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Tuesday, July 09, 2013

Summer 2013 Leader & Ender Challenge! Split 9 Patch!

Click HERE for Printer-Friendly PDF file.

It’s that time of year!

Over the past few years I’ve issued a Leader & Ender challenge while at the Sisters Quilt Show in Oregon for us to work on through the year.  I’m not in Oregon this summer because of the cabin closing at the same time, and I’m missing my friends and the show! 

A couple of emails came in yesterday asking me “What is our new Leader & Ender project going to be?”  and it has kicked me into gear and I have some ideas!

Remember THIS POST from my visit to Mooresville, NC with Sherry last June??  Has it really been over a year already?

There were a couple of BEAUTIFUL Perkiomen Valley Split 9 patch quilts that I simply fell in love with.

Statesville_June2012 031_thumb[3]

Gorgeous, isn't it?

It’s Pennsylvania, around the year 1900.

Statesville_June2012 032_thumb[3]

Close up of one corner.

trianglelayouts
These blocks are so versatile!  They can be set in any log cabin layout, or in any half-square triangle design.  The designs and possibilities are endless.  Look:


Twist and turn the blocks to get all these and MORE!

moretriangles

Another Samplling.

The layout I chose:



The reason I chose this block?  Ease of construction AND I have THIS:

split9patch 008

My 2-1/2” squares box over-floweth!!

I really don’t use 2-1/2” squares as often as I use the 2” squares for my "go to" size when scrap quilting, which has resulted in this overflowing box. For this project it will be perfect.  With 2-1/2” squares our blocks will measure 6” finished.

Another rule I live by...if the box is full, MAKE A QUILT!  Do NOT start ANOTHER box!
Step #1:  Make Half-Square triangles!

Each block is going to need three half-square triangles ---however you get them done.  They will first measure 2-1/2" square and finish at 2”, so use your favorite method.

For instance, place a light and a dark 2-7/8" square on top of each other with right sides together.  Slice on the diagonal to yield 2 triangle pairs.  When sewn, they will measure 2-1/2" before adding to the block, and finish at 2" in the block.

As for me, I’m using 2-1/2” strips and my Easy Angle Ruler!

split9patch 010

I am having a cutting day, and cutting a wide variety of colors matched with neutral/lights and stacking them up by my machine.  I’ll sew the pairs as Leaders & Enders while working on other things.  And when I have enough variety built up – the fun begins!

split9patch 005

Lay out your block like this!

You will need 3 dark 2-1/2” squares, 3 light/neutral 2-1/2” squares, and 3 2-1/2” half-square triangles.
*HINT*  You will know that your seam allowance is where it needs to be if your half-square triangles are EXACTLY the same size as your 2-1/2” cut squares!  If your half-square triangles are smaller…your seam allowance is too big. FIX IT NOW! 

If your half-square triangles are too big…fatten that seam allowance up.  Find what you need to do to make it right so you don’t spend forever sliver trimming down a gazillion of these.  I like to cut right, sew right, and be done with it.

split9patch 006

In between the lines of other piecing, use the block pieces as Leaders & Enders and assemble the block units into rows.

split9patch 007

Join the rows to complete one block!  Block will measure 6-1/2” and finish at 6” in the quilt.
Remember, this is NOT A RACE.  It is a LEADER & ENDER CHALLENGE.  I plan on working on these throughout the year – we will see how far we get by next July.

There are no rules, no color recommendations, no fabric suggestions…just you, your scraps and a free quilt in the process.  No number of blocks to finish will be given, no suggested layouts other than what I’ve shown you above.  My hope is that we will all do something DIFFERENT with these, and can share them in Linky Parties during the year.

split9patch 009

One other suggestion….Pin your blocks in bundles of 10 so they are easy to count and keep track of….
I do hope you’ll join me..it’s been a lot of fun over the past few years, and I’d love to keep this going!


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59 comments:

  1. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity to use up the 2.5 inch squares. I have a ton. I am in!!!
    Congratulations on the cabin.
    Penny

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  2. Love it! Especially the colors!!! Time to get sewing!

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  3. I just finished a split nine patch! They do make a stunning quilt!

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  4. LOVE IT! And I too have a box of this exact size...both squares and triangles! YIPPEE!

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  5. I have a question. The quilt shown looks like they made 9 patches and cut them in half. Would this work instead of making the HST?

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    1. No, because of what you would lose in the seam allowance when sewing those half-nine-patches together :(

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  6. Sign me up! I've way too many strips sitting in their drawer, time to use them!

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  7. I am in. This will be my first one. I just got the book Leaders & Enders last week and have started using it several days ago while making a window quilt for my sewing room and I can not believe how much I got done piecing blocks for another quilt I have been wanting to make in between sewing the squares for the window quilt. Just wonderful and I am so glad I found you.

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  8. Girl!! You just continue to come up with these fun ideas...hard to resist, so I am not going to resist!! RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!!! Thanks, Bonnie...this will be fun!

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  9. Can't wait to get started :)

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  10. I have planned on making one of these for years but never started. It will now be on the stove instead of the recipe box. Thanks Bonnie.

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  11. love these quilts...I'm in!

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  12. awesome cuz I just finished up my current enders and leaders and need a new one!! Thanks Bonnie!

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  13. This will be my first time.

    I don't have as many 2.5" squares as I did because I just finished making a bunch of them into 16 patches for a quilt (Sunny Skies - www.missouristartquilts.com). The front of that one is done and I am using a lot of leftover HST blocks to make blocks for the back. I have six made. Where was your diagram of possibilities when I was looking for block ideas last week? lol I would rather use up leftovers from the front on the back and have a larger piece of backing leftover for another project. Hope that sentence made sense.

    I am not sure what the sampling of HST blocks has to do with this challenge - it could be lack of sleep - our dog had me up most of the night - it is my own fault - I backed into her with my car last Saturday and broke her pelvis - she is not allowed to walk AT ALL for the next month and she had an accident on her blankie in the middle of the night - what a mess! Washing machine running for the second time to make sure everything is clean.

    Since she is staying very close to me (so I can keep an eye on her) I am getting a lot of quilt making done. At this rate, I am going to have several more to put on the long arm. My fall/winter is going to be consumed with binding!

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  14. Thank you Bonnie, you don't know me but Lisa does, that counts... You have kept me half sane for three weeks now while I have waited for your blogs to come through to me. I fell and broke my hand so no sewing for this lady, but I have enjoyed reading your blogs and about your new cabin(so exciting). I live not far but not close from you unless you moved to that glorious cabin, Walkertown, NC; don't blink coming thru or you will miss us. well enough pecking for now. GW

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  15. I'm still working on my spools! I've got another 30 - 30 to make before I can start setting them together. I didn't start the spools until Aug 20th, so I figure I have another 6 weeks....

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  16. This is a great one! Thanks! I, too, have a bin full of 2.5 squares, let the fun begin.
    Hugs!!

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  17. Hurray! I just finished up 180 little spools in anticipation of the new L&E project. Eearly on I decided to just make as many as I can. Even if it is not enough for a complete quilt, it could be one side of a border of a scrappy quilt or two opposing border corners. Or, my big idea is just to do a "row" quilt of leaders and enders to document my fabric journey. Thank you for continuing to inspire, lead and help us use up our collective scraps!! Hugs, Allison in North Texas

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    Replies
    1. Allison, row quilt of leaders and enders--what a great idea! Hope you are flattered if I steal it!

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  18. I'm still working with the cheddar bowties from 2 years ago! ... but I'm doing them by hand. I have been using OB as an L/E. Hmmmm. Gotta think about starting this one as an L/E and work on finishing OB!

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  19. Great timing; I'm in need of a new leader/ender project! Followed your lead by using up some leader/ender 4-patches to make a really fast baby quilt for a niece who's expecting in the fall. I added to them to make 9-patches, alternated with a horse print (niece trains and shows horses) and couldn't believe how quickly I had a completed top! Thank you, Bonnie, for all your wonderful tips and ideas!

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  20. I've been doing this as a L & E project with 2" squares for the past couple of years--have over 100 blocks now. Am shooting for 324 blocks (!!)

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  21. Perfect timing! I'm in need of a new L&E project, and plenty of leftover 2.5" squares not used up in the last one. Love how these make 6" HST blocks to play with.

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  22. I am darn near done with the spool...am going to have to start this one too and have a bit of overlap but what's one more? Thanks!

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  23. Do you have a tutorial on how to make HSTs from strips? Looks like it would be easier.

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  24. I have a question. If you start with all 2.5 squares, when you make the half square triangles, they will not be 2.5 square. How do you make them the right size?

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    1. I had the same thought, Frances, when I began reading the blog post. But the HST's are made with 2.5 STRIPS and subcut using the Easy Angle Ruler. I don't think I have that ruler but should probably get it as 2.5 strips are what I plan to cut for my scrap stash. As I build my stash.

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    2. Sorry Andresa, still confused. even starting with 2.5 strips, once you put a diagonal seam in, how do you end up with 2.5" squares?

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    3. Hi Frances.

      You don't end up with two 2.5" (unfinished) half square units if you start with 2.5" squares, you get 1. You sew on the diagonal of the squares and then you have to trim off one side, leaving a quarter inch seam allowance. You can "toss" those extra corners or use Bonnie's Bonus Triangle method (look in the tutorial tab at the top of the blog for it) and you will have one unfinished 2.5" half square triangle unit and a 2" (unfinished) half square triangle unit (not used in this block, but can be used in many other blocks) from each pair of 2.5" squares that you sew. I hope this helps.

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  25. Hello Bonnie,

    I am considering to take part in the Challenge, but it is not clear to me yet!
    But I do not know what you have to do two different examples with the HST Challenge? I think you might want a second Block to accommodate it, but I would not know how that is. And because you need only a block? (For example in the middle?) Or you need one or what ever you need exactly? Can not you maybe give me an example so you know what exactly is meant? Or have the examples have nothing to do with the Challenge?

    Kind regards
    Guilitta
    Blog: http://guilitta2000.blogspot.de/

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  26. Yay! I love split 9 patches! When looking at all the black & white examples Bonnie provided, picture the blocks with a 3x3 or 4x4 grid (so each block would be made of 9 or 16 hst). Now substitute split 9 patch blocks for the hst--using Bonnie's dimesions, you would have large blocks (18" or 24") made from the split 9 patch blocks. Any block that can be made with hst can be made jumbo size with split 9 patches.

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  27. Oh my!! I just got my 729 bowties made for the challenge two years ago... I haven't started my spools... and I haven't put Easy Street together yet. SOOOOOOO many projects!!!!

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  28. Oh yes Bonnie I will definately be joining ou as I was a bit weary of making scrappy 9 patches, this will make it different .

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  29. I'm still working on the little spools as a leader/ender project--don't know what I will do with them yet. SueBee says we need around 800 of them, according to you. Now I need to change focus??? :-) Love these leader/ender projects! Would love to do a Perkiomen project!

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  30. Hi Bonnie,
    A great choice! I used this block to make crib quilts during each of my pregnancies. These quilts came along to the hospital with me for the births.
    I look forward to making these blocks for a big quilt.
    My bowtie and spool quilts are being quilted right now. Watch for me to post them once bound.

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  31. OMGOSH, this is perfect! My guild summer challenge is a split 9-patch. I have been dragging my you know what and haven't started yet. I couldn't decide what to do or how to set them and didn't want the same thing as everyone else. THANK YOU!!

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  32. Hey Bonnie,

    I am new to your scrap saver system. Seems like I only have a bin of 2 inch strips not 2.5. I do have quite a variety of the two inch. Can this work with your leader ender challenge on this slightly smaller scale?
    What pitfalls are I up against if I use the two inch strips?

    Fondly

    ;-)

    Donna

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  33. Sounds like a great project and I'll join in after I've used up the pieces in my current leader ender project!

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  34. Oh I can't wait to start this. I am waiting for the last step in Lazy Sunday, and have been working on a Craftsy BOM with my granddaughter. We where just talking about what our next project should be. This is it!. I like the idea of putting together sets of 10 blocks to keep track of your progress. I think my granddaughter is a girl after your heart. She is 11 and we both just learned to to do the Lemoyne star. It's not a sterling example. But as Jana said. "It was hard, we made mistakes, but at least we did not WHINE!
    Thanks for your inspiration!

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  35. Well, I've got about a year before a coworker's wedding. So I should be able to at least get enough blocks sewn to make a pillow or wall hanging. I'm thinking red & purple & blue for my darks with muslin & ecru as the light/neutrals.

