Seriously..I think it needs stitches.: Punctuation Fun: Ampersand Quilt Block Tutorial

This quilt block for National Ampersand Day is another September block. I've always loved this punctuation mark. This isn't my first ampersand block, maybe my third at this point? Fourth I think! Which is why it had to have a place in my National Days scrap quilt project. We go way back. Come along as I visit the ghosts of ampersands past. haha!

Years ago, when my now 22 y.o. nephew was 13 I think? I made him a bed size punctuation quilt. I sketched it on graph paper.. I didn't know much about what I was doing back then. One of my first "designs", I was just having fun and trying to figure it out as I went along. And it included an ampersand!

That ampersand is not my favorite! ha! I also didn't have a way to edit photos back then.. That is a dark photo! I tried to improve on the ampersand when, sometime after that, I submitted a block to Quiltmaker's 100 blocks. I don't think they do that issue anymore. I always loved that issue! My block was accepted AND made it onto the cover! I was so excited! I loved the fabrics in that block.

When you submitted a block, you had to send it in, and you didn't get it back. I was kinda sad to send that one off. I wonder where it ended up.. I think Quiltmaker used to stitch up quilts with the blocks and donate them, but I'm not sure.

Then more time passed, more designs, etc. and I stitched up this mini quilt version of that block using Triangles on a Roll for their Quilt Market booth.. Until recently, it was hanging in our entryway.

There it is over there! Next to the Mini Mod GeoCruiser in the booth with my other designs I stitched up using Triangles on a Roll. And here it is on the fence.. I can't find the pic of the mini quilts in our entry. They've been taken down and packed for our move now.. I love the texty border fabric..

So that was a 12" block. I think that's it for past ampersands.. This time, the ampersand is being translated into an 8" block!

This one is my favorite, I think. I like its proportions.

Here's how it goes together..

Fabric A - Background

(20) 1 1/2" sq. (*)

(1) 1 1/2 x 4 1/2" (****)

(1) 1 1/2 x 8 1/2"

(1) 3 1/2 x 4 1/2"

Fabric B - Ampersand

(10) 2 1/2" sq.

--Match the symbols (*, etc.) in the cutting instructions with the symbols in the assembly diagram.

Using the simple corner flip method illustrated in the video above (it shows double upper corners, but the units in this block are opposing corners), and fabrics and sizes indicated on the unit, make the following:

Repeat for total of ten.

Assemble block as shown below, using SCANT quarter inch seams.

You will have an 8 1/2" square ampersand quilt block. (8" when finished in quilt.)

I like seeing it in different fabrics. And that ends today's trip on the ampersand memory express! I think I'm done with ampersand blocks for good now. haha! I really do like this latest one the best though. It's chunkier and less lanky.

Anyways, hope that didn't bore you to tears! lol Thanks for stopping in today. I'll be back soon with another block.. Ohh! I just checked my list and the next in line is super fun!

Be back soon..

Happy Stitching!

xoxo,

P.S. I love to see blocks and quilts that are made with any of my patterns. If you make any and post on social media, please come find me in any of the places listed below, and tag me so I can see! :) If you're on YouTube, check out the short musical video tutorials of some of these blocks. I'm hoping they might inspire kids, or anyone really, to learn to sew. :) Plus, they're just fun to do.

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I'm keeping all of these blocks organized on the National Days quilt blocks page *HERE*, if you're looking for any of the other 90 or so blocks I've posted so far. Getting closer to my goal of 144 blocks! If you know someone who loves Minecraft, Pokemon, and or Harry Potter, check out these free sew alongs, too! :) And if you're looking for any of my print patterns, or other fun quilty gifts, check out my Etsy shop here. Be back soon!