekerk is that she has just launched a brand new paper piecing magazine.
Janeen’s prolific range of hand-made quilts (she takes commissions for personalized, stylish portrait quilts), as well as her unique quilt patterns (think quilts featuring safari animals and trees, or kids toys) are inspired by her environs; she lives in sunny Pretoria in South Africa, with her husband and kids.
To her friends and quilting students, Janeen recommends a simple Janome Sewing Machine. For example, the Janome 8077 is a great buy !
How to Sew a Quilt – Quilting Workshops for Beginners
Want to begin sewing quilts with me? Join our free online quilting workshops, which you can take at your leisure, any time you want. Work at your own pace.
Free Quilting Patterns & Tutorials & Classes in this quilting course: