Crystals Block - from McCall's Quilting (mccallsquilting.com/qb/pattern_105)

This makes a beautiful intricate block that reminds you of ice crystals. Because there are so many pieces, it requires careful attention to size, seam allowance, and accuracy. Be sure to measure as you go.

Finished block size is 12" which means the one you turn in should measure 12.5" x 12.5".

From the white background provided cut:

• 6 squares 3" x 3"
• 8 squares 2.5" x 2.5"

From your stash, choose a dark blue and a light blue print. From the dark blue print cut:

• 6 squares 3" x 3"
• 8 rectangles 4.5" x 2.5"

From the light blue print cut:

• 1 square 4.5" x 4.5"
• 4 squares 2.5" x 2.5"

Press open towards dark blue to make pieced squares. Trim to 2.5" square. This step is VERY IMPORTANT.

Draw a diagonal line on wrong side of the 2.5" white squares. If you take a minute and draw a second diagonal line 1/2 inch to the right of the first, you can sew along both lines, cut between, press - and then you will have smaller pieced squares to use in a community service pillow. (I hate to throw anything away!)

Sew directly on top of the drawn line. Cut between the lines and set the smaller piece aside for pillow use. Press seam allowance toward white triangle.

Repeat for the other end of rectangle and press this seam toward the dark blue "goose".

Make 4 of these "flying geese units". MEASURE and adjust (resew) as necessary. Each of these rectangles should measure 4.5" x 2.5"

Using the assembly diagram in your hand-out as a layout guide, sew previously assembled units and square blocks cut earlier together to make 5 rows. Press seams of rows 1, 3, and 5 to the right and rows 2 and 4 to the left.

MEASURE. Each row should be 12.5" long. Sew rows 1 and 2 together and 4 and 5 together. These units and row 3 should MEASURE 12.5" x 4.5" each. Sew the top unit to row 3 and the bottom unit to row 3 being careful to match the points on the flying geese units with the corners of the large square in the middle.

Square the block after pressing. It should MEASURE 12.5" x 12.5"

Use the eight half square "goose poop" triangles to create a unique pillow.