February Block Lotto: Keyhole Blocks

Taking a page from February's focus on all things Valentine, we seek the key to your quilty heart with a variation of the keyhole block! Usually a rectangle with one fabric at the centre and a second on the outside, it can also be created in a square version. To provide extra fun with design for the winner(s) of this draw, we are including options for both rectangular and square blocks.

COLOURWAY

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, with its bunches of tulips and roses, the colours will be red and grey, and the fabrics can be prints. Please avoid obvious seasonal prints, especially those associated with Christmas or Valentine's Day (i.e. Santa, cupid, reindeer).

Each block is made from one colour, using two shades of that colour — a light and dark (eg. dark red exterior with light red interior). If you're using the red colourway, please avoid colours or prints that read as pink instead of red.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use 2.5 inch wide strips of a light and dark fabric. Use two shades of reds OR two shades of greys. Or, crack open a jelly roll!

Rectangle (makes 2 rectangles) , each measure 12.5 inches by 6.5 inches finished.

From Fabric A (one strip)

• cut 2: 2.5 inches x 6.5 inches

• cut 2: 2.5 inches x 8.5 inches

• cut 1: 2.5 inches x 8.5 inches (this is the centre for the second block, with Fabric B exterior)

From Fabric B (one strip)

• cut 2: 2.5 inches x 6.5 inches

• cut 2: 2.5 inches x 8.5 inches

• cut 1: 2.5 inches x 8.5 inches (this is the centre for the first block, with Fabric A exterior)

Square (makes 2 squares). Each measures 6.5 inches by 6.5 inches.

From Fabric A (one strip)

• cut 2: 2.5 inches x 6.5 inches

• cut 2: 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches

• cut 1: 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches (this is the centre for the second block, with Fabric B exterior)

From Fabric B (one strip)

• cut 2: 2.5 inches x 6.5 inches

• cut 2: 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches

• cut 1: 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches (this is the centre for the first block, with Fabric A exterior)

Construct the blocks in the order shown in these photos — centre is constructed first, then the ends are added.

Seam direction: Press seams away from centre to make the centre dip slightly like a keyhole. When composing the quilt, you may need to press in another direction to reduce bulk at a specific spot, but for this project press to the outside.

ENTRY

Every combination that makes up a 12.5 by 12.5 block is considered ONE entry. This would be: 2 rectangles; OR 1 rectangle and 2 squares; OR 4 squares. Each entry receives a ticket for the draw. You can enter multiple times! If we have enough entries, we may pull for two winners. Enter each rectangle and square unattached — then the winner has the fun of planning their own pattern.

EXTRA

If you would like to watch a video on keyhole quilts, this is a good one from Missouri Star. NOTE: the video has different dimensions than these instructions and shows a keyhole with multiple colours inside. For our Block Lotto project, please use the dimensions described in the written instructions above! :-)

DUE DATE

These blocks are due at the March (now April) meeting, and the draw will take place then.

Lets be social: @calgarymqg #calmqgblocklotto #calgarymqg

General Block Lotto Rules

1.  Make one quilt block (or many) following the pattern and colour scheme outlined in the lotto announcement blog post. For every block you make and bring to the following month's meeting, you will get one entry in the lotto. If you are unable to attend the meeting, but really want to participate in the lotto, ask a friend to get your blocks to the meeting, but make sure they are named so we can properly account for your blocks.

2. The winner gets all the blocks to make a quilted project from them (We may hold a vote to split up the blocks between more than one winner if there are enough entries). If you win, the blocks become yours and you can use them in any way you choose. You may only win one group per lotto.

3. We would love to see your finished project, either in person or in pictures, once you are done.

4. Use modern fabrics that you like or love! If you are unsure about your fabric selection as it relates to "Modern" please ask.

5. Have fun! Keep in mind that (most likely) someone else will be taking home your block to incorporate into a larger piece and things must fit together (literally, ...so keeping your block true to size is probably the most important thing), but you should also make it yours and enjoy the process.

6. Remember, you must be a member of the Calgary Modern Quilt Guild to participate.