I made this quilt a while ago, and recently had someone ask me for the pattern.  This was a wonderful excuse to have to sit down and write the pattern out.  It is an easy pattern and one that many of you could probably figure out on your own, but I always love a project where I don’t have to do any of the thinking/math myself.  My version makes the pattern a little more subtle, but you could make it really stand out with high contrasting fabrics.  I hope you enjoy the pattern!  (There is a PDF available at the bottom of this post, if you would like to print the pattern.)

Chaser Block Quilt

50”x70” (5×7 blocks)

Solid Block Material—1 ½ yards  (I was just short on material for mine, so I did some of my solid blocks in a different fabric.  A bit scrappier, but I like it.)

Chaser Block Material—app. 2 ½ yards or 1 jelly roll

Binding—7 strips from jelly roll, scraps, or ½ yard

Backing—3 ¹/₃ yard

Use ¼” seams.

From solid block material cut 5 strips at 10½” by width of fabric (WOF)

-subcut strips into 10½” squares.  You will get 4 squares per strip.  You want a total of 18 blocks.

From chaser block material, cut seventeen 2 ½” squares for your centers.  You will now be adding strips onto this center block to build the chaser block.  You can either pre-cut your strips or simply cut long 2 ½” strips by WOF, sew them to your block and then trim to size.  (I prefer the second method.)

First strip after center:  2 ½ x 2 ½  (Finished size: 2 ½ x 4 ½)

Second strip:  2 ½ x 4 ½  (Finished size:  4 ½ square)

Third strip:  2 ½ x 4 ½ (Finished size:  4 ½ x 6 ½)

Fourth strip:  2 ½ x 6 ½  (Finished size:  6 ½ square)

Fifth strip:  2 ½ x 6 ½  (Finished size:  6 ½ x 8 ½)

Sixth strip:  2 ½ x 8 ½  (Finished size:  8 ½ square)

Seventh strip:  2 ½ x 8 ½  (Finished size:  8 ½ x 10 ½)

Eighth strip:  2 ½ x 10 ½  (Finished size:  10 ½ square)

Lay out your blocks.  I started with a solid block in the upper right corner.  Every other square should be a chaser.  5 x 7 blocks make up your quilt top.

Quilt.

Bind with seven 2 ½” strips by WOF.

Printable PDF–Chaser Block Quilt

I gave in.  I told myself I could not go to the library and then I did anyways.  You must understand that when I go to the library I cannot resist coming home with a whole stack of books and then nothing else gets done.  I read on my lunch break, during my afternoon rest time (I’m sort of milking the whole pregnancy thing), and by 7:30 I am crawling into bed so I have plenty of read time before my eyes fall shut.

So while I’m in my read hibernation mode, I am also playing the game of “see how long we can go before I HAVE to go to the grocery store.”  Let’s just say Tony does not like this game.

Between books, I did find some time to get a new quilt top done.  Very fun and something different.  I am excited to get the pattern wrapped up for individual sales and quilt shops.  Here’s a sneak peak!

One of the first spring storms rolled through the area today, so while Tony was out chasing, I had some wonderful rainy time in the sewing room.  This is a quilt I have been wanting to do for some time now–I wanted to do a modern style quilt that utilizes a large scale fabric.  I just made it up as I went…laying the fabric out to see what it would look like and then cutting.  It’s a lap size that I will use for myself and for show and tell at speaking engagements.  My inspiration was Denyse Schmidt quilts and how little piecing she does in her quilts. 

The main fabric in this is from Heather Bailey’s newest line.

I also did a ruffle along the top of the squares just to add some texture and interest.  Sort of the unexpected.

See how easy quilting can be!  It is as easy as sewing chunks of fabric together!  See what you can do.

On Thursday, I took home fabric from the quilt shop to do a sample for the store.  The pattern is called Coulee and it goes together in a snap.  I wanted the design to be an easy, quick, and rather modern looking pattern.  I also encourage people to stray from the pattern by giving them the equation to make their own size blocks and to play around with the layout.  I’m going to have to do another one for myself in some modern solids.   

Tony and I are also couch shopping right now.  I am super excited since I can’t wait to make some pillows and throw a quilt over it.  I am looking at some light colored microfiber couches with good lines. 

  Hit a farmer’s market today and suport local while giving you and your family some good eatin’.  Happy Saturday!!!