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  36. I also am looking forward to this challenge. As I am fairly new to your system. I love the extras I am getting as leaders and enders. Although I have yet to complete one of your quilts I have been using leaders and enders between my quilts. And have used the domino sashing around my stings and squares (4 patches) and I am currently in process of a double 9 scrapper using my 1 1/2" 9 patch leader and enders. Loving your system,blog and the lovely gal behind it all or should I phase that as miles ahead of it all. I love quilt cam though I'm usually catching it through utube. Thanks Bonnie for taking us all along with you.

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  37. I also am looking forward to this challenge. As I am fairly new to your system. I love the extras I am getting as leaders and enders. Although I have yet to complete one of your quilts I have been using leaders and enders between my quilts. And have used the domino sashing around my stings and squares (4 patches) and I am currently in process of a double 9 scrapper using my 1 1/2" 9 patch leader and enders. Loving your system,blog and the lovely gal behind it all or should I phase that as miles ahead of it all. I love quilt cam though I'm usually catching it through utube. Thanks Bonnie for taking us all along with you.

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  38. I also am looking forward to this challenge. As I am fairly new to your system. I love the extras I am getting as leaders and enders. Although I have yet to complete one of your quilts I have been using leaders and enders between my quilts. And have used the domino sashing around my stings and squares (4 patches) and I am currently in process of a double 9 scrapper using my 1 1/2" 9 patch leader and enders. Loving your system,blog and the lovely gal behind it all or should I phase that as miles ahead of it all. I love quilt cam though I'm usually catching it through utube. Thanks Bonnie for taking us all along with you.

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  39. I also am looking forward to this challenge. As I am fairly new to your system. I love the extras I am getting as leaders and enders. Although I have yet to complete one of your quilts I have been using leaders and enders between my quilts. And have used the domino sashing around my stings and squares (4 patches) and I am currently in process of a double 9 scrapper using my 1 1/2" 9 patch leader and enders. Loving your system,blog and the lovely gal behind it all or should I phase that as miles ahead of it all. I love quilt cam though I'm usually catching it through utube. Thanks Bonnie for taking us all along with you.

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  40. You really have released me from any form of DULL quilt lol! Seriously, this one should be fun-fun-fun!

    Time for me to again dive from what I call my "Bonnie Box" of scraps. I toss scraps into this box, when the mood overtakes me... it is cutting time!
    Smilies
    JuieinN

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  41. I'm another one with the bowties "in progress" if that means I did a few and cut some squares to make more and they are on a shelf in my stash! This looks like fun and god knows I have the strips and squares. I totally missed the spool one. Love reading the comments- you girls are a hoot. Happy sewing and cabin decorating Bonnie.

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  42. Bonnie -- thanks for the Printer Friendly PDF option!

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  43. This is a first for me, but I am in! Not really sure what I am doing, but that's typical! Just discovered you - I am a "newbie" and in quilt class someone mentioned your name and when I asked, Who's Bonnie Hunt? this big gasp went around the room (how could I not know) so here I am, finding out who you are! Hee hee! This quilting stuff is going to be just my thing! I can already tell, I am hooked!

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  44. Split nine patch is one of my favorites, have made several. You've reminded me to do another one. Perfect for using scraps!

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  45. I am going to participate in this one! Love the antique quilts you found. One question - should I press the blocks now or later since I'm not sure what the layout will be yet?

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  46. This is a great challenge. Thanks again Bonnie!

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  47. I like this one. I didn't like the last 2 blocks.,although I do like the how the quilts turned out.

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  48. This will be a split nine patch in progress from my red/white/blue box of scraps for a Quilts of Valor project.

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  49. started my Leader/ender split nine patch, I have 6 blocks done and many more in the works. So thrilled to see how many I can accomplish in a year. I keep finding bags of scraps from my mothers stash that I have acquired and it's like Christmas plus the memories of all of the quilts she has sewn throughout the years.

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  50. I'm in! I've been working on several quilts for our local Rescue Mission and this will be a great addition to that project.

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  51. Fabulous idea. no thread waste. Thank you SO much for this post.

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  52. is there a pattern or tutorial for the quilt at the very top of your quiltsville page.

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