Only Spooling Around
Nancy Devine
No spooling, we’re sewing a table runner...
Studio Collection Home Hobby and
Design Table from H.A. Kidd is a welcome
and space-saving addition to any sewing
space. But, when folded up and not
working, it’s a bit plain. We’re quilters and
this just won’t do. So, no “spooling”, we’re
making a table runner!
Let’s make my Only Spooling Around
table runner. It fits the folded table, and
makes it just a little bit more special.
Spool blocks are considered beginner
blocks. They’re not difficult to put
together, but they’ll put you through
your paces in terms of cutting accurately
and sewing perfect 1/4" seams.
If you’re a regular reader of QUILTsocial,
you’ll know I’m not a big fan of rules.
However, in this one case, I have to tell
you, the Spool Block is unforgiving to
quilt scofflaws like me. But, they’re so
darned cute, I force myself to behave like
a rule abiding quilter.
Many quilters like to use striped fabric for
the center of the block to suggest lines of
thread. Not me, I love polka dots.
I also like to use brown batiks for the
“wooden” parts of the spool. I think it
suggests a patina of age on vintage
wooden spools.
Lastly, I like to sash the spool block, top
and bottom, in a neutral print. I found a
soft batik dot that compliments both the
polka dots and the darker batiks.
For each spool block, you will need:
Cutting mat
Rotary cutter
Ruler
1 4" x 4" Polka Dot Square
2 2" wide by 4" long brown strips
2 2" wide by 4" long side beige strips
4 2" x 2" brown squares
4 2" x 2" neutral squares
2 1 1⁄2" wide by 7 1⁄4" neutral sashing
I cut enough pieces for five blocks.
It takes a while, but, on the bright side,
the Studio Collection Home Hobby and
Design Table from H.A. Kidd provides a
clever, flexible cutting surface.
Playing around with the designing table,
creating a spool block.
QUILTsocial
.com
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spring 2015
59