Chart 66: Ruby, Block #89 in the Farmer's Wife 1930s Sew Along

Ruby is a 6-inch version of one of my favorite string-pieced scrap quilt blocks. Without the string-piecing, the block is called Periwinkle…so with string-piecing, we cleverly call these blocks String-pieced Periwinkle. 😊

The blocks in the 16 x 44 inch (40.6 x 111.8 cm) table runner below are 14 inches.

We used the full size on the From Marti Michell #8105 No-Flip Diagonal Set Triangle Ruler to cut 12 foundation fabric triangles for the 3 blocks.  In the instructions for Ruby, the foundation fabric was exposed and became the star in the center. However, it is more common to completely cover the foundation fabric so you can use fabric you want to get rid of for the foundation. It stays in the project.

Then the FMM #8105 Kite is used to cut the kite shapes. It is a multi-sized tool and for this table runner the “Large” size was used. Place the separate kite shape in the center of the foundation fabric.

I like to make the first string-piecing strips from the same fabric and cut the same width so they nicely outline the star when the four triangles are joined.

It is fun to use mirrors to get a good idea of the completed look. (Shown are the 11-inch hinged mirrors, #30084. Also available in 6-inch size, #8941.)

Have you been saving selvages thinking you would find just the right project? Why not try a String-pieced Periwinkle pillow or quilt?

My Ruby Block

Click on the image for a larger view. Click the link below to download the Chart for cutting and making Ruby:

From Marti Michell Chart #66
 

Visit these other Farmer's Wife Sew Along blogs, too, for sewing tutorials and other info about the Ruby block:

http://gnomeangel.com

http://intheboondocks.blogspot.com/

The Farmer’s Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt: Inspiring Letters from Farm Women of the Great Depression and 99 Quilt Blocks That Honor Them by Laurie Aaron Hird for Fons & Porter/F+W.