Focus on Design: Churn Dash

As it happens I am just putting the last bits of quilting into a mini which includes Churn Dash. So, I can reassure everyone that it is possible to make 1" Churn Dash blocks >gg< I have six blocks in greens, pinks and purples. The fabrics are mostly tone on tone, but there are a couple of tiny-scale prints. . In message , Pat in Virginia writes

This is one block that, to me, looks much different when set on point.

Here is one of those. second one down:

Thanks for the distraction Pat. It is a great classic block. Brackma lists 20 alternate names for it! (1646a is the #) That tells you just how popular it is. I like the link with the floral background and the narrow sashes Not sure about the floral but the narrow sash is a look that I like. I did a small wall hanging with 4 churn dash blocks that would have been perfect with that narrow sash. I just have 4 blocks, no sash. The secondary design just not so hot. (it was a while ago but what was I thinking?) Live and learn I guess. Taria

KJ wrote:

Thanks for the pictures. Yes, for some reason that block changes from rather clunky to neat design when on point. JMHO

Pictures! Pictures!!

That's a block that I have always liked and have used many times.

I once made 10 orange/black Churn Dash blocks and 10 orange/black Shoo Fly blocks for a swap. I can't remember if I made them on the

99K handcrank machine, or if I had gone "electric" - I received my electric machine as a present in late 2001/early 2002 I believe. Anyway, I wasn't very good at the whole "quarter inch" seam business, and they were returned to me. However, since they are all uniformly too small, I thought I would put them together for a "Halloween" quilt... you know, add some more black and a few stars or pumpkins and voila! Autumn quilt.

-- Jo in Scotland

Gosh, Pat, it occurs to me that I've never made a Churn Dash quilt! Will I be drummed out of the ranks of quilters for neglecting such a traditional block? ;) Seriously, though, I do like the block -- I especially like it with something in the middle, like the photos in that quilt you linked us to.

Why am I not surprised, Pat, that you made them 1" in size? You do such wonderful things!

I love that block. I think because it has clean simple lines perfect for crisp color combinations and is not too busy. There is just something homey and grounded about it. Debra in VA See my quilts at

Smile! Yes, well, when 'you know what' is finally done, I will be setting up a photobucket site - it will be there without fail. (Thanks for asking). . In message , KJ writes

I know I had a Pattern called Ednas Churn Dash once. It was Churns that were linked to each other in a very clever way! I cant seem to find it now.Its strange but I was thinking about Churn Dash last night when I could'nt sleep!

Good traditional pattern, very versatile. I like the use as photo frames, and normally I dislike photo quilts. The scrappy ones are attractive, but I wonder if anyone has tried doing it a bit more controlled, so that the corner triangles and side rectangles in alternating colors form secondary designs? Funny, a box came today from a dear friend, not a quilter but she works in glass. She came for a visit last fall, looked through some of my books, and just sent me some gorgeous glass coasters using block designs. Churn dash was one! Roberta in D, you never know when inspiration will strike

"Pat in Virginia" schrieb im Newsbeitrag news:36tpi.7696$ snipped-for-privacy@newsfe19.lga...

Pat,

Please check out the quilt I just finished. Started it in VA in 2005 with a fabric swap...finished it in PA as a New Years Resolution in my Guild! It was fun! It's the last one in "My Quilts".

Oops, it's in "My Shoebox" instead of "My Quilts"! I'll change that!!

churn dash was the block for my first and my 2nd quilt! The first isn't finished, I failed to square up as I went along and just couldn't get the top together, so I decided to partially rewind and quilt on the go, I've got one row done.

the 2nd one was the beginning quilt in a class and it went together like a dream

I like the other tone variations, which according to around the block are Grecian Square and Greek Cross.

Cheers Anne

This one's my favorite. I think I'll make one for my society's Holiday Fair.

Would anyone have any tips to making it? I do know how to make half square triangles, thanks to this group!

And Pat, I enjoy these threads.

Martha