Cloud 9 - Dragonfly Tutorial

Welcome to Day 1 of the Cloud 9 New Block Blog Hop, and welcome to Melva Loves Scraps!  I hope that you will take some time to look around...

My block is a Dragonfly...  

Did you know... Dragonflies are not your average insects. These mysterious and ancient creatures have lived on earth for millions of years, far longer than humans. They sometimes appear fearless and maybe even a bit nosey, not hesitating to land on a nearby twig or even on a gardener’s hat. (from Dragonfly Symbolism) If a dragonfly repeatedly flies alongside someone as they take a morning walk, following the passing of a loved one, what would it mean to them?  For those involved, these real life experiences symbolize hope, immortality, and the afterlife. They provided comfort during a time of need. 

On to how to make the block...

Cutting instructions –

Background – Cloud 9 Sky

1 – 4-7/8” square

4 – 4-1/2” squares

7 – 2-1/2” squares

1 – 1-1/2” strip (at least 9” long)

Body – Cloud 9 Shadow

2 – 2-1/2” squares

1 – 1-1/2” strip (at least 9” long)

Large Wings – Cloud 9 Lilac

1 – 4-7/8” square

Small Wings – Cloud 9 Iris

2 – 3” x 6-1/2” rectangle

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Join strips together.  Cut to 1-1/2” sections

Sew sections together to make three 4-patch blocks

Join 4-patches with 2-1/2” squares as shown  

Sew 2-1/2” squares together as shown to create the head of the dragonfly.

Arrange and sew blocks accordingly to create 4-1/2 inch squares to create the body of the dragonfly

For the wings mark 4-7/8” square on the diagonal – 1/4” from center

Stitch on the marked lines - cut.

Press open – mark 2-1/4 inches as shown

Place the rectangle on the mark and the center seam – 

Sew 1/4” from rectangle edge

  

Press open (I left the entire background portion on the back of the block so that there would be less chance of the fabric pulling because of the bias edge.)

Trim to make square  

Place 4-1/2” background squares in place and assemble rows as shown.

Join rows together.  Press the seam with the wings open to reduce bulk.

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope that you like my block.  I believe the assembly instructions to be complete, as they were tested by a few quilters.  BUT, should you encounter a problem, please let me know so that I can answer any questions you may have or make any necessary adjustments to the instructions.

Also, please be sure to check in with Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl. There are prizes to be won!!! Some lucky winner will win a fat-quarter bundle of Cloud 9 Cirrrus Solids.  And be sure to visit all today's participants to see what blocks they created.  There will be, no doubt, a wide variety of blocks, styles and techniques.  I know I will be checking them all out!

Abigail @Cut & Alter
Janice @Color, Creating, and Quilting!
Lorinda @Laurel, Poppy, and Pine
Renee @Quilts of a Feather
Kathryn @Upitis Quilts
Kim @Leland Ave Studios
Amanda @this mom quilts
Holly @Lighthouse Lane Designs
Irene @Patchwork and Pastry
Jennifer @Dizzy Quilter
Karen @Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats
Anne @Said With Love
Suzy @Adventurous Applique and Quilting
Sharla @Thistle Thicket Studio
Kathleen @Smiles From Kate
Amanda @Gypsy Moon Quilt Co.
Sarah @Sarah Goer Quilts
Chelsea @Patch the Giraffe
Jinger @Trials of a Newbie Quilter
Anja @Anja Quilts
Daisy @Ants to Sugar

Dragonflies have always reminded me of lazy, laid back summer days at the cottage that my Mother-in-law and Father-in-law had in Michigan.  So, tell me... What does the visit of a Dragonfly remind you of? 

May you find hope as you work on the Dragonfly.

Blessings,

Melva

Head on over to Quilter Blogs to see what other quilters are doing!