Triangles: A Million Blocks from One Block

Most beginning quilters are somewhat daunted by the huge array of quilt blocks out there. It seems somewhat endless because it truly is. 

Most beginning quilters look at the array and say,
"I think I'll make a nine patch."

That's not a bad decision. 

 But at a certain point it becomes a bit boring. When you find yourself ready to stretch out of square quilting, the next step is  the triangle. Many quilt blocks with straight lines can be made from 45 degree triangles.

Half Triangle squares can be used simply,

Combined with squares to make other patterns,

Or used in contemporary ways.

Moda bake shop has called them turnovers, which is fun. But precuts are only one way to make half triangles. 

Thangles are a foolproof easy way to make half square blocks and there are some sew and cut techniques that also make them super easy. For the next few weeks, we'll explore blocks made of half triangles and different ways to construct them.

Quilts of Valor and the Michigana Modern Quilt Guild

Threadbenders Quilt Shop and the Michigana Modern Quilt Guild have been working together on a Quilts of Valor Project.
The Quilts of Valor program is a grass roots movement to make quilts for our brave service people who are returning from service in need of support and care. It's a spontaneous reaction of the quilt community to the needs of our wounded heros.
The Michigana Modern Quilt Guild that meets at Threadbenders on the first Thursday of each month, at 6 PM has partnered with Threadbenders to make a special quilt of valor together.

We're using Thangles,  and these two great stripes in red and blue. Thangles are the quickest and easiest way to make no measure, perfect triangles. All together we're piecing the elements for a quilts of valor for our service people.

Here are some other great quilts of valor we've already given away.

Would you like to help?

Come join the Modern Quilt Guild, Thursday night at 6pm.

Or just come into Threadbenders and we'll let you sew on some thangles, just at the shop. You can have a quilt break with your lunch break. Doesn't that sound good?