
2016 Quilt Extravaganza—October Block of the Month
Can you believe that we are already sewing block #10 of the 2016 Quilt Extravaganza? Quarter Circle Medley varies two different appliqué circle sizes to create an interesting block. Use the Carefree Curves Template to create the shapes easily and without setting in any curved seams.
Have you selected fabrics and created the strata for your 2016 Block of the Month? Check out the details in the January 9 blog. I encourage you to use as many scraps from your stash as possible. I’m using bright and neutral fabrics in this quilt.
All blocks for 2016 will be created from pieced fabric strata. Read more on this blog post.
Block #10: Quarter Circle Medley
Supplies:
- One neutral fabric strata
- One bright fabric strata
- Lightweight fusible interfacing
- Point 2 Point Turner
- Trace ‘n Create Carefree Curves Template Set
- Monofilament thread
- Fine tip non-permanent marking pen
Cut Fabrics
- From bright fabric strata, cut four 6-1/2″ x 6-1/2″ fabric squares (background).
- From neutral fabric strata, cut two squares at least 9″ x 9″ (for circles).
- Cut two 9″ x 9″ squares of interfacing to create circles.
Note from Nancy: Cut an additional 9″ x 9″ square of interfacing to apply behind the 9″ x 9″ square of the neutral strata if the background may show through when appliquéd.
Create the Circles
- Apply a 9″ x 9″ square of interfacing to the wrong side of the neutral strata squares to prevent show-through of the bright background fabric.
- Using the 9″ x 9″ squares of fabric and interfacing, pin the smooth side of the interfacing on the right side of the fabric. Make two pair as we’ll make two different circle sizes.
- Center the Carefree Curves Circle Template on the interfacing.
- Use a fine tip marking pen to trace the 8-1/2″ circle onto one interfacing and the 6-1/2″ circle on the other.
- Straight stitch, using a short stitch length, 2.0—2.5, directly on the marked curves.
- Use a rotary cutter with pinking blade to remove excess fabric.
- Remove the excess interfacing from within the circles, leaving approximately 1″ of interfacing.
- Turn the interfacing to the wrong side.
- Use a turning tool to smooth the curves.
- Press.
Divide the Circles
- Position the template on the finished circle aligning the horizontal line parallel with strata seams.
- Mark the 12 o’clock and three o’clock positions on both neutral circles.
Note from Nancy: You may opt to add pins at the marked locations.
- Fold circles in half meeting pins.
- Press.
- Open both circles; remove pins.
- Align rotary cutting ruler with fold. Cut both circles in half.
Build the Quilt Block
- Each background square, 6-1/2″ x 6-1/2″, will have a large quarter circle and small quarter circle appliquéd in opposite corners.
- Pin quarter circles to the 6-1/2″ x 6-1/2″ backgrounds. Pin two background squares with the stripes horizontally, and two with the stripes vertically, as shown.
- Edgestitch with monofilament thread.
- Arrange the block.
- Fold the top left onto the top right square and repeat for the bottom squares. Match right sides.
- Pin along the edges.

- Use a 1/4″ seam allowance to join pairs.
- Press seam allowances.
- Press seam in one direction.
- Ta-dah! Another block is complete.

What would a Quilt Look Like?
Suppose we were to make a quilt using only this one block style, what would it look like?
- This first digital concept matches the larger circle quadrants and smaller circle quadrants to create an illusion of an exploding circle, once the sashing is added.
- Setting the block identical to its neighbor and omitting sashing strips, a completely new shape is created with this second quilt.
- The last digital quilt is large at 72″ x 72″. It mixes Quarter Square Medley blocks with 12-1/2″ neutral strata blocks. My original idea was to have a place for the eye to rest in the quilt composition or have a place to feature appliqué flowers, shapes, or decorative embroidery designs.
Watch Quilt with Carefree Curves (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy online.
To watch Sewing With Nancy on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone, download the app.
Sew and Share
Send in a photo of your blocks and quilts and we’ll share it with others in upcoming blogs and on Facebook. I’d really like to see what fabrics you’re using! Send the images to [email protected].

The random winner of Creative Quilting Outlines…Pumpkins with Style is Eloise. Her comment was: “I love adding embroidery to quilts, table runners, pillowcases, children’s clothing, towels, and totes.” The embroidery bundle includes 26 designs for 4″ x 4″ hoops and 14 designs for 5″ x 7″ hoops. The possibilities are endless.
Bye for now,
ELIZABETH RIVERA
This is so cool and curves made so easy.
DebbieW
Nancy, I’ve always watched, enjoyed your shows and just became a subscriber.
This block and the variations going back to January are amazing.
I have some catching up to do! Thank you.