May/ June Project Hope--Ragged Squares

Happy May 1st!  I am very excited to reveal our next Project HOPE block--Ragged Squares--designed and tutorialized (made up that word and I like it) by a special friend of Margaret's Hope Chest- Amanda Jean from Crazy Mom Quilts. Hopefully, this summer Amanda Jean and I can pull together some local (West Michigan) quilters to put these squares into some fun rainbow quilts for kids! I will let you know when and where that might be happening--until then......we need some squares to work with!!

Please choose a color--any color--please keep in mind that these blocks are meant to be monochromatic.  You can take this survey below and let us know what color block(s) you are making.

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After you have finished your blocks please send them to:

***Notice the new address for this project***

Margaret's Hope Chest

630 Griswold SE

Grand Rapids, MI

49507

Project Deadline is June 30!!  Hope you can join us!

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How to make a ragged square quilt block:



Choose 3 fabrics using a monochromatic color scheme. Pay attention to the value of your fabrics. Make sure that the fabrics read clearly when layered on top of each other. Play around until you find a combination that you like.

Cut 3 squares. The largest block is cut 9.5" square, the middle block is cut 6.5" square and the smallest block is cut 3.5" square.



Layer 6.5" square onto the 9.5" square. Center the block and pin into place. Eyeballing the position of the block is fine, no measuring necessary.



Sew 1/4" in from the edge of the center block. Backstitch a few stitches where you start/stop. The edges will be left raw.



Flip the block over. Use a very sharp scissors to CAREFULLY cut out the back layer of fabric, leaving approximately 1/4" of fabric from the seam line. Throw the cut away layer into your scrap bin.



Flip the block right side up and center the 3.5" square into the center of the block. Pin in place.



Sew the around the center square using a 1/4" seam allowance.


Once again, flip the block right side facing down, and carefully trim the center square 1/4" in from the seam allowance. Set aside the cut away layer as a scrap.



Flip the block right side up, give it a good press and the block is complete! Repeat as many times as you feel necessary and then mail the blocks to Carin. :